KEY VERSE: Micah 6:8: “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
What are God's requirements (Micah):
1. to do what is right,
2. to love mercy, and
3. to walk humbly with your God.
Also, Deuteronomy 10:12–13, “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (ESV)
What does God require?
1) fear the LORD your God, 2) walk in all his ways, 3) love him, 4) serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and 5) keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD.
When we examine Micah alongside the corresponding passage in Deuteronomy, we gain a more distinct understanding of what God requires from us.
1. to do what is right,
“to fear the LORD your God.”
a. is the beginning of wisdom (Pr. 9:10-12).
b. to love what is right and hate evil (Pr. 8:13).
c. stand in reverence of His awesome holiness (Ps. 33:8).
2. to love mercy, and
“to walk in all his ways.”
a. That is to obey every commandment and statute of the Lord (De. 26:16-19).
b. To walk in holiness, truth, and purity (Eph. 4:24).
3. to love God:
“to love God and serve the LORD”
1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.”
4. to walk humbly with your God.
What God Asks Us to Do?
- Giving God Praise: Romans 15:9–1, “and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name (from 2 Sam. 22:50). And again, it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people (Deuteronomy 32:43).” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him (Psalm 117:1).” (ESV)
- Praying: Remember, we must ask for it to receive it. 1 John 5:14–15, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests we have asked of him. (ESV)
- Reading Scripture: Romans 15:4, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (ESV)
- Loving Others: John 13:34–35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (ESV)
- Tithing: Proverbs 3:9–10, “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. (ESV)”
- Fasting: Matthew 6:17–18, “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (ESV)
- Hopeful: Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (ESV)
And keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD
Thoughtful Thoughts:
Scriptures mention seven basic ways to express our love and gratitude towards God. These include exhibiting love towards those around us, reading the Bible, praying, praising God, tithing, fasting, and having hope. These ancient practices have been followed for thousands of years and present wonderful ways for us to honor our Lord and God.
Preaching from the Minor Prophets
The Book of Micah, 2.18.2024
Paul David Bravard