Showing Fairness

Keys to a Successful Life
Showing Fairness

I. Introduction

A. Life is !

II. Examples that Life Is Unfair

A. Criminals go .

1. Ecclesiastes 3:16 (NLT) I also noticed that throughout the world there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt!

B. The oppressed are in the world.

1. Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT) Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and the victims are helpless.

C. Many politicians are .

1. Ecclesiastes 5:8 (NLT) If you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and justice being miscarried throughout the land, don’t be surprised! For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice only get lost in red tape and bureaucracy.

D. Good people go .

1. Ecclesiastes 8:14 (NLT) In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!

III. Why Does God Allow Unfairness?

A. Because God gives us the freedom to

1. There are to our choices!

2. God wants people to love Him !

B. Because God is going to settle one day

1. Ecclesiastes 3:17 (NLT) I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”

2. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NAS) ¹³“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. ¹⁴For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

3. gets away with !

C. Because it shows us we need a

1. Jeremiah 17:9 (NAS) “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?”

2. Psalm 58:3 (NAS) “The wicked are estranged from the womb; these who speak lies go astray from birth.”

3. Ecclesiastes 3:18 (NLT) Then I realized that God allows people to continue in their sinful ways so he can test them. That way, they can see for themselves that they are no better than animals.

D. Because unfairness can build in us

1. Romans 5:3-5 (NAS) ³And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

2. Going through difficulties only produces character when you choose to respond to it in the !

IV. How Should I Respond to Unfairness?

A. Accept it

1. I Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) ¹²Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.

B. Respond when people you

1. Matthew 5:44-45a (NAS) ⁴⁴“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

2. We are to lovingly injustice!

C. Wait patiently for

1. I Peter 4:19 (NLT) So if you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what is right, and trust yourself to the God who made you, for he will never fail you.

2. I don’t need an to get on with my life.

3. II Corinthians 4:17 (NAS) For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

V. Conclusion