The Privilege of Injustice
Art Katz teaches that suffering injustice for the sake of faith is a divine privilege that leads believers into a deeper, joy-filled relationship with God beyond worldly understanding.
This sermon emphasizes the privilege of suffering injustice for the sake of deepening one's relationship with God, highlighting the psalmist's cry for vindication and deliverance in the face of oppression. It explores the concept that suffering injustice can lead to a greater knowledge of God and a joy that surpasses mere happiness. The message encourages choosing joy through distress, recognizing God's sovereignty in all circumstances, and seeking Him as the ultimate source of strength and joy.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Cry of the Afflicted
- The psalmist's plea for vindication and deliverance
- Suffering injustice as a result of faithfulness to God
- The heartfelt cry directed solely to God
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II. The Privilege of Suffering Injustice
- Injustice leads to a deeper knowledge of God
- Suffering is a gift that brings believers to God's holy place
- Waiting on God’s timing prevents making Him a servant to our demands
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III. The Joy of the Lord as Our Strength
- Choosing joy over despair despite circumstances
- The soul must be commanded to hope in God
- Joy is an exceeding great and personal experience from God
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IV. The Purpose of Distress and Our Response
- Distress can lead to despair or to God
- Believers have authority over their souls to choose joy
- Our suffering can be a testimony to the world of God’s glory
Key Quotes
“It is a privilege to suffer injustice if it will bring you to a depth in God.” — Art Katz
“He is not our errand boy who does our bidding; He is God Almighty.” — Art Katz
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.” — Art Katz
Application Points
- Embrace suffering as a means God uses to deepen your relationship with Him rather than merely a hardship to avoid.
- Choose to command your soul to hope in God and reject despair, regardless of external circumstances.
- Trust God's timing in answering prayers and avoid treating Him as a servant to your demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Art Katz mean by 'the privilege of injustice'?
He means that suffering injustice for the sake of faith is a divine opportunity to grow closer to God and experience His joy, rather than a mere hardship.
Why does God sometimes delay answering prayers according to the sermon?
God delays answers to prevent believers from treating Him as a servant to their demands and to lead them into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.
How should believers respond to suffering and injustice?
Believers should trust God alone, command their souls to hope, and allow suffering to lead them to God’s holy place and joy.
What is the difference between happiness and the joy described in the sermon?
Happiness is often based on external circumstances and physical comfort, while the joy described is a deep, enduring, spiritual experience rooted in God.
How can suffering be a testimony to others?
When believers exhibit joy and trust in God amid injustice, it demonstrates God’s power and glory to a world that does not know Him.