The Justice and Judgments of the Living God By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).
Introduction
In every generation, God extends His mercy and issues warnings to His people, calling them to repentance and alignment with His will. However, when these warnings are rejected, and rebellion takes root, His justice manifests through judgment. This teaching explores the principles of God’s justice, the consequences of disobedience, and the ultimate purpose of His wrath in turning hearts back to Him.
1. The False Hope of Escape
Scripture Reference: “They shall seek peace, and there shall be none” (Ezekiel 7:25).
In times of difficulty, many cling to the hope of a sudden escape from trials. Yet, God’s Word reminds us that His judgment comes upon the disobedient and rebellious. While some seek a "fairy tale rapture," others face His wrath as a consequence of rejecting truth. God's patience is evident, but when His mercy is repeatedly ignored, His justice prevails.
2. The Danger of False Prophets and Delusions
Scripture Reference: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3).
False prophets preach sweet lies, leading many into delusional beliefs and false love. Their teachings foster rebellion by promoting religion without relationship, leading to a detachment from God’s truth. Such teachings are not only dangerous but provoke God’s anger, as they turn people away from repentance and righteousness.
3. God’s Patience and Purpose in Judgment
Scripture Reference: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s patience is an expression of His mercy. Just as He waited for us in our sin and drew us to repentance, He continues to allow time for others to turn from their wicked ways. However, His patience does not negate His justice. Judgment serves as a means to humble the proud and redirect hearts toward Him.
4. The Folly of Pride and Religion
Scripture Reference: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
Religious pretense without true submission to God is rebellion disguised as devotion. Pride leads individuals to exalt themselves above God, creating a false sense of independence. Such arrogance invites God’s judgment, as He exposes the emptiness of human pride and religious hypocrisy.
5. God’s Justice Revealed Through Oppressors
Scripture Reference: “The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17).
God uses even the wicked to fulfill His purposes. When His people refuse to bow to Him, He allows oppressors to rule, bringing them to a place of humility and dependence on Him. His judgments are not acts of cruelty but opportunities for correction and restoration.
6. The Call to Repentance
Scripture Reference: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
Repentance is the lifeline that restores our relationship with God. When individuals or nations reject repentance, they invite destruction upon themselves. God’s delight is in those who turn from wickedness and walk uprightly in Him.
Summary
God’s justice is an essential aspect of His character. While He is patient and merciful, He does not tolerate rebellion and pride indefinitely. His judgments, whether through oppressors or natural consequences, are designed to bring people back to repentance and alignment with His will.
Conclusion
As followers of Christ, we are called to humility, repentance, and obedience to God. Rather than seeking escape from trials, we must trust in His sovereignty and align our lives with His truth. By doing so, we avoid the snares of pride and rebellion and walk in the light of His grace and mercy.
Closing Scripture:
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth" (Hebrews 12:6).
Let us remain steadfast in seeking God’s will, knowing that His justice is always righteous and His judgments serve His eternal purposes.
