Jesus’ Hatred for Unrighteousness (Mid-Week Bible Study)

Series: Becoming Like Jesus Series

Objective: To understand Jesus’ perspective on unrighteousness and our responsibility to hate evil and love good.

Hebrews 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore, God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.

Definition:

The word lawlessness in the above verse was rendered iniquity in another Bible translation; some other translations used evil, wickedness, or transgression. Lawlessness is usually thought of as unrighteousness, morally wrong, sinful, or wicked. However, the word evil can also refer to anything that causes harm, with or without a moral dimension. Evil and a few other words were used to connote anything that contradicted the holy nature of God.

 What is Evil?

• Psalm 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak and blameless when You judge.
• On the flip side, any disaster, tragedy, or calamity can also be called an “evil.”
• 1 Kings 17:20 Then he cried out to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodged by killing her son?”
• Evil is very real and present in the world. The Bible tells us that we are all born with sin, and that some wolves in sheep’s clothing are around the people of God. However, even as sinners, people are still given a conscience that helps them not give in to evil urges. Feelings of shame and guilt sometimes cause our emotions to avoid evil.
• 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Jesus’ Hatred for Unrighteousness (Matthew 21:12-13)

Jesus’ encounter with the traders at the temple is a well-known episode in the gospel. He was outraged by the commercialization of the temple and the exploitation of worshipers. Jesus put a stop to that and affirmed “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!”

Jesus’ actions were protests against the evil actions of the temple authorities, who were profiting from the sale of animals and currency exchange; apparently stopping  exploitation. He also asserted His authority as the Son of God and the Messiah, who came to cleanse and redeem His people from all evil.

Jesus’ teachings often emphasized love and compassion, but he also spoke strongly against evil. Jesus loves everyone, but He hates what evil men do.

Application

As followers of Christ, we must actively resist evil and anything that hinders true worship and intimacy with Him. This begins with our personal lives, as we are the temple of God (I Cor. 3:16-17) and extends to our collective worship.

Scriptural discussion

• Ephesians 5:1–11: Paul implores us not to have any dealings with darkness.
• Proverbs 6:16–19: God hates specific evil actions, like pride and lying.
• Matthew 23:13–36: Jesus condemned the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and evil deeds.
• Matthew 8:16: Jesus drove out evil spirits from those who were oppressed. (He was always moved to free the oppressed from torment.)
• Romans 12:9: In every situation, portray the character of Christ.

Why Jesus Hates Evil or Unrighteousness

• Unrighteousness destroys lives and relationships. (Isaiah 59:2)
• Unrighteousness rebels against God’s love and grace. (Luke 15:11-32)
• Unrighteousness dishonors God and His character. (Acts 5:1-11).
• Unrighteousness opens the door to the Devil. (Eph. 4:25-29)
• Unrighteousness destroys destinies if not stopped. (2 Samuel 11:1-15; 12:7-18)

 Our Response

• Hate evil (Psalm 97:10)
• Love good (Amos 5:15)
• Stand against evil (Ephesians 5:11).
• Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Discussion/Questions:

• What are some examples of evil in our world today?
• How can we hate evil without becoming hateful people?
•  How can we promote good and stand against evil daily?

 Conclusion:

• Jesus’ hatred for evil is a call to action for us to hate evil and love good.
• May we reflect God’s character by standing against evil and promoting good.