Restitution 2

Memory Verse: …  “ No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God – Micah 6:8 (NLT).

Text: Genesis 33:1-11

Spiritual Emphasis: Restitution is commanded by God to enable us follow peace with all men. It is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly. God is a just God and He expects justice from everyone (Jeremiah 22:3). In this series, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings. 

      The Concept of Restitution 

• We first see restitution in the Old Testament. How many of us are familiar with the saying… “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth?” – Exo. 21:22-27; Leviticus 6:1-7; Numbers 5:6-7.

Question: Do you think Christians are bound by these scriptures today?

• Two important Principles about Restitution: Zacchaeus is a great New Testament example of one who practiced restitution. From his encounter with Jesus, we see two important principles – Luke 19:1-10

1. Restitution follows an encounter with Jesus. It is not a means of earning God’s forgiveness, but an evidence of forgiveness that has already occurred – Luke 19:5. 

2. Restitution flows from joy in Jesus. It is an exuberant overflow of gratitude for God’s forgiveness, offered freely and not begrudgingly – Luke 19: 6, 8.

Questions/Activities: What role do you think the Holy Spirit plays when it comes to restitution or do you think the Holy Spirit has no role at all?

Conclusion. Do you have any restitution to make? Pray to God for help and take the right steps. The Holy Spirit will help you – Shalom!

Self-Study: Exodus 22:1-31; Luke 19:1-10; Romans 12:19; Romans 13:4; Numbers 5:6-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Proverbs 6:31; 1 John 1:9;  Acts 3:19; Joel 2:25; Galatians 6:1; Matthew 5:19; John 14:26; Leviticus 5:15.