A Study in the Book of Micah

Ebenezer BFCSummer, 2013

Session #3

Oracle 1: Israel’s Impending Judgment and Her Future Restoration (1:2-2:13) Part B: The Basis for the Judgment

which Culminates in the Statement of Hope (2:1-13)I. Micah’s Indictment of the Oppressing

Classes (1-5)II. Micah’s Message vs. False Prophets’

Teaching (6-11)III. Micah’s Statement of Hope (12-13)

Speaking Lineup:• Micah (1-3a)• The Lord (3b-4)• Micah (5)• False Prophets (6-

7a)• The Lord Speaking

through Micah (7b-13)

*Note: There is some debate about who is speaking in verse 7. (Micah or False Prophets)

OT Prophetic Cycle

Prophetic Cycle

Sin

Judgment

Lament

Restoration

Verses 1-2,8-9

Verses 3-5, 10Verses 4

Verses 12-13

Group Activity to Review TextWho is the prophet talking about?

What had they done?

When did (or does) this happen?

Where did (or does) this happen?

Sin (Verses 1-2, 8-9)

Judgment(Verses 3-5, 10)

Lament (Verse 4)

Restoration(Verses 12-13)

Who is responsible for all this hurting?

Rulers and Nobles; 2%

Religious Leaders, Mil-itary Leaders & Mer-

chants; 6%Peasant Farmers; 90%

Outcasts: Lepers, Beggars & Prostitutes;

2%

Micah’s indictment broadens to the religious leaders & prophets

(2:6,7) Read 2:6,7 “Do not preach” “one should not preach of such

things” They not only rejected his preaching, they

rebuked him for preaching it. They used theological reasoning for their basis.

Deut 26, 28:1-14 Exodus 34:6-7a

They preached a message that only bolstered their confidence that God had limitless patience with the Nation of Israel giving them license to look beyond their sinful behaviors and lack of obedience.

Micah’s Response to their Theology Micah rightfully calls their teaching and

prophesies “wind and lies” (verse 11) Micah reminds them to consider the entire

account of God’s Word:• For example: Exodus 34:7b-9, Deut 28:15-68

Micah’s message includes their need to not take God’s grace for granted, rather that when they do disobey they should repent and offer right sacrifices and walk in faithful obedience.

But their FALSE hopes and expectations would eventually lead to the smashing of them.

Application: What are we hearing and What

are we saying? Are we discerning enough about the

types of teaching we receive?• Scripturally-based• Doctrinally-sound • Trustworthy authors/teacher/preachers

How do we respond to the sins of others, especially believers?• Will our words make us accomplices? • Do we speak of salvation or damnation?

Homework Please consider and pray about your

application of Session 2 to your life and how it aligns to your goals for the course.• What we hear and what we say…

Read Micah Chapter 3