GOD IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUST
When someone is treated unfairly, we usually say, “That’s not right! Or “That’s Wrong!” And we are usually upset or grieved at the injustice. We notice justice and injustice; we notice when things are right and when they are wrong. We identify with God and His attributes of righteousness and justice, and can even express them. But we are not perfect like God is, and we are guilty of unrighteousness and injustice. This is where God is separate (Holy) and different from us.
Psalm 89:14-16 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants. 15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.
This scripture conveys that God’s rule rests entirely upon these two attributes—they are not peripheral to His governance but constitute its essential structure. When Scripture declares that righteousness and justice undergird God’s throne, it establishes that divine governance operates according to a perfect and consistent moral standard and equitable treatment.
Righteousness and justice form the foundation of God’s throne because these qualities uniquely define how God reigns over creation. -Jerry Ireland
We are blessed, rejoice, and thrive because God is righteous.
God is the perfect standard of righteousness (morally right), and God executes His will and decisions justly (completely fair and right).
God’s righteousness means that God always acts in accordance with what is right and is Himself the final standard of what is right. -Wayne Grudem
Righteousness and justice are different words, but in the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament, there is only one word group for these two terms. Therefore, these two terms are considered together as speaking of one attribute of God. -Wayne Grudem
Isaiah 45:19b I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.
Deuteronomy 32:3-4 I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God! He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!
God is righteous because He acts at all times in complete conformity with His holy nature and will. God’s righteousness is immutable. For example, He is called a ‘Rock’ five times in Deuteronomy 32. His righteousness never changes, and His justice is unfailing. He is faithful in dealing with His people according to His nature and His revealed laws and covenants. He will both punish and reward, but always according to His promises and covenants. All His decisions are just, and all His ways are upright. -Van Cleave, Nathaniel M.; Duffield, Guy P.. Foundations of Pentecostal Theology (pp. 108-109). (Function). Kindle Edition.
The Law of God
The Law of God was a tangible expression of God’s righteousness and justice. The Law of God refers to the specific commands that God gave His people to follow.
God doesn’t just give the law; He is the standard behind it. God alone has the authority to define right and wrong and to hold us accountable to it.
The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:1-17
“You must not have any other god but me.” (v.3)
“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind…” (v.4–6)
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God…” (v.7)
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (v.8–11)
“Honor your father and mother…” (v.12)
“You must not murder.” (v.13)
“You must not commit adultery.” (v.14)
“You must not steal.” (v.15)
“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.” (v.16)
“You must not covet your neighbor’s house…” (v.17)
The first four commandments govern our relationship with God (vertical), and the last six govern our relationship with everyone else (horizontal). Furthermore, the first four can also determine how you treat everyone, and how we handle the last six impacts our relationship with God.
Psalm 19:7-8 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
God established blessings for obedience and consequences for breaking the law.
Deuteronomy 30:15-19 “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. 16 For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. 17 “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, 18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. 19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
The law has guided civilizations for thousands of years. When followed, societies thrived; when disobeyed, societies collapsed.
The law of God was perfect, but humanity did not perfectly obey it.
There has to be justice for breaking the law or committing sins. If God did not punish our sins, then he is not upholding His righteous standard nor being just in his actions towards sin and those who break the law.
God requires perfect righteousness from all of us, but in our fallen state, we all fall short of perfection.
This is where Jesus Christ comes in.
The Righteousness of Christ
Romans 3:21-31 NLT
2 Corinthians 5:21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
God showed us His mercy and grace, but remained righteous and just by giving His Son as an offering for our sin.
God both condemned sin and freed sinners through the death and resurrection of His Son (Rom. 3:26). Consequently, in Christ we stand fully righteous before God. -Van Cleave, Nathaniel M.; Duffield, Guy P. Foundations of Pentecostal Theology (pp. 108-109).
Jesus’ death and resurrection continue God’s graceful action of clothing individuals in his righteousness, individuals who are then able to exist in the immediate presence of God despite their fallen state (Rom 4:1–8; Eph 4:24). Instead of dwelling in the proximity of God as the people of Israel did, Christian believers are now indwelled by the the Holy Spirit. People who have put their faith in Jesus Christ are recipients of Christ’s righteousness and have become a new creation (2 Cor 5:16–21). Carroll, J. O. (2018). God’s Righteousness. In M. Ward, J. Parks, B. Ellis, & T. Hains (Eds.), Lexham Survey of Theology. Lexham Press.
Application:
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
At home, at work, in the church, and in the community:
Act Justly
Live right toward others
Reflect the righteousness of God
Tell the truth. Be honest. Treat people fairly. Don’t deceive, manipulate, or take advantage. Don’t lie, be a false witness, or steal.
Do what’s right, even when it’s hard, unseen, or inconvenient.
Love Mercy
God has shown us mercy; we extend mercy
Treated unjustly and unfairly? Jesus knows the pain.
Be patient in offense and show grace.
Forgive - “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
Resist the temptation to retaliate and show mercy and grace - Romans 12:17-21 NLT
Radical acts of love and sacrifice can heal injustice
The cross of Christ
Christ-like forgiveness
Radical generosity (Convoy of Hope)
Walk Humbly
If there is anyone you want to be judged by, it is God. If there is anyone you would want to be held accountable to, it is God. God is righteous and just. God is the standard of right and wrong and knows the truth in every situation. The other option is the partiality, bias, favoritism, and evil motives of humans.
We are not perfectly righteous or just; therefore, we need to embrace examining ourselves. We should be honest and correct ourselves in the righteous and just ways of God.
Trust God when life feels unfair.
If you have been treated wrong and you are innocent in the matter. God will vindicate you, don’t try to vindicate yourself. God will take care of you and take care of the evil against you.
Psalm 103:6 The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
Psalm 37:28 For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. Blessed are all who wait for Him.
Discussion
How would you explain the connection between righteousness and justice in your own words?
Can you think of a time when you felt something was unfair? How did you respond, and how does Pastor Ryan’s sermon challenge that response?
Why do you think we naturally recognize injustice in others but often overlook it in ourselves?
What does it look like to “act justly” in your daily life?
Who is someone you may need to show mercy or forgiveness to right now?
What are some signs that someone is walking humbly with God?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
How can we pray together for you today?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!