Series Big Idea: "Micah warns God’s people that judgment is coming but assures them God offers pardon to all who repent"

Sermon Big Idea: "True faith in God generates kindness, compassion, justice, and humility"

Key Scripture (Micah 6:1-8)

The Book of Micah was written during a turbulent period in Israel's history, nearly 800 years before Christ. The Israelites were facing social injustices, idolatry, and rebellion against God. Micah, who prophesied about the same time as Isaiah, prophesied during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, bringing God's message through two cycles of judgment and hope. Micah 6:1-8 specifically addresses the spiritual and ethical failures of Israel, urging them to remember God's saving acts and what He required of them.

God used a legal metaphor in verses 1-2, calling creation to witness His case against Israel. In verses 3-5, God questions Israel, reminding them of His past faithfulness and redemption. In verses 6-7 we see a hypothetical response from the people. Their response was to offer extravagant offerings to appease God. However, verse 8 reveals God's true desires, which are moral and ethical living over ritualistic sacrifices.

Many times, in life, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As believers, we often struggle with understanding exactly what God demands of us. We get caught up in doing things for Him. Throughout history people have tried all kinds of ways to please God, although He is very clear of what He wants. In Micah 6:1-8, God lays out His expectations in a simple yet profound way. This passage encourages us to reflect on our relationship with Him and our commitments as Christians to each other. So, what is it that God considers most important in pleasing Him?

(Micah 6:1-8)

Now listen to what the Lord is saying: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2 Listen to the Lord’s lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the Lord has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel. 3 My people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Testify against Me! 4 Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab proposed, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from the Acacia Grove to Gilgal so that you may acknowledge the Lord’s righteous acts. 6 What should I bring before the Lord when I come to bow before God on high? Should I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? 7 Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? 8 Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.

God wants us to Practice Justice

Micah called for justice because the people were exploiting the vulnerable and ignoring God's commands. Justice reflects God's character and is vital for maintaining righteousness in society. The leaders and wealthy were taking land and property from the poor through deceit and corruption, ignoring fairness and exploiting the weak (Micah 2:1-2).

God calls us to live in a way that reflects His character. Justice is central to God's character. He desires His people to reflect His righteousness by treating others with fairness and equity. In this Old Testament society plagued by corruption, this call was radical. (Isaiah 1:17).

God wants us to Love Mercy

God’s people had become selfish and unkind, not showing compassion to others. Micah reminds them that God's mercy towards them should inspire them to extend mercy to one another. The people were engaged in dishonesty and violence, showing no compassion or kindness, especially toward those in need (Micah 3:9-11).

Often translated "steadfast love," this reflects God's unwavering love towards humanity. We are called to love as God loves, with a commitment to kindness and compassion, especially towards those in need. (Matthew 5:7).

God wants us to Walk Humbly with Him

The Israelites were filled with pride, trusting in their own power rather than seeking God’s guidance. Micah urges them to humility. A relationship with God requires submission to His will and acknowledgment of dependence on Him. They were relying on empty religious rituals and sacrifices, believing these acts alone would earn God’s favor, while their hearts were far from truly following Him (Micah 6:6-7).

Conclusion

In this Old Testament passage, we see a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied justice, mercy, and humility. Christ's life and sacrifice provide the ultimate model and power for living out Micah's encouragement. Through Jesus, we are redeemed and invited into a renewed relationship with God, where justice, mercy, and humility flow from a new and transformed heart we possess. The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers us to live out these values, reflecting God’s redemptive work in our lives to the world.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Barton, Bruce et al. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001. Print.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. Print.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006. Print.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992. Print.

Robertson, A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933. Print.

Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

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