NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passages: Micah 4:6-8, 5:1-9
Discussion Questions:
- When have you witnessed a victory that came after you counted the situation or game to be hopeless or already lost?
- How do the promises listed in Micah 4:6-8 and 5:1-9 bring you peace and security?
- What do Micah 4:6-8 and 5:1-9 teach us about God’s character?
Food for thought:
Throughout the book of Micah, the prophet alternated messages of warning and hope.
The people of both Israel and Judah had rebelled against God and failed to uphold their covenant relationship with Him. God would judge this rebellion by allowing the Assyrians to attack and conquer Israel and destroy Jerusalem. Then, the Babylonians would invade and force the Israelites into exile. God’s judgment would come, but it would be followed by a time a restoration.
There was reason to hope. God would one day gather His people. From this group of gathered people, the Messiah would come.
Micah’s message on faithfulness to God was clear: Obedience to God leads to blessings of peace and security. The Israelites would suffer the consequences of disobedience, but God would one day send a Messiah. This Messiah would “stand and shepherd them in the strength of the LORD” (Micah 5:4). Security would be enjoyed by His people, for Jesus would “be their peace” (v. 5). The promised Deliverer would rule over all God’s people.
Through Micah’s prophetic messages, God offered hope to the people of Israel. God would send His Son, Jesus, to provide salvation for all who believe. As believers, we can periodically pause and evaluate our own level of obedience to God’s Word. How obedient am I to God and His Word? Where am I being unfaithful to Him? What changes do I need to make?
Consider what actions you might need to take in anticipation of the promises found in the Book of Micah. God, who is always faithful, desires faithfulness from His people in return.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/ExploreTheBible.
