April 21, 2024

Elephant in the Church
Sermon Title: With Liberty and Justice for All

 

Introduction

  • Today, we are exploring the third part of our series “Elephant in the Church” where we tackle difficult topics in the life of the church. This week, we take on the theme of “Injustice.”
  • Growing up in a large family and realizing the injustices, even in trivial matters.
  • Set the stage for today’s message: “With Liberty and Justice for All.”

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1. Recognize Injustice

  • Examining the biblical definition of justice and its opposite – injustice, discussing the powerful imagery in Amos 5:24.
  • Recognize and call out injustice, highlighting the importance of viewing justice through the lens of Christ rather than through our political affiliations.

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” – Amos 5:24 (NIV)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27 (NIV)

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2. Reach Out

  • Reaching out and actively addressing injustice as shown in 1 John 3:17.
  • Take action and make personal sacrifices to address injustices.

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” – 1 John 3:17 (NIV)

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3. Respond

  • The Bible instructs us to react to injustice through the story of Joseph.
  • Combat injustice with hope, resilience and faith, remembering God’s justice prevails in the end.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

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Bring it Home

  • Take inventory of their own actions and attitudes towards injustice, challenging them to actively engage in addressing and combating injustice.
  • Acknowledge the difficulty and discomfort of addressing the “elephants” in the church, but emphasizing the necessity of doing so for the health and growth of the church body.
  • Remember that the fight against injustice is a continuous journey, and that every step taken, however small, makes a difference.

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