Perils in an Unrighteous Society

Introduction:

Ever been somewhere you’ve felt uncomfortable? Stared at? Ignored? Imagine the life of a prophet. Preaching. Pleading. Exhorting. And yet, your message is cast off, ignored.  This is how a large majority of persons regarded the preaching of the prophets…and today’s study is no different. Micah is one of 4 well known prophets to prophecy to Judah. Today we will discuss how Micah’s message is one of action – then & now.

I. Life During Micah’s Day.

A.     During early life, Uzziah reigned over Judah.

1.     Greatest problem facing Judah not external, but internal – national sin.

B.     Sins of their time are very up to date. Let’s draw comparisons to now:

1.     2:1a – schemed iniquity.

2.     6:11-12 – dishonest business practices. – Done to cheat customers.

3.     3:2 – corrupt leadership hated good & loved evil; 3:3 – violent extortion

4.     3:5 – priests for hire – catered to the influential to gain more money.

II. The National Enemy: Assyria

A.     During Uzziah’s reign – Assyria busy at home dealing with internal strife.

1.     After Jotham’s death – Ahaz becomes king.

2.     Evil. Did not trust God. 2 Chronicles 28:1-4

B.     Why was Assyria so feared? 

1.     Israel & Syria appeal to Judah to form an alliance against Assyria. Ahaz refuses.

2.     Isaiah 7 – God sends Isaiah to Ahaz.

3.     To get Assyria on board – Ahaz plunders gold/silver out of temple & king’s residence. 2 Chronicles 28:20-21; 22-25

C.     Micah 6:6-8

D.     An interesting study is to contrast Micah with Isaiah.

1.     If Isaiah stressed faith, Micah stressed works.

III. If Micah is a book of action, what exactly does God expect?

A.     As you read Micah, his prophesy full of indictment & warnings.

B.     Like then, many now deceive themselves & think things aren’t that bad.

1.     3:11 - ESV

2.     2:6 – “do not preach” – ESV

C.     2:7 – “house of Jacob” very powerful phrase.  In Hebrew, Jacob means: “heel grabber.”

IV. Micah 7:7-9 – A call to action.

A.     How can we survive the perils of an unrighteous society? What do we see in 7:7?

1.     Brokenness; contrition; remorse.  I have sinned against Him.

B.     7:7b – have an unshakable union with God.

1.     We’ll make a commitment to depend on God – not on self.

C.     7:9 – we no longer minimize the ugliness of our sin.

D.     7:9b – plead for God’s grace.

1.     Not “cheap grace.” Not a fire escape method. Difference here – sin is taken seriously.

E.     7:7 – Trust in God for deliverance.

Conclusion:

A.     We live in perilous times.  Must not get caught up in worldliness & drown in our selfishness.

B.     Will you come to Him today?