HANDOUT FOR SERMON: GOD’S PEOPLE NEED TO OPEN THEIR EYES TOWARDS THEMSELVES. Understanding the seriousness of sin in their personal lives. October 15th, 2023. 9:30 a.m. Manchester, TN
INTRODUCTION. Today’s lesson is intended for true believers and followers of God. Have you been born again, have you been redeemed, then today’s lesson is for you. We will turn our attention to the Old Testament to learn about the nature of God. We know that God always wants the best for mankind. In the book of Micah we can learn about God’s relationship with His chosen people. This book was written to the Kingdom of Judah which was the most faithful among God’s people. Micah’s message clearly depicts God’s people and the topic of sin in their personal lives. We learn that in God’s eyes, “Sin is a big deal!” We also learn that God’s most true, loyal and faithful people had major issues with sin. God’s people were messed up and needed to clean things up in their lives. The same principles are true for God’s people today. Even though much of our reading is about God’s faithful people under the Old Law, it serves as an admonition and pattern for us today, Romans 15:1-4.
LESSON:
1.THE NEED TO OPEN UP YOUR EYES AND SEE PROPERLY. It is easy to overlook our own mistakes and sins. It is easier to look outwardly at everyone else. It seems this is human nature and will always be a challenge for God’s people. Scripture: Acts 26:18, Ephesians 1:18, Matthew 13:13, Revelation 3:18
2.WHAT IS SIN? How should we define sin? What is your understanding of sin? Is your concept of sin lead by God’s teaching on the topic? Defining “sin:” the Apostle John defined sin as- “transgression of law.” Scripture: 1 John 3:4-6. It is lawlessness or law-breaking. An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. It is a deliberate and purposeful violation of the will of God.
Are God’s people guilty of sin? If God’s people obey most of the rules, regulations and principles of God, have we no reason for concern? Will God always just accept us no matter how we live, no matter what is in my heart or what I may say to others? Does God just “blindly” look at us with acceptance? Does God just overlook sin? Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21:17, Nehemiah 9:26, Ezekiel 8:6, Matthew 15:8
3. GOD’S PEOPLE MUST SEE SIN PROPERLY. Is there a chance that since we are His children we assume we can “get by with sin?” Do we think God will just overlook my sin and my shortcomings because I have some special connection with Him? Scripture: Galatians 1:4, Zephaniah 1:17, Isaiah 42:6-7, John 8:10-11
4. SIN IS A BIG DEAL, THE INDICTMENT OF MICAH UPON GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE. Micah’s message was written to God’s own people. It was written to the best of God’s people on Earth. It was a simple and plain message: you have a sin problem! Micah’s message was to Judah, the most loyal and faithful of His people. Scripture: Micah 3:1-12. The warning to God’s people was that the great city of God, Jerusalem, will be destroyed and reduced to ruins. To make modern day application, this can happen among God’s faithful and loyal people today. The Church can be punished by God due to their sin. We would be wise to consider: What happens among God’s people today when they forget sin is a big problem? Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3. Romans 2:2-4, Romans 6:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-2
5. LOOKING CLOSER AT MICAH’S ADMONITIONS.
Read: Micah 6:1-14 Let us consider Micah’s admonition and learn how to get sin out of our lives.
• Listen to the indictment of the Lord. Micah 6:1-5
• Walk humbly with your God, Micah 6:6-8
• It is sound wisdom to fear the name of God, Micah 6:9-14.
6. CONSIDER THE “GOSPEL OF MICAH,” THE GOOD NEWS FROM MICAH.
• God forgives and REDEEMS penitent sinners, Micah 7:18-20.
• Jesus is our REDEEMER, ruler and peace. Micah 5:1-5 (Prophecy
of Jesus in the world.)
• We can be REDEEMED to the Holy Mountain of the Lord.
Micah 4:1-7 (This is a prophecy of the Christian
dispensation)
YOUR TAKEAWAY: Let us not be people who overlook our need to repent. Please hear the indictment of the Lord in your own life and do something about it!