4: Mercy and Justice in Psalms and Proverbs – Teaching Plan

Key Thought: The ideas in Psalms and Proverbs are that God does notice and intervene to protect those often ignored or exploited. We need to show mercy and justice as well.

July 27, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 82.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
How does God defend the poor and fatherless and do justice to the needy and afflicted? What is significant about the fact Elijah was sent to only one widow lady to help her when there were many widows in the time of famine?
Personal Application: How do we balance mercy and justice in our interactions with others? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “How do you deal with people who are evil in heart and mind, preying on their neighbors and society with theft, crime, and drugs and yet claim that they are the poor and oppressed?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 101.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What does it mean not to set any wicked thing before your eyes?
Personal Application: In what ways would you consider yourself a leader or in a position of influence? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can we be agents of justice in the world of sin and evil? Is it in political activism? Is it in community involvement and advocacy? Or is it in how we live our lives at home and in the community?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 146:5-9.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
Why are the principles of justice and fairness so important in building a strong society?
Personal Application: Have you had an experience where you felt closer to God in helping someone else? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How can we help those in need in the culture and social structure we have in our situation? Are there some measures we can take?” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 10:4-6.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
Why do innocent people suffer at the hands of evil people? When will the oppression and violence ever end? What answers does God give us for these questions?
Personal Application: How does God see and deal with the lazy, indolent, and violent people? Do we see the results now, or are they in the future? How had the government endorsed or rejected God’s counsel? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!