In the fifth and final week of our study through the Book of Micah, we’ll dive into Micah 7 and discuss how, in the end, God’s mercy wins. Watch as Pastor Doug Rasku and Andy Vital discuss these key themes and invite us into the conversation!

TALK IT OUT

Below, you’ll find some key discussion points to reflect on and questions to discuss in your small group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, as well as some action points for the week.

Memory Verse of the Week: Micah 7:7 (NIV)

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

Getting the Conversation Going: Hope is a misunderstood concept in our world. Have you ever heard or said something like . . .

I hope I get an A on this test! 

I hope the Dolphins win!

I hope she calls!

I hope I win the lotto this weekend!

That’s not hope; it’s wishful thinking—a pipe dream with a faulty foundation and no security. That’s not what Micah is talking about when he says, “I watch in hope for the Lord.”

So, what is he watching? Just look back at the first six verses of this chapter or the first six chapters of the book: extreme injustice, corruption, oppression, marginalization, wickedness, and idolatry. And in response to all he’s seeing, Micah weeps over the sinful state of God’s people and the world (Micah 7:1). But Micah doesn’t camp on this weeping. Instead, he watches in biblical hope and waits upon His Savior!

You see, biblical hope is an anchor for our souls—a certainty, a joyful and confident expectation. Micah watches and waits because he has confidence in the Lord. He knows the Lord “pardons sin and forgives the transgression;” that He delights “to show mercy,” has “compassion on us,” treads “sins underfoot,” and hurls “all our iniquities into the depth of the sea” (Micah 7:18–20 NIV). He knows the Lord is faithful even when we’re faithless, shows love to His people, and keeps all His promises. Thus, His hope isn’t a pipe dream or wishful thinking; it’s strong and firm based on the character of God and the Word of God. He can wait with confidence and watch with anticipation because God has promised to never leave nor forsake us!

Discussion Question 1: What’s the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope? What is biblical hope built upon?

Hope, Injustice, and the Believer: Just as Micah mourned in prayer, we should look at the sin and injustice around us and intercede for the people around us, that they would receive the forgiveness, redemption, and hope of Jesus. And let us be moved to action because “the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people,” we can say “’No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11–14 NIV, emphasis added).

Discussion Question 2: What is your response to the evil you see in the world?  

Discussion Question 3: How does reflecting on God’s character shape your perspective of your circumstances and the things happening in our world?

Discussion Question 4: What are you weeping over? What breaks your heart? What burdens you? And what is God calling you to do about it?

This Week: Pray for your church, your city, the world, and for yourself. Pray for repentance in the hearts of the people around you, for hope and help for those who are being oppressed, and for a revival in your city!

A LOOK AHEAD

In our next study, we’ll kick off a three-week series titled “Awaken.” In this series, we’ll explore how every believer has an important purpose to reach their city with the gospel, one person at a time! Discover where boldness and strength are found to accomplish your mission and walk in your purpose, and learn how the Holy Spirit wants to use you in your sphere as He works in and through you!