1. “1. The quality of being just. 2. The rendering of what is due or merited; also, that which is due or merited. 3. Conformity to the law. 4. The administration of law. 5. A judge. 6. Theologically - An attribute of God and of His laws and judgments. 7. The abstract principle by which right and wrong are defined.” (Funk & Wagnalls Desk Dictionary, pg. 354).

2. I. God loves justice (Psalm 37:27-29; Isaiah 61:8,9). A. God desires it more than sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3). B. Jesus viewed it as a weighty matter of the law (Matthew 23:23).

3. II. God hates the Perversion of Justice (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). A. Even if a crowd does so (Exodus 23:1-2). B. Even if His leaders do so (I Samuel 8:1-3). C. Such is Wickedness (Proverbs 17:23).

4. III. Justice must be without Partiality... A. Based on wealth (Exodus 23:3). B. Based on Race (Deuteronomy 27:19). C. Based on Status (Leviticus 19:15-16).

5. IV. Justice means... A. The innocent must go free (Exodus 23:6-9). B The guilty must not go unpunished (Proverbs 11:18-21).

6. V. In Death... A. Jesus was deprived of Justice (Acts 8:33-35). B. He led Justice to Victory (Matthew 12:18-21).