Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Text: Exodus 23: 1-13

Sermon outline & notes page

Our God of Justice and Mercy

Justice and mercy are attributes of God who has said “you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear sighted “ and, “ If you meet your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering away you shall surely return it to him.” (Exodus 23:8.4) As renewed image bearers we are to share in these attributes, obey God and give him the glory, honour and thanks which belong to him alone.

1. Justice

Examples of injustice:

Spreading false rumours

Following the crowd when the crowd is wrong

Favouritism, bias or partiality

Bribery

Denying justice to strangers

When we study these case laws we see our own sin all the more. How can we be saved? (Romans 3:23-25, 10:9)

2. God is merciful

Helping an enemy with his load (vs 4&5)

A foe befriended could be a prelude to reconciliation

Is there anyone you are at odds with? (cf. Matthew 5:43-45 “love your enemies”)

Let the people, the animals and the land rest (cf. Israel in slavery; they had no rest! God doesn’t want us to be slaves or contribute to others being slaves)

God rightly demands our wholehearted obedience. (vs 13)