Of Infinite Value

(Back to Study Home Page)   Sermon December 21, 2003
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December 21, 2003 - Micah 3:1-5:15

The lesson this morning is Matthew 12.9-14. The lessons for Advent 4 are Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; and Luke 1:39-55. This Study Guide is based on Micah 3.1-5.15. It is complimentary to our lesson for today.

Open It

  1. What volunteer social service project would best suit your talents and interests?

  2. What is your idea of a peaceful setting?

  3. Who, in your view, is one of the greatest leaders of our time?

Explore It

  1. How did the unjust leaders treat the people? (Micah 3:1-3)

  2. How would the Lord deal with the leaders? (Micah 3:4)

  3. What was the judgment on the false prophets? (Micah 3:5-7)

  4. What was the judgment on Jerusalem? (Micah 3:9-12)

  5. How did Micah describe the characteristics of the kingdom? (Micah 4:1-8)

  6. What did the prophet predict would happen to Israel? (Micah 4:9-10)

  7. .Who would go against God's people? (Micah 4:11-13)

  8. .What happened to the ruler of Israel? (Micah 5:1)

  9. What were the ruler's origins? (Micah 5:2)

  10. What was the work of Israel's ruler? (Micah 5:3-15)

Get It

  1. What examples of injustice and exploitation do you see around you?

  2. How can Christians become involved in bringing justice to their community?

  3. If Micah were here today, how might he evaluate the church on matters of helping the disadvantaged and suffering people?

  4. What is your view of the Christian's role in bringing about peace in society?

  5. How would you describe the strength and power of the Lord?

Apply It

  1. This week what initiative can you take to do acts of mercy and justice on behalf of those in need?

  2. What is one way your life-style could become more peacemaking?

  3. How can you renew your hope in the Lord today?

NOTES

Micah 3:1ff Micah denounced the sins of the leaders, priests, and prophets ("leaders of Jacob" and "rulers")-those responsible for teaching the people right from wrong. The leaders, who should have known the law and taught it to the people, had set the law aside and had become the worst of sinners. They were taking advantage of the very people they were supposed to serve. All sin is bad, but the sin that leads others astray is the worst of all.

Micah 3:2-4 The leaders had no compassion or respect for those they were supposed to serve. They were treating the people miserably in order to satisfy their own desires, and then they had the gall to ask for God's help when they found themselves in trouble. We, like the leaders, should not treat God like a light switch to be turned on only as needed. Instead, we should always rely on him.

Micah 3:5-7 Micah remained true to his calling and proclaimed God's words. In contrast, the false prophets' messages were geared to the favors they received. Not all those who claim to have messages from God really do. Micah prophesied that one day the false prophets would be shamed by their actions.

(Back to Study Home Page)   Sermon December 21, 2003
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