Pulpit Curriculum: Divine Justice Revealed

March 23^rd – March 29^th, 2025

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Sermon Summary

Delving into Revelation 6:9-17 where John shares his vision upon the opening of the fifth and sixth seals, the preacher shares three realities of Christ’s judgement on the earth:

1. God hears the cries for justice.

2. God will execute judgement on the earth.

3. God’s judgement is inescapable.

Although it may seem that God’s justice is delayed, the preacher urged us to stand boldly in our faith, remain anchored in Christ, and faithfully pray for the persecuted. We were reminded of our call to boldly share the Gospel and sound the alarm before it is too late, for God’s final judgement is unavoidable, and only those bought by the Lamb will be saved. The sermon concluded with an urgent reminder that while God’s judgement is sure and His justice is perfect, His mercy is still available, and the time to repent is now.

Verse of the Week

: Revelation 6:10-11 (ESV)
¹⁰ They cried out with a loud voice, “Oh Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” ¹¹ Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

Going Deeper

_{This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.}

Review Revelation 6: 9-17

1) Revelation 6:9-11 presents the martyrs crying out for justice.
How does their plea mirror the laments found in Psalms and the Prophets (e.g.,Psalm 13:1 , Habakkuk 1:2 )? What does this reveal about the biblical pattern of lament and God’s response to injustice?

2) Revelation 6:15-17 shows people from every social class hiding from God’s wrath.
How does this illustrate the impartiality of divine judgment (e.g. Romans 2: 6-11 ) and what does their response tell us about the condition of the human heart in the face of God’s holiness?

3) What is the significance of the martyrs being given white robes (v.11)?

a) How does this symbolic gesture reflect the biblical themes of purity, vindication, and reward in passages such as Rev 7:14 and Isaiah 61:10 ?

Assess Your Life

_{The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.}

1. How does my life, through my words, thoughts and actions, reflect my belief and trust that God’s timing is perfect?

a. What is making it difficult for me to trust in God’s timing and justice?

2. When was the last time I shared the Gospel with anyone?

a. Who in my life do I know that needs to, or should hear the Gospel, and God’s justice, final judgement, and His available mercy but I have not yet shared it with them?

3. If faced with persecution, and possibly death because of my faith in Christ, how will I respond?

4. If I am left with nothing (money, clothes, family, friends, job, home, status etc.), what will be my response?

5. In what ways do I live (work, serve, fellowship) daily with an eternal perspective?

a. How often do I seek God, His kingdom, and His desires instead of my own desires and the temporal things (status, money, power, worldly success etc.) in this world?

Application

_{A key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.}

How can I more intentionally anchor my life in Christ?
What fears or obstacles hinder me from sharing the good news, and what steps can I take this week to overcome them?
What spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation) will I incorporate to help me grow in faithfulness during times of suffering or waiting for justice?
In what ways can I cultivate an eternal perspective so I don’t get distracted or disheartened by temporary trials or worldly systems?
How can I build rhythms of lament and intercession into my prayer life, both for myself and on behalf of the persecuted and the lost?

Ask a trusted friend to help keep you accountable in these commitments.

Sermon Main Points

• God hears the cry for justice.

• God will execute judgement on the earth.

• God’s judgement is inescapable.

Quotes

“As we accept the reality that God hears our cries for justice, we must acknowledge the reality of persecution.”
“When we cry out to God for justice, His (God’s) first response is often to clothe us in His peace and assurance, reminding us that our ultimate reward is secure.”
“When the wrath of God is poured out, no one will be able to stand apart from His grace.”
“God’s judgement is sure, His justice is perfect, and His mercy is available.”
“When things are shaken, that which is loose falls away.”
“Only those who stand on the Rock of Christ will remain secure.”
“As we witness the coming judgement, may we be stirred to live with urgency, anchor ourselves in Christ, and call others to take refuge in the Lamb before it’s too late.”

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What can I do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps

1. Observe the text.
_{(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)}

2. Interpret the text.
_{(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)}

3. Apply the text.
_{(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)}

Day 1 - Psalm 94:1-15

God’s Timing and Justice