Key Thought: Micah could see evil and violence creeping into Judah and preached against dishonesty, injustice, bribery, and mistrust; but also offered encouraging words of hope.

[Teaching plan for God’s Special People May 13, 2013]

1. Have a volunteer read Micah 6:8

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why is it so hard to be merciful to people? Isn’t it easier to want justice instead of mercy?
C. Personal Application: What is humility? Do you think you are a humble person? How many humble people do you know? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I can show mercy, but when a person keeps repeating the same crimes, sins, or errors over and over; it’s hard to be merciful for the same old thing.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Micah 2:7-11.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How would preachers be teaching for hire today? Are there pastors who are just in it for prestige and a paycheck and don’t have a spiritual connection?
C. Personal Application: Why does God get angry at His people when they prosper and do well? Should we purposely be poor to stay in God’s good graces? Does this mean God doesn’t get angry at the poor? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What does it mean that God will bring a remnant back? Isn’t a remnant a small number of people? Yet He says that the pastures will be full of sheep.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Micah 7:5-9.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean to be careful about what you say to your spouse? Aren’t we supposed to be as one? Why wouldn’t we share our innermost thoughts and secrets with our spouses? Can’t we trust our mates?
C. Personal Application: How well do you endure the displeasure of the Lord because of your sins? Do you ever think that bad things that happen are because of your sins? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I’ve been misused, abused, betrayed, and stepped all over by my friends, relatives, and my business associates. Why should I trust that God will do anything about it? Why should I trust in anyone?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Micah 7:18-20.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Some people think that when they confess their sins, the sins are cast into the depths of the sea and blotted out immediately, but when does the Bible say our sins are blotted out and buried forever?
(Note: See Acts 3:19)
C. Personal Application: How can we walk with the Lord while working, talking, studying, or entertaining? Share your thoughts.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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