Do we take things into our own hands when we are treated unjustly? Is God going to do anything about it?

1 – We live in a day of immense injustice

The word “just” means that which conforms to law. It is fair. It is just. Justice is the administration of this law. Injustice is when this is not done. Wrongdoing is unpunished or ignored. This injustice causes anger. There are many late-term abortions throughout the world. Children are being murdered and no one is punished.

Cain killed Abel. This one unjust act is seen by God. See Genesis 4:10. The blood of Abel cries up to God. Imagine how loud it cries out to God today. There is sexual abuse rampant as we live in world full of perverts. No wonder with the amount of pornography magazines, internet porn, and sex lines, etc.

There are types of vengeance which are not right for the Christian:-

• Vigilante – You make others pay for what they did to you.
• Vindictive – Bitter thoughts and feelings for what someone has done.
• Vacant vengeance – I’m going to give up and not face it. I will hide it away. I can’t deal with it. You shouldn’t ignore it.

2. We are to allow for God’s wrath (vs. 19)

God knows what we are living in and he will repay. Vengeance is part of God’s plan.

3. Vengeance is God’s prerogative (vs. 19)

It is between the person sinning and the Lord. God will repay. We must take vengeance ourselves. We are not to take what belongs to God. God has promised that He will take vengeance. God will balance the books one day soon.

4. We are to show mercy (vs. 20)

We don’t want to show mercy to our enemies. Today is a time of mercy. We are not to take vengeance. We are to show mercy to our enemies. The day of God’s judgement is coming. God is showing mercy and so should we. See Matthew 5:7 & James 2:13. God will show mercy on those who show mercy to others. He will take vengeance on those who take vengeance on others. Putting a pan of hot coals on your head was an expression of sorrow. We are to overcome evil with good. Don’t repay evil with evil. Mercy is to part of our daily Christian life. God is watching all this.

5. We can trust God with vengeance

For example see Deuteronomy 32:35-43 & Psalm 58:10. God will take care of vengeance. We don’t need to do it. God is a God of love but He is also a God of vengeance. He has it all together in perfect balance. God will avenge at the best time. There is a day coming and it is on God’s calendar when judgment will take place. God will balance the books. Those who have not sought the forgiveness of Christ will be pay for their sins. See Revelation 14:17-20. God is ready, prepared and able to deal with every injustice in this world. Just because God is not doing it today does not mean it is forgotten about. He is storing up his wrath for the Day of Judgment. See 2 Thessalonians 1:6. God will repay at the right level.

Categories: Romans