God’s Prophets Demand Justice
This summer, lessons in ADULT BIBLE STUDIES follow the theme "God’s Prophets Demand Justice." The student book writer is Sarah McGiverin. Stan Purdum is the writer for the teacher book.
Unit 1
Amos Rails Against Injustice
The four lessons in this unit come from the Book of Amos. The first lesson focuses on knowing right from wrong and choosing wrong. Lesson 2 deals with attempts to hide injustice. Lesson 3 focuses on the injustice of greed and selfishness, while Lesson 4 deals with failure to heed warnings to end injustice.
- Judgment on Israel and Judah (Amos 2:4-8)
- God Is Not Fooled (Amos 5:14-15, 18-27)
- Rebuked for Selfishness (Amos 6:2-8, 11-14)
- God Will Never Forget (Amos 8:1-6, 9-10)
Unit 2
Micah Calls for Justice Among Unjust People
The first lesson in this four-lesson unit from Micah focuses on social and moral injustice. Lesson 2 deals with the injustice of corrupt leaders. The last two lessons examine what God requires for justice and how God dispenses mercy to restore justice.
- No Rest for the Wicked (Micah 2:4-11)
- No Tolerance for Corrupt Leaders and Prophets (Micah 3:5-12)
- Justice, Love, and Humility (Micah 6:3-8)
- God Shows Clemency (Micah 7:14-20)
Unit 3
Advocates of Justice for All
The final unit this quarter offers five lessons from five different biblical prophets. Lesson 1 features Isaiah’s prophecies that God will come as a redeemer bringing righteousness and justice to Israel. Lesson 2 focuses on Jeremiah’s description of corruption in the Temple as a choice to do good or bad, resulting in God’s blessing or punishment. In Lesson 3, the focus is on Ezekiel’s call for confession and repentance in order to build a healthy faith community. Lesson 4 features Zechariah’s words on God’s clear instruction for showing kindness, mercy, and justice to others. Finally, Lesson 5 examines Malachi’s efforts to inform the people that God requires justice and faithfulness and will bestow bountiful blessings in proportion to what they were willing to give.
- Our Redeemer Comes (Isaiah 59:15-21)
- A Choice to Be Just (Jeremiah 7:1-15)
- A Call for Repentance (Ezekiel 18:1-13, 31-32)
- God Demands Justice (Zechariah 7:8-14)
- Return to a Just God (Malachi 3:1-10)
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