Date: January 16, 2022
Session: Seeking Justice in an Unjust World
The Point: Join God in pursuing justice in the face of indifference and oppression.
Get Into the Study
Use the following story as an alternate introduction to this session.
In December of 2021, the Justice Department closed its investigation on the grisley Mississippi murder of an African American teenage boy from Chicago: 14-year-old Emmett Till. Till’s murder, which took place 60 years ago, has been an infamous marker of the racism and violence that shook America during the Jim Crow era. But, for the second time in 60 years, the case has been closed with no one charged for his murder. An injustice remains unpunished, an ongoing symbol for the many injustices in the world that seem unsolvable or unfixable.
It’s daunting to think about all of the injustices that are taking place in the world—but as believers, we have to ask God for the strength to move past the paralyzing feelings we often feel when we want to help. As a matter of fact, we are called to partner with Jesus in pursuing justice on this earth. Let us not grow weary of doing good in these dark days—and let us feel empowered and encouraged by the fact that Jesus is the ultimate judge, both now, and when He returns. He will bring justice to the whole world someday, and He will wipe away every tear when He comes. May we seek justice for the oppressed with confidence, and with the knowledge that the Lord is with us as do.
Ask, “What is one practical thing you could do to help the oppressed this month?” Remember, you can start small. Ask the Lord to lead you as you decide what to do first.
Ashley Emmert is a freelance writer and full-time mama from Chicago, where she lives with her husband and two busy little boys.
Get Into the Study [Option from Adult (p. 86) and KJV Adult (p. 92) Leader Guides]
In advance, play a video clip that shows an example of someone standing against injustice or running into obstacles to justice in our culture. Then ask Question #3.
Study the Bible [Option from the Daily Discipleship Guide, p. 143]
Use the following idea just before you begin your discussion of Obadiah 1-4.
In advance, invide your group members to read or listen to the short book of Obadiah—only 21 verses—before your gathering. Click here for an audio clip. Send this link to your group members via text or email. Invite volunteers to share their initial responses to listening to or reading this short Bible book.
Live It Out
Share the following as you conclude today’s session.
Share: The FDA has approved an eye drop to replace reading glasses. The product, called Vuity, shrinks the pupil of the eye, allowing the eye to more easily focus on things up close. Unlike typical reading glasses, these eye drops do not significantly impact distance vision.
If you have suffered from any loss of vision whether near or far, you know how easy it can be to overlook, misjudge, or fail to recognize something when your vision is distorted.
As ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, we are called to seek justice for all who are oppressed. Unfortunately, Christians have often failed to recognize those experiencing injustice. Our vision for the oppressed can be distorted so that we don’t accurately see what is before us. Or, like a person wearing reading glasses, we may be able to focus on one area right in front of us but find it difficult to focus on other areas slightly further removed.
Pray: Lead the group in a quiet time of prayer to consider where you have misjudged or overlooked the oppression and injustice of others. Ask God to open your eyes to see people as He does, and to open your hearts to care for them as He does.
Discuss: Guide the group in discussing opportunities to serve those experiencing injustice in your community.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom and writer.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What’s your favorite movie scene where somebody gets what’s coming to them?
- Who are some heroes from history you admire? Why?
- What would you say are the most historically significant events from each decade you’ve lived?
Obadiah 1-4
- Why do some people think they are better than others?
- Why is human pride so offensive to God?
- When have you seen pride get someone in trouble?
Obadiah 10-14
- Where do you see an attitude of indifference today?
- How did Christ respond to the oppressed?
- Where do you see a connection between these verses and our culture today?
Obadiah 15-17
- How can knowing that God will right all wrongs impact you attitude and actions toward injustice now?
- What does the ministry of reconciliation look like on a practical, daily basis?
- What opportunities do you have to join God in bringing justice to the oppressed?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
What Has Happened to the Sanctity of Human Life?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Mountains and Valleys
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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