What Does God Require in 2013?

Micah 6:1-8

Introduction

–         Micah 6:8 contains three “New Year’s Resolutions” that summarize the kind of community and the kind of citizens God wants us to be here in the city of Welland:

1)      “Do justice”

2)      “Love kindness”

3)      “Walk humbly with God”

Resolution #1: “Do Justice”

1. We are called to reflect justice to the world around us because the God we serve is completely just and righteous!

2. The three commands in 6:8 are not the basis of our salvation

• They are given to people who are already in a covenant relationship with God (v. 4)
• We are justified by grace alone through faith alone, but the faith that truly justifies is never alone – it is always accompanied by evidence!

3. Evangelicals have not always emphasized justice as much as we should!

• Orthodoxy (believing the right things) and Orthopraxy (living the right way) must always stand together
• The people in Judah wrongly assumed that the external formalities of worship were sufficient to please God

4. A commitment to “do justice” affects all of our relationships

• It is an essential part of our witness to the community
• It requires us to be on duty as Christ’s disciples 24/7
• It summarizes the second half of the Ten Commandments
• It compels us to pay attention and to take action!

Resolution #2:  “Love Kindness”

1. The word translated “kindness” or “mercy” is the Hebrew word “hesed” which is used to describe the character of God

• Refers to God’s mercy in not treating our sins as they deserve
• Refers to God’s kindness in providing a way of salvation
• Refers to God’s loyalty in keeping His covenant

2. God wants us to reflect His “hesed” to people around us!

• Kindness and mercy within our families
• Forgiving others as Christ forgave us
• Loving one another within the family of God

Resolution #3: “Walk Humbly with God”

1. The first two commands summarize the second half of the Ten Commandments – “Love your neighbour as yourself”

2. The third command summarizes the first half of the Ten Commandments – “Love God with all your strength”

3. The quality of our relationship with God undergirds the previous two ‘resolutions’

• To ‘walk’ with God implies ongoing, moment by moment relationship with Him
• To walk ‘humbly’ implies full reliance on Him for all of the resources we need
  • God’s Word
  • Prayer
  • Regular Fellowship with God’s People