Sermon Notes
Title: God’s Justice and Human Injustice
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3
Series: Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning
Main Idea
Life under the sun is marred by injustice, but God is the ultimate Judge, and His perfect justice provides hope.
1. Injustice in a Broken World
- Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:16 – “In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there.”
- Observation:
- Wickedness often infiltrates places meant for justice.
- When people abandon the fear of God, they live by instinct rather than His Word (2 Pet. 2:12).
- Reflection:
- Personal example of injustice: arresting a felon who escaped accountability.
- Humanity’s sin can mar God’s image, reducing us to “beastlike” behavior (Ps. 73:21–22).
2. The Certainty of God’s Justice
- Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:17 – “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”
- Truths to Hold Onto:
- God’s justice operates on His perfect timetable (cf. Eccl. 3:1–15).
- This truth brings peace amid the chaos of injustice.
- Application:
- Trust God to judge righteously instead of seeking revenge.
- Advocate for justice while leaving ultimate judgment to God.
3. The Futility of Life Apart from God
- Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:19 – “Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both.”
- Reflection:
- Without God, humanity shares the same end as animals—death.
- Sin distorts our purpose, but the image of God remains intact (Gen. 1:27).
- Hope in the Present:
- Life’s brevity reminds us to enjoy God’s gifts (cf. Eccl. 3:22).
- Gratitude combats despair over injustice.
Key Takeaways
- Injustice is a reality in our fallen world, but God’s justice is certain.
- God’s appointed time for judgment gives hope and sustains faith.
- Recognizing our mortality leads us to live purposefully and gratefully.
Questions for Reflection
- How does trusting in God’s justice help you navigate the injustices of the world?
- What practical steps can you take to advocate for justice while leaving judgment to God?
- How can embracing your mortality lead to a more fulfilling and God-centered life?
Prayer Focus
- Praise God for His sovereignty and justice.
- Ask for strength to live faithfully amid injustice.
- Pray for wisdom to trust God’s timing in all things.
Scripture Cross-References:
- Psalm 73:21–22 – Humanity’s beast-like behavior without God.
- Daniel 4:32 – King Nebuchadnezzar’s descent into beast-like pride.
- 2 Peter 2:12 – False teachers as “unreasoning animals.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 – God’s control over time and events.
Bibliography
Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991.
Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.
Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.
Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.
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Bible Study: God’s Justice and Human Injustice
Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16–4:3
Theme: Life under the sun is marred by injustice, but God is the ultimate Judge.
Day 1: Recognizing Injustice Under the Sun
Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:16–17
- “In the place of judgment—wickedness was there; in the place of justice—wickedness was there. I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’”
Reflection Questions:
1. Where do you see injustice in the world today?
2. How does the presence of wickedness in places meant for justice affect your faith?
Word Study:
- Hebrew: רֶשַׁע (resha) – Wickedness, injustice, or unrighteousness.
- This word highlights the corruption that infiltrates what should be righteous systems. Reflect on how the world’s brokenness contrasts with God’s righteousness.
Application:
Pray for those in positions of leadership and justice, asking God to guide their decisions with integrity. Trust that God will bring ultimate justice in His timing.
Day 2: Trusting God’s Justice
Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:18–19
- “I also said to myself, ‘As for humans, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals. Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both.’”
Reflection Questions:
1. How does knowing that God tests humanity shape your understanding of life’s challenges?
2. Why do you think the Teacher compares humanity to animals in this passage?
Word Study:
- Hebrew: מִקְרֶה (miqreh) – Fate, event, occurrence.
- The word emphasizes that human mortality is a shared reality with all living creatures. Consider how this truth should humble us before God.
Application:
Spend time acknowledging your dependence on God. Let this truth humble you and lead you to greater trust in His perfect justice.
Day 3: The Weight of Injustice and the Hope of God’s Judgment
Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1–3
- “Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What does this passage reveal about the emotional toll of injustice?
2. How can belief in God’s justice provide comfort to the oppressed?
Word Study:
- Hebrew: עֹשֶׁק (osheq) – Oppression, exploitation.
- This term illustrates the systematic abuse of power. Reflect on how God’s justice addresses both personal and systemic injustice.
Application:
Consider ways you can be a source of comfort to someone experiencing injustice. Pray for God to give you wisdom in speaking truth and bringing hope to others.
Day 4: Preparing for the Next Sermon
Reflection Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4–8
- “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Preview Questions:
1. How does envy or comparison fuel injustice in our world?
2. How might you guard your heart against unhealthy comparisons?
Word Study:
- Hebrew: הֶבֶל (hebel) – Vanity, meaningless, vapor.
- This recurring word in Ecclesiastes points to the fleeting nature of life under the sun. Reflect on how this theme connects to the passage and prepares your heart for next week.
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to help you find your worth and identity in Him rather than in worldly achievements or comparisons.
Final Application
Throughout this study, consider how God’s sovereignty and justice bring hope amidst the realities of life under the sun. Look for ways to advocate for justice in your daily life while trusting that God will bring ultimate judgment in His perfect timing.