The Trial of the Capitals—Micah 1:1–2:13
Topics: Deceit, God, Greed, Injustice, Judgment, Justice, Mourning, Pain, People, Plans, Promises, Prophecy, Salvation, Sickness, Sin, War
Open It
1. What one infectious disease would you most like to avoid having? Why?
2. How can people tell if you are sad?
3. *If you inherited valuable land, what would you do with it?
Explore It
1. Who received the word of the Lord? (1:1)
2. When did Micah prophesy? (1:1)
3. What was the message for Samaria and Judah? (1:2–7)
4. What was Micah’s lament? (1:8–9)
5. What did the prophet say to those who lived along the route of the invading army? (1:10–16)
6. *What were the sins of the people? (2:1–5)
7. *How would the Lord punish Judah? (2:3–5)
8. *What were the sins of the false prophets? (2:6–11)
9. What did Micah predict for the nation? (2:12–13)
10. Who would lead God’s people? (2:13)
Get It
1. How is our sin like an infectious disease?
2. In what ways does our government refuse to acknowledge God’s rule over society?
3. Why would you be fearful of experiencing God’s judgment?
4. How do you handle times of grief and mourning?
5. *In what ways have Christians perpetuated social injustice?
6. *What does God’s standard of justice require of us?
7. What is the Lord’s attitude toward pride?
8. When have you found it difficult or challenging to maintain your integrity?
Apply It
1. How can specific concerns for our government and society become a regular part of your daily prayers?
2. *How can you become a more effective Christian witness in matters of social justice?
The Trial of the Leaders—Micah 3:1–5:15
Topics: Enemies, God, Holy Spirit, Injustice, Judgment, Justice, Leadership, Mercy, Pain, Peace, People, Power, Protection, Punishment, Restoration, Sickness, Silence, Sin
Open It
1. What volunteer social service project would best suit your talents and interests?
2. What is your idea of a peaceful setting?
3. *Who, in your view, is one of the greatest leaders of our time?
Explore It
1. *How did the unjust leaders treat the people? (3:1–3)
2. *How would the Lord deal with the leaders? (3:4)
3. What was the judgment on the false prophets? (3:5–7)
4. What was the judgment on Jerusalem? (3:9–12)
5. How did Micah describe the characteristics of the kingdom? (4:1–8)
6. What did the prophet predict would happen to Israel? (4:9–10)
7. Who would go against God’s people? (4:11–13)
8. What happened to the ruler of Israel? (5:1)
9. What were the ruler’s origins? (5:2)
10. *What was the work of Israel’s ruler? (5:3–15)
Get It
1. What examples of injustice and exploitation do you see around you?
2. How can Christians become involved in bringing justice to their community?
3. *How would you characterize the leadership of your church?
4. *If Micah were here today, how might he evaluate the church on matters of helping the disadvantaged and suffering people?
5. What is your view of the Christian’s role in bringing about peace in society?
6. How can Christians have hope in persecution?
7. How would you describe the strength and power of the Lord?
Apply It
1. *This week what initiative can you take to do acts of mercy and justice on behalf of those in need?
2. What is one way your life-style could become more peacemaking?
3. How can you renew your hope in the Lord today?
The Trial of the People—Micah 6:1–7:20
Topics: Accountability, Accusation, Anger, Compassion, Confidence, Discouragement, Enemies, Family, Goodness, Guilt, History, Hope, Humility, Idolatry, Judging Others, Judgment, Justice, Mercy, People, Praise, Prayer, Promises, Prophecy, Punishment, Salvation, Sin
Open It
1. *If you had to take part in a public debate, what position would you like to defend?
2. When have you worked hard on a project and, in spite of all your efforts, not seen satisfying results?
3. When faced with difficult circumstances, on whom can you most depend for help?
Explore It
1. *What was God’s indictment against Israel? (6:1–5)
2. How did Israel propose to make up for its sins? (6:6–8)
3. *What did God desire from His people? (6:8)
4. What were some of the sins in which Israel was involved? (6:9–12)
5. Since Israel did not meet God’s requirements, what was God compelled to do? (6:9–16)
6. What was the nature of God’s punishment? (6:13–16)
7. What was Micah’s lament? (7:1–6)
8. Where did Micah’s hope and confidence lie? (7:7–13)
9. What was Micah’s prayer? (7:14)
10. What did the Lord promise to show to His people? (7:15–17)
11. *In conclusion, what did Micah affirm about God? (7:18–20)
Get It
1. How do the sins of the church today compare with the injustice of God’s people during the time of Micah?
2. *What does it mean to act justly? love mercy? walk humbly with God?
3. In what way does God want us to be a force for good against evil in the world?
4. *If all Christians were spiritual people who always obeyed God faithfully and acted justly, how might our society be different?
5. What is the difference between punishment for sin and the consequences of sin?
6. When have you, like Micah, felt depressed by all the troubles around you?
7. If God delights to show mercy, why does He also judge, punish, and avenge sin?
8. In what way are you dissatisfied with your Christian testimony?
9. What gives you hope in the Lord?
10. How does your confidence in the Lord compare with Micah’s affirmations about God?
Apply It
1. *What steps can you take to act justly, show mercy, or be humble toward your coworkers? your family? your neighbors?
2. What statement of praise or confidence in God do you want to make to your fellow believers?
Adult Questions for LESSONmaker (2024). Bellingham, WA: Logos, p. Mic 1:1–7:20.