December 12 | Standing Against Human Trafficking

Scripture | 1 Timothy 1:9-11, “9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.”

Lesson 12 | Standing Against Human Trafficking

Slave trading in the Bible is considered a sin because it takes away people’s freedom and has many negative effects upon people’s lives like mental abuse, rape, and torture.  According to current studies there are more slaves in the world today than ever before.  Some people estimate that there are over 27 million people in some form of oppressive slavery.  Such countries like China, Russia, and Uzbekistan have some of the highest rates of human trafficking.    

Some slaves are captured and exploited for their labor, others are taken and sold as animals on the black market, and still many are sold as sex slaves.  The average age a person that is trafficked is only 12 years old.  Though some might think this tragedy only exists in poor nations without proper civil governments, however, the truth is tens of thousands of people are bought and sold all throughout Europe and the United States.

One of Jesus’ primary callings as the Jewish Messiah was to come and “proclaim freedom for the prisoners,” Luke 4:18-19.  Jesus’ freedom is not only a spiritual one, but also when His people apply the Golden Rule to their society and culture all forms of slavery are soon abolished, Philemon 1:15-16.  Therefore, it is the church that should led the way to setting the captives free!

We need to stand against human trafficking by, (1) Exposing the sinful practices of slave traders wherever they may be found; like with prostitution and forced labor; (2) Offer help to those who been affected by giving them food, shelter, and education; and lastly, (3) Praying for God to convict both the slaver trader and the slaver owner of their sins against humanity.      

Reflection | Do you believe human trafficking is a sin?

Action | (1) Explain from the Bible why human trafficking is sinful.  (2) Pray that God will use you to reach out to those who are affected by slave trading either by financially supporting the organizations that are on the front lines or by preaching to those around you so they will get saved and not participate in these terrible deeds of darkness. (3) Lastly, for more information regarding standing against human trafficking read the following books, “God in a Brothel,” by Daniel Walker and “Not in My Town,” by Dillon Burroughs.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Amos 7:1-9:15, Revelation 3:7-22, Psalm 131:1-3, & Proverbs 29:23. Click here to read online.