Is God Unfair to People?

Series: King Jesus

Sermon Title: Is God Unfair to People?

Speaker: Sam Rainer

Date: September 15, 2024

 

 

Reflect

  1. Have you ever felt like something was unfair, but later realized it was actually for the best?
  2. Have you ever felt like something was unfair, but later realized it was actually for the best?

Encounter

  1. In the parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20:1-16), why do you think Jesus emphasized the landowner’s right to be generous? How does this challenge our sense of fairness?
  2. How does the story of Job relate to the themes of fairness and suffering discussed in the sermon? (Refer to Job 38-42).
  3. What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first”? (Matthew 20:16)

Transform

  1. How does understanding God’s grace as undeserved change the way you view your own relationship with Him?
  2. What implications should the generosity and grace of God have on our interactions with others?

Additional Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think people often struggle with the idea of grace being given equally to all?
  2. What are some ways we might unknowingly try to “earn” God’s favor or grace?
  3. How can we support each other when we feel like life is unfair?

Interesting Facts and Tidbits

  • Historical Context of Vineyard Work: In first-century Israel, vineyard work was labor-intensive and often required extra workers. Hiring people at various times of the day was common to ensure the work was completed. This helps explain the landowner’s repeated hiring throughout the day.
  • The Problem with Fairness: The sermon draws a parallel between the parable of the vineyard workers and the story of Job. Both highlight human attempts to define what is “fair” or “deserved,” whereas God’s perspective on grace and justice often looks very different.

Related Passages

  • Romans 9:14-16 – This passage addresses the question of God’s fairness in dispensing mercy and shows that God’s choices are based on His own will, not human merit.
  • Job 38-42 – The latter chapters of Job show God’s response to Job’s suffering, where God emphasizes His sovereignty and wisdom over human understanding, mirroring the message of the vineyard workers’ parable.
  • Luke 18:9-14 – The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, which contrasts self-righteousness with humility and grace, reinforcing the themes of God’s grace given to the undeserving.
  • Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. This emphasizes the idea that God’s ways of justice and mercy are beyond human understanding.
  • Matthew 5:45 – “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous,” which illustrates God’s impartial generosity.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 – Paul talks about how he is the least of the apostles and does not deserve to be called an apostle, yet by the grace of God, he is what he is. This aligns with the concept of grace given to the undeserving.

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