1. Read Psalm 89:14, Deuteronomy 32:4. In the message, biblical justice was defined as “God’s unwavering commitment to set things right by confronting evil, protecting the vulnerable, and restoring all that sin has broken.” How is this definition of justice similar and how is it different from a cultural definition of justice? Why might this matter?
2. Read Proverbs 21:15. Why might justice produce joy? (Isaiah 32:16-17, Psalm 146:7) Why might justice produce terror? (Amos 5:23-24, Ecclesiastes 12:14)
3. Read Romans 8:17. Why do you think we must share in Christ’s suffering? Now read Philippians 1:28-29 and 2 Corinthians 1:4-7. Share any new insights.
4. The speaker said, “Injustice and suffering thrive in the absence of responsibility.” What reasons have/do you struggle to take responsibility to stand up to suffering or injustice? Time? Cost? Fear? Busyness? Forgetfulness? Something else? How might you overcome this?
5. The speaker said, “Injustice and suffering flourish when character is compromised.” Turning a blind eye. Hypocrisy. Self focus. Share a personal experience where you’ve seen people suffer injustice and suffering because character was compromised. What is the evidence of uncompromised character? Read Galatians 5:19-23
6. Jesus was courageous in the face of suffering and injustice. Discuss some ways that you’ve seen others and you yourself have courageously and creatively stood up to suffering and injustice. (Martin Luther King Jr - non violent protest), Corrie ten Boom - publicly forgiving Nazi oppressors, going the extra mile - Matthew 5:41, Unusual responses - Proverbs 15:1, etc)
7. During the Next Steps you were encouraged to “wrestle with God.” Share any incites you’ve experienced through your wrestling.
