Key Thought: God never intended for human beings to suffer in poverty, loneliness pain, and brokenness. He has called us to help care for those who are suffering.

Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part 1 – July 16, 2016

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 146:7-9.

Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. How does Jesus uphold the cause of the oppressed?
c. Personal Application : What is social justice? What are some issues of social justice today? Can these causes be embraced or could they be a snare to church members? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “How much involvement do you think you or your church should have in social justice issues?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 31:8,9.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What kind of rights are we to speak up for mentioned here?
c. Personal Application : In what ways do you think we should speak up for the rights of the poor and needy? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Our society has enabled people in laziness and indolence through social welfare programs that rewards women to have babies and stay single and not work. How do we help the poor without training them to be leeches on society?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 58:6-8.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean to loose the bands of wickedness and let the oppressed go free?
c. Personal Application: How can we proactively find out what the poor and suffering are in need of and share with them what God has given us? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “In the US there is little need of the basic essentials of food, shelter, and clothing. I don’t know how anyone could fall through the cracks unless they don’t want anyone’s help.” Do you tend to agree or disagree with this statement?

4. Have a volunteer read Exodus 22:21-25.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean not to afflict a stranger, widow, or fatherless child?
c. Personal Application : If a person is needy and has to borrow money, we are not to charge usury. Is that excessive interest or no interest? Have you helped people in need before? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

c. Personal Application : Why did God give man dominion over the earth? How have we done in our dominion? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing  virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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