Psalm 10:8–11 (NLT) They lurk in ambush in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people. …11 The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us! He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!” Def JUSTICE: Equal punishment under law & equal benefits according to need. Psalm 10:18 (NLT) 18 You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them. 1. God the injustice. Psalm 10:14 (NLT) But you see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them. The helpless put their trust in you. You defend the orphans. James 5:1–6 (NLT) 2. God their suffering. Psalm 10:16–18 (NLT) 16 The Lord is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. 17 Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. 3. God uses His . Isaiah 1:17 (NLT) Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows. WHAT NOW ? Prioritize your focus. Matthew 23:23 (NLT) 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. Inspect your faith. James 1:27 (NLT) 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. Receive your justice. Justice in salvation : separation & substitution Romans 6:23 (NLT) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Why do you think it’s so hard for humans to trust that God both sees every injustice in the world & hears the cries of the suffering? 2. Jesus confronted & warned hypocritical religious people for ignoring the more important aspects of God’s law — justice, mercy & faith. Where would you rank “justice” on your list of faith-based priorities? 3. When you inspect your faith for purity & authenticity you’ll notice that God expects us to care for “orphans & widows” in their distress. You’re then challenged (James 1:27) to intentionally refuse to let the world corrupt you. How are you dealing with the subtle corruption of self-centered greed & materialism?