Week 4: “Pursuing Purpose with Passionate Prayer” (Micah)
Main Scripture: James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Cross References:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Background of Micah:
Micah was a prophet in the 8th century BC, during a time when both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah were experiencing significant internal and external pressures. Micah hailed from the town of Moresheth, located in the southern kingdom of Judah. His prophecies are set against a backdrop of social injustice, corrupt leaders, and a populace that has turned away from God. Micah’s messages oscillate between judgment against sin and promises of restoration, emphasizing God’s desire for genuine faithfulness and justice.
Sermon Outline: “The Heart of True Worship” (Micah 6:1-8)
I. Introduction
- Context of Micah’s prophecy.
- A divine courtroom scene: God’s case against Israel.
II. God’s Plea to His People (Micah 6:1-5)
Micah 6:1-5 NIV [1] Listen to what the Lord says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. [2] “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. [3] “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. [4] I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. [5] My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”
- God’s questioning of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
- Reminding Israel of His faithfulness: from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:37-42 – Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
- Exodus 12:37-42 MSG [37-39] The Israelites moved on from Rameses to Succoth, about 600,000 on foot, besides their dependents. Hebrews and non-Hebrews alike set out, not to mention the large flocks and herds of livestock. They baked unraised cakes with the bread dough they had brought out of Egypt; it hadn’t raised—they’d been rushed out of Egypt and hadn’t time to fix food for the journey. [40-42] The Israelites had lived in Egypt 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, God’s entire army left Egypt. God kept watch all night, watching over the Israelites as he brought them out of Egypt. Because God kept watch, all Israel for all generations will honor God by keeping watch this night—a watchnight.
III. The People’s Response: Ritual or Righteousness? (Micah 6:6-7)
Micah 6:6-7 MSG [6-7] How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
- The people’s misguided attempts to please God with sacrifices.
- The insufficiency of ritual without a right heart.
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
- 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV [22] But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
IV. The True Heart of Worship (Micah 6:8)
Micah 6:8 NIV [8] 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.
- God’s clear requirements:
- Act Justly.
- Love Mercy.
- Walk Humbly with God.
- Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:23 – Jesus’ emphasis on justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
- Matthew 23:23 NIV [23] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Note: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” is a succinct and profound summary of what God desires from His people, as found in Micah 6:8. Each component of this directive provides a holistic approach to a life of faith and obedience. Let’s delve deeper into each part:
1. Act Justly:
Justice refers to the fair and equitable treatment of all people, regardless of their status, race, gender, or background. In a biblical context, acting justly often means standing up for the oppressed, the marginalized, and those who cannot defend themselves. It involves advocating for fairness in societal systems and structures.
- Scripture Reference: Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
2. Love Mercy:
Mercy involves showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. While justice focuses on ensuring that people receive what is right and fair, mercy goes beyond that, often giving people better than what they deserve. Loving mercy means that we not only show mercy when required but take delight in being merciful, making it an integral part of our character.
- Scripture Reference: Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
3. Walk Humbly with God:
Humility is the recognition that we are not the center of the universe and that we are dependent on God for all things. It involves submitting our wills, desires, and plans to God’s sovereignty and guidance. To walk humbly with God means to maintain a close, personal relationship with Him, acknowledging our need for His guidance and wisdom in every aspect of our lives.
- Scripture Reference: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Micah 6:8 encapsulates the heart of genuine faith: a life marked by righteous actions, compassionate interactions, and a deep, dependent relationship with God. It challenges believers to go beyond mere religious rituals and to embody these principles in their daily lives, reflecting the character of God in all they do.
Relevant Takeaways:
1. Inward Transformation over Outward Ritual: God values the condition of our hearts over the quantity of our rituals. Religious practices should stem from a transformed heart.
2. Integrated Faith: Our faith in God should influence every aspect of our lives, ensuring that our actions are just and merciful.
3. Walking with God: True worship isn’t limited to a specific day or place; it’s a daily, humble walk with God.
4. Challenge for Self-Reflection: Let us examine our lives in the light of Micah 6:8, considering if our actions reflect justice, mercy, and genuine humility before God.
Note: We mus prioritize a sincere relationship with God, which will naturally manifest in just and compassionate actions toward others.