Modern Discipleship: Following Christ in the 21st Century – Week 3 Social Justice – Advocating for the Least of These

Main Biblical Text: Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Introduction

  • Social justice reflects the inherent value God places on human life and the equal treatment of all His creation.
  • As modern disciples, embracing and advocating for social justice is not optional; it’s a clear biblical mandate that aligns with the heart of God.
  • This message will explore the role of Christians in pursuing justice, equality, and advocacy in a world often marked by disparity and injustice.

Read Sermon Text “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8

Point I: Biblical Imperative for Justice Lead in: Bible concepts of justice challenge us to defend and uplift the oppressed, reflecting God’s character in our pursuit of equity. Biblical Quote: Proverbs 31:8-9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Illustration: Picture the equitable distribution of goods at a community market where everyone, regardless of status, receives their fair share.

  • Justice, in the biblical sense, is not merely punishment for wrongdoing but also involves the active promotion of fair treatment and protection of the marginalized.
  • The scriptures are rich with calls to actively pursue justice and to be representatives of God’s love and fairness on earth.
  • True discipleship requires that we take these scriptural mandates to heart and become agents of change, promoting justice in our communities and around the world.

Point II: Recognizing and Responding to Injustice Lead in: Discerning the presence of injustice and responding appropriately is key to living out God’s commandments of equity and compassion. Biblical Quote: Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Illustration: Envision a society where individuals step forth to call attention to wrongdoings, not standing idly by but working to rectify inequalities and advocate for those without a voice.

  • Recognizing injustice requires us to be informed, attentive, and empathetic to the experiences of others, especially those who suffer due to systemic inequities.
  • Responding to injustice can take many forms, including peaceful activism, community service, legislative advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.
  • As disciples present in an unjust world, we must take personal responsibility for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly, as our faith compels us to seek the welfare of all.

Point III: Social Justice as a Component of Discipleship Lead in: Integrating social justice into our discipleship is essential for demonstrating the holistic scope of the Gospel which Jesus preached. Biblical Quote: Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Illustration: Think of a congregation that not only meets for worship but also organizes community outreach programs, addressing local needs such as hunger, homelessness, and education.

  • The commission to serve “the least of these” reminds us that our service to others is a direct service to Christ Himself.
  • Social justice initiatives led by Christian communities can powerfully communicate the love of Christ through tangible actions that meet immediate and systemic needs.
  • Embracing a lifestyle of justice involves both individual acts of kindness and communal efforts to establish justice-oriented systems, promoting dignity and respect for all people.

Conclusion

  • Today’s exploration of social justice illuminates the significance of standing for what is right and advocating for those who are oppressed or marginalized.
  • Living out the call to social justice extends the transformative power of the Gospel into the societal structures and personal interactions we engage in daily.
  • As we continue in our modern walk with Christ, let us do so with open eyes to the injustices around us and with open hands, ready to serve and uplift in accordance with God’s righteous standards.