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Micah. God’s judgment and God’s love are real . Outline. Introduction Content Lessons learned Application. Introduction. Key Verse Micah 6:8
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Micah God’s judgment and God’s love are real
Outline • Introduction • Content • Lessons learned • Application
Introduction • Key Verse Micah 6:8 “He has showed you, O man, 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.” • Author • Probably Micah, perhaps a collection of various prophets • Purpose • To warn the Jewish people of God’s coming judgment for their sin and disobedience. Also, to teach them to live with justice and holiness in anticipation of the messiah to come. • Time Period 742-687 B.C. Reign of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah Period of Assyrian Dominance
Setting • Political tensions during the reign of Ahaz which led to subjection to Assyria • Hezekiah attempts to break free from Assyrian rule, but fails • The people worshipped God as an obligation, no life-changing reality • They didn’t walk humbly with God but instead failed to practice justice and pursued idolatry
Who is Micah? • Micah means “Who is like Yahweh?” • The prophet of authentic worship/service to God and social justice • Contemporary of Isaiah and cited by Jeremiah as an anti-establishment prophet who was respected by the king • Southerner from Moresheth, from a rural background
Content Micah, The Book • Two basic parts • Chapters 1-5 • Judgments and promises for Jerusalem and Samaria • Chapters 6-7 • The trial of the people and their restoration
Chapters 1-5 • Corrupt leaders of both nations denounced • Fall of Samaria and Jerusalem foreseen • Justice for the poor and oppressed • Prophets of peace are false • Restoration of the Davidic Kingdom and Jerusalem
Chapters 6-7 • The Lord requires proper lifestyle, not empty ritual • Jerusalem is guilty because of injustice • The people will be restored after punishment
Key Passages in Micah A. 3:9-12 “Zion shall be plowed as a field, Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins.” B. 4:1-5 “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks…they shall no longer learn war.” C. 5:2-4 “But you O Bethlehem Ephrathah…from you shall come forth one who is to be a ruler in Israel.” D. 6:1-8 “What does the Lord require of you…do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.”
Themes • Perverting faith • Oppression • The Messiah---King of Peace • Pleasing God
Perverting faith Explanation – God will judge the false prophets, dishonest leaders, and selfish priests. They perverted their faith by mixing their selfish motives with an empty display of religion. Importance – Don’t try to mix your own selfish desires with true faith in God.
Oppression Explanation – Micah predicts ruin for all nations and leaders who were oppressive towards others. God will not put up with such injustice. Importance – Don’t ask God for help while ignoring those who are needy and oppressed or condoning the actions of those who oppress them.
The Messiah, King of Peace Explanation – God promises a new king to bring strength and peace to his people. He will restore his people through the Messiah. Importance – We can have God’s peace now by giving up our sins and welcoming Christ as king.
Pleasing God Explanation – Micah preaches that God’s greatest desire was not the offering of sacrifices, but he rather delights in faith that produces justice, love for others, and obedience to him Importance – True faith in God generates kindness, compassion, justice and humility.
