The final two chapters of Micah are bleak and challenging, as God directly addresses the failures of the northern kingdom of Israel shortly before their collapse before the Assyrians. In the midst of the misery, Micah calls the people to wait on God and watch for His deliverance.
Sermon OutlinE
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
God’s Calling for His People (Micah 6:1-8)
God’s Promise to His People (Micah 7:14-20)
The Message of Micah Today
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you ever felt you deeply disappointed someone in your life? What happened and how did you deal with it?
- This week, we conclude our study on the prophet Micah, looking at chapters 6-7, as we continue our series, “God in the Ruins: The Message of the Minor Prophets.” Take a moment to remember what we explored in Micah 1-5. Then, pray that God would speak to you through His Word.
- Background: The book of Micah consists of three prophetic cycles of doom and hope (1:1-2:13; 3:1-5:15; 6:1-7:20). Each cycle explores the doom coming upon God’s people with the hope that will come afterwards.
- Read Micah 6:1-8, which outlines a lawsuit that God brings against His people. What would you say is the main charge God is bringing against His people?
- A lot of Scripture calls God’s people to remember certain things. In what ways does remembering God’s past work (6:4-5) strengthen God’s case?
- One of the most memorable passages in Micah is 6:7-8. What does God require of His people according to these verses? Why is it a gift from God that His calling upon His people is clear?
- What do you think it looks like to “act justly,”“love mercy,” and “walk humbly” with God?
- Read Micah 6:9-7:7. What are some of the wrongs enumerated in these verses that God’s people turned to during Micah’s time?
- Micah 7:7 expresses faith in distress. When have you been able to hold onto hope in the midst of your own distressing times? How has it shaped your life of prayer?
- Read Micah 7:8-20. What is the hope that Micah holds onto about the future? How does that hope lead him to encounter God in the midst of distress?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through our study of the prophet Micah? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you have learned about God this week.