Justice is not optional, God commands it:
We are to care for the poor (Proverbs 19:17; 1 John 3:17)
We are to stand up for the oppressed. (Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:17)
We are to condemn systemic injustice. (Psalm 94:20; Isaiah 10:1-2)
So, how does social justice fit with the Gospel? 3 main views:
Social Justice is the Gospel.
Social Justice and the Gospel.
Social Justice from the Gospel.
- Justice is only just when it is defined by the Bible.
- Justice is only just when it comes from the Gospel.
SMALL GROUP GUIDE
Welcome
Weekly Vision Casting At Trinity we talk a lot about our “ones”. We hope that everyone has at least one person in our community that they are reaching out to with the good news of Jesus. Has anyone had a spiritual conversation with their one recently that they want to share about? Partner up and pray for each others’ “ones”.
Small Group Guidelines Click here to view guidelines
Warm Up Question
Study: Head, Heart, and Hand Questions
Personal Prayer Requests
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
WARM UP QUESTION
Who is your favorite movie villain and why? In the movie, did they think they were actually fighting for a just cause? [Today we are going to take apart and examine the question of whether Christianity and social justice are compatible.]
HEAD: These questions help us examine the Word.
1. Read 1 John 3:17; Proverbs 31:8-9; and Psalm 94:20. What does God say about our role helping create a more just society?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. In what way can social justice become a false gospel?
3. What is the difference between social justice and biblical justice?
4. Why would someone deconstruct their faith over social justice?
HEART: These questions help us wrestle with what we believe.
5. When you examine the motives that you have for doing good in the world or helping make society more just, are you motivated more by the Gospel or by self-righteousness? How do you know?
6. What is the result when you are motivated by something other than the Gospel?
HAND: These questions help us bring truth and beliefs into our everyday life.
7. Are there any specific areas where God is calling you to stand against injustice in a way that is motivated and informed by the Gospel?