Text: Micah 6:6-8
What does the Lord require of His people? Micah explained in our text. We should understand that Micah prophesied while the old law was still in force. That law has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). However, we will see that God still expects these things of us today as we live under the law of Christ.
More Than Sacrifices
- Micah begins by talking about the insufficiency of sacrifices (Micah 6:6-7) – it was possible to reach a point in which such sacrifices were useless (Amos 5:21-24; Malachi 1:10); obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
- Sacrifices were for sins, but God wanted them to overcome sin – we can receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9); but we should not be content in sin (Romans 6:1-2); God wants us to work to overcome sin (1 John 2:1; Romans 6:6-7, 11-12)
Do Justice
- God wants us to treat others fairly (Matthew 7:12; Exodus 23:1-3) – do not rush to judgment against others (Proverbs 18:17; cf. John 7:24)
- We can do this by seeing others as God sees them – all are made in His image (Genesis 1:27); all are accountable to Him (Hebrews 4:13); all can be saved (John 3:16); therefore, we know that the Lord shows no partiality (Acts 10:34)
- Because God shows no partiality, we must not either (James 2:1, 9) – all can be one in Christ (Galatians 3:28); the gospel is for all (Mark 16:15; Romans 1:16; Colossians 3:11)
Love Kindness (Mercy, KJV)
- In order to show kindness/mercy, we must recognize our own need for mercy – all have sinned (Romans 6:23); even when we put away sin and live faithfully, we still have a sinful past (Titus 3:1-5)
- We must seek after God’s mercy – salvation is not possible without it (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:1-5); we cannot earn our salvation (Romans 6:23; Luke 17:10)
- We must be merciful toward others in order to receive mercy from God (Matthew 5:7) – forgiveness (Matthew 6:12, 14-15); understanding (1 Thessalonians 5:14); benevolence (Galatians 6:10)
- Mercy is not a tolerance of sin (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-2) – but it can leave the door open to teaching (Colossians 4:5-6)
Walk Humbly with Your God
- To please God, we must have humility – recognize our place before Him (Psalm 8:3-4; 100:3); necessary to properly receive His teaching (Matthew 5:3; James 1:21)
- We are to walk humbly – this means we must live our lives according to His will; our manner of life needs to reflect the life of one trying to walk with God (2 Corinthians 5:7; James 2:18)
- Walk with God – implies agreement with Him (Amos 3:3); walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:5, 7)
- Recognize Him as your God – personal; our salvation is not dependent upon anyone else (Philippians 2:12); we will not be saved by the actions of others (Ezekiel 18:20; Revelation 3:1-4)
