When Justice fails (Acts 25:1-12)
Dennis Kreiss, June 6, 2020Part of the Acts - The Spreading Flame series, preached for Growing Together Radio
When Justice fails
Acts 25:1-12
The Heart of the Matter
There is nothing so outrageous as injustice. If injustice weren’t so hurtful, it would often be hilarious because it is so wildly fanciful. When injustice is deliberate, we wonder, how in the world did we get into this jam, and what do we do to fix it? There is a Christian way to deal with injustice. Our attitude must be gentle and our response should be firm. It is far better to suffer injustice than to do injustice.
The Background of the Book
Paul has been held for two years at Caesarea in house arrest under the flimsiest of charges, all because governor Felix wanted to placate the Jews. A new governor arrives – Festus – a novice at Roman / Jewish relations. He too tries to appease the Jews and Paul, in his own defense must appeal to the supreme court of Roman Justice – Caesar himself.
Teaching Points – 3 stages to deliberate injustice
Conspiracy 1…
A sinister plan to achieve a treacherous purpose
The Sanhedrin fell back on the old plot to ________________ Paul
Festus they thought would be only too anxious to grant them a favor
But Festus was in a hurry to get to Caesarea to set up housekeeping
Fabrication 6…
Charges so outrageous, acquittal is unlikely
The accusations were probably the same as before…
Paul was the ringleader of a dangerous sect
He had been stirring up insurrection all across the continent
Paul tried to bring gentiles into the Temple
The Romans had acted brutally when they rescued Paul’s
There was just enough information to raise __________ in the governor’s mind
What do you do with a false accusation?
Gently deny it
Point out that there is no proof
The best thing you can do is _________ - Prov 25:21 Rom 12:20
Matthew 5:44, pray for those who spitefully use you
Miscarriage 9…
Failure to reach a just decision
The Governor didn’t __________ Paul as he should have
Wishing to do the Jews a favor, he decided try Paul in Jerusalem
When Justice goes haywire it is necessary to _____________
Perhaps Paul remembered God’s promise he would bear witness in Rome
At that moment of injustice, Paul must have felt all-alone
The Bottom Line
When the whole world seems against you, and you don’t know what to do; When you’re down to your last dollar and it seems your friends are few; just remember that He loves you and he promises to be true. No question - He’s still looking out for your best interest and don’t doubt it – He most definitely loves you.
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