RESTITUTION (One - Two)

RESTITUTION (Part One)
Memory Verse
"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Luke 19:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:1-10

INTRODUCTION
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. It is divine restoration of all things to their original order. In this lesson, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings.

OUTLINES
1. WHAT IS RESTITUTION?
2. RESTITUTION AT VARIOUS DISPENSATIONS
3. THE BLESSINGS OF RESTITUTION

WHAT IS RESTITUTION?
Restitution is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly, restoring what has been taken wrongly and repairing or giving any equivalent to loss or damage. This is a very important step for every believer for a clear conscience and good testimony. The doctrine has been taught at various dispensations.

RESTITUTION AT VARIOUS DISPENSATIONS
Restitution is not a new doctrine. It has been in practice before the law. Moses gave certain laws of restitution Lev.6:1-6, 24:21; Num.5:6-8; Ex.22: 1-5. The doctrine was also confirmed up to the time of the kings and prophets 2 Samuel 12:1-6; 2 Kings 8:1-6 - and to the Church age, right from the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles until now Luke 19:8-10; Philem. 1:7-12.      


                                                                  
THE BLESSINGS OF RESTITUTION
A heart of restitution has the following to benefit from God:

CONCLUSION
Restitution is an avenue to make your ways right with your fellow man while salvation makes your ways right to God. One is not complete without the other. Therefore, prayerfully take steps to put right those things you have done wrong.


QUESTIONS
1. What is restitution?
2. Mention five benefits of restitution.

BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Ezekiel 33:11 - God wants to rescue sinners from death.
TUESDAY: Exodus 23:7 - The wicked cannot be justified.
WEDNESDAY: Micah 7:18-19 - God forgives and totally forgets.
THURSDAY: Galatians12:16 - Jesus died for our sins.
FRIDAY: Hebrews 13:12 - Let your heart be pure.
SATURDAY: John 16:13 - You will be guided to the truth of God.
SUNDAY: Romans 6:22 - Bear fruits and be perfect.


RESTITUTION (Part Two)
Memory Verse
"And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." Luke 19:8
BIBLE PASSAGE: Exodus 22:1-13

INTRODUCTION
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. It is divine restoration of all things to their original order. In this lesson, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings.


OUTLINES
1. WHY MAKE RESTITUTION?
2. EXAMPLES OF RESTITUTION IN THE BIBLE
3. SOME SPECIFIC RESTITUTION TO MAKE

WHY MAKE RESTITUTION?
We make restitution for three major reasons:

  1.  God commands it – Lev. 6:1-5; Ex. 22:10-13.
  2. To have a clear conscience towards God and towards man – 1 Sam. 12:1-5; Acts 24:16.
  3. It is the evidence of our conversion which shows our readiness to obey the scriptures Luke 19:8-9; Ezek. 33:14-16.

EXAMPLES OF RESTITUTION IN THE BIBLE
There are also examples of people who made restitution in the Bible. These include Abimelech, Joseph’s brothers, Old Testament kings and prophets, Zacchaeus, during the time of our Lord Jesus and the apostles – Gen. 20:6-9, 14; Gen. 50:15-19; 1 Kgs. 20:34; Neh. 5:11-12; Lk. 19:8-9; Acts 23:1-5; Philm. 10:17-19.      

 

SOME SPECIFIC RESTITUTION TO MAKE
a. We should return things that we have stolen, picked or converted to our own use but which belong to another person or to our place of work. These include our tithes and first fruits, the non-payment of which is robbery and which we must restore – Lev. 6:2-5; Lk. 19:8; Mal. 3:8; Lev. 5:14-16.
b. We should replace things we have destroyed which belong to another person - Ex.22:5-6; Ex.21:18-19.      

  1. We should also reconcile with people we quarrelled with in the past - Matt.5:23-25; Matthew 18:15-17.
  2. We should make restitution of all lies and things wrongly said about someone and which has affected the person or is presently causing trouble 2 Sam.16:5-8; 2 Sam.19:18-20; Acts23:1-5.
  3. Marriages contracted contrary to biblical standards should also be visited. Lawful parental demands should be granted while people who have married another person's spouse must prayerfully take steps towards restitution - Luke 3:8; Gen.20:14; Romans 2:13-16.



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



QUESTIONS
1. What is restitution?
2. Why must we make restitution?
3. What examples can we find in the Bible?
4. Mention three examples of restitution you can make. .

BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 -God's word has been packaged to perfect us and make us walk worthy of Him. Believe the word and obey it.
TUESDAY: 1 Samuel 12:3·4 - God's light should shine very bright in us to be able to stand without blemish before people.
WEDNESDAY: 2 Corinth 13:5 - Examine your life and make amends where you have wronged others, to have a clear conscience before man.
THURSDAY: Romans 8:26 - Let the Holy Spirit help and direct you in all steps you have to take.
FRIDAY: Malachi 3:10 - Restore all the tithes you have stolen and make up your mind never to default again.
SATURDAY: Joel 2:25 - Make restitution and expect restoration of things the enemy stole from you.
SUNDAY: Colossians 1:21-22 - Jesus reconciled us to God through death on the cross. Give praises to Him for your salvation.


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