Protecting the Innocent and Purging the Guilty

History is littered with stories of an injury, followed by a retaliation, followed by escalating violence and death. Such retaliatory feuds and vigilante justice destroy families, communities, and even nations. Where there are people, harm will be done, both accidental and intentional. How can a society prevent these incidents from spiraling out of control? And how should we as individuals respond to accidental or intentional offenses?

Sermon Outline:
I. We Must Protect the Innocent.
II. We Must Purge the Guilty.

Sermon Discussion Questions:
1. Describe what it would be like to live in a society where there is no reliable system of justice, where the guilty go free and the innocent suffer.
2. Why is it necessary that Christians actively protect life and not simply avoid taking life? What are some practical ways we can protect life in keeping the sixth commandment?
3. Why is it necessary that the guilty be punished in a society? How can Christians involved in any phase of the criminal justice system be salt and light?
4. What hope does the gospel offer for the guilty and the innocent alike (in the sight of the law of the land)?