Author

Micah came from a small town called Moresheth and prophesied to the Southern Kingdom of Judah at the same time that Isaiah was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Audience

The people of Judah had grown content to go through religious motions while their hearts were far from God. Micah preached judgment in hopes of calling God’s people to repentance. He prophesied the fall of Samaria (Mc 1:5-9), Jerusalem’s destruction (Mc 1:1-16; 3:12), and the Southern Kingdom's Babylonian captivity (Mc 4:6-10). However, Micah also prophesied that like a shepherd, God would gather and restore a faithful remnant. He would rebuild Jerusalem, defeat evil, and send a Savior and King to rule and bless the nations.

Date

Micah’s ministry most likely dated between 750 and 690 BC, after Israel had split into two kingdoms and before Israel’s destruction in 722 BC. He and Isaiah were contemporaries. 

Genre

The overall genre is prophetic, although much of Micah’s language is poetic. 

Purpose

Micah preached that true religion comes from a heart motivated by love for God, resulting in godly living. Major themes include God’s just punishment of sin and merciful restoration; covenant renewal through the Messiah; and hope for the future.

Sermon Discussion Guide

  1. Week 1:

    Micah 1:1-16

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 1:1-16. As we begin this new series in the book of Micah, what are some of the common motives that drive our actions in daily life? How often do you think about the motives behind the things you do?
    2. In Micah 1:3-5, God's presence in judgment is vividly described. How does this portrayal of God challenge your understanding of His justice and holiness?
    3. When considering sin in your own life, how often do you focus on external actions versus internal motives? How might God be calling you to examine your heart?
    4. Micah grieves over the sins of his people (verses 8-9). What does grief over sin look like in your own life, and how do you navigate it without feeling condemned?
    5. Why do you think God speaks so strongly about idolatry in the book of Micah? What might “idols” look like in our lives today?

  2. Week 2:

    Micah 2:1-13

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 2:1-13. How does Micah 2 highlight the consequences of injustice in the land? Can you think of examples of injustice in today’s society?
    2. How should a Christian respond when they see or experience injustice? What does Micah call us to do?
    3. In verses 6-7, the people resist Micah’s message. Why is it often hard for us to hear messages about sin and judgment?
    4. Micah 2:11 talks about false prophets and misleading messages. How can we discern between truth and deception in our culture today?
    5. What does this passage teach us about the importance of both justice and mercy in our Christian walk?

  3. Week 3:

    Micah 3:1-12

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 3:1-12. Have you ever been in a position where you had to choose between integrity and self-interest? How did you handle that situation, and what did you learn from it?
    2. Why does God hold leaders to a higher standard, and how can this apply to our own roles of leadership or influence?
    3. How can we ensure that we are leading with integrity in whatever roles we have, both in and outside the church?
    4. What does it look like for us to trust God’s ultimate judgment, even when human leaders fail us?
    5. One of our core values is “all minds on truth.” How does Micah’s prophetic stance show us the importance of standing firm in the truth of God’s Word, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular?

  4. Week 4:

    Micah 4:1-5

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 4:15. Micah 4 paints a hopeful picture of the future reign of God. How does this vision of peace and restoration give you hope today?
    2. What does it mean for nations to "beat their swords into plowshares" (Micah 4:3)? How can we promote peace and reconciliation in our own lives?
    3. What is one area in your life where you need to trust God for restoration or healing?
    4. How can we as a small group encourage one another to live with a kingdom mindset, especially when life feels chaotic?
    5. Micah 4:5 speaks of walking in the name of the Lord. How does walking in God's ways shape the way we interact with the world?

  5. Week 5:

    Micah 4:6-13

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 4:6-13. How does this passage speak to the strength we find in God’s leadership?
    2. Verse 10 speaks of labor pains before deliverance. How can seasons of hardship in our lives prepare us for future growth or blessing?
    3. How do verses 11-13 describe the way God will ultimately protect and vindicate His people? How does this give us hope in facing opposition?
    4. What are some areas in your life where you need to trust God’s process, even when it feels painful or slow?
    5. In what ways can we as a church reflect God’s promise to restore and strengthen His people?

  6. Week 6:

    Micah 5:1-15

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 5:1-15. How does the prophecy of the ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) point to the hope found in Jesus? What qualities of this promised ruler stand out to you? How does Jesus fulfill these promises?
    2. Micah 5 speaks of God’s protection and deliverance. How have you experienced God’s deliverance in your life?
    3. How does this passage shape our understanding of God’s sovereignty in world events and personal circumstances?
    4. What does it look like for Jesus to be the ruler of your life, and how do we submit to His lordship daily?
    5. Micah 5:5 says, "He will be our peace." How do we find peace in Christ amid life’s uncertainties and challenges?

  7. Week 7:

    Micah 6:1-8

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 6:1-8. How does God’s challenge to His people in verses 1-5 show His faithfulness, even when they were unfaithful?
    2. How does this passage challenge the idea of empty religious rituals versus a heart of true worship and obedience?
    3. In verse 6, the people ask what they can bring to the Lord. How do we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking we can "earn" God’s favor? Share practical examples.
    4. Verse 8 is a famous summary of God’s requirements: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God. How do these three actions challenge your current walk with God?
    5. What does it look like to "act justly" in your everyday life? How can we cultivate a deeper love for mercy, especially when dealing with difficult people or situations? What does walking humbly with God mean to you, and how can you grow in humility in your relationship with Him?

  8. Week 8:

    Micah 6:9-16

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 6:9-16. How does this passage describe the consequences of persistent sin? What warning does it hold for us today?
    2. How can we avoid complacency and make sure we’re continually seeking to live with integrity and righteousness?
    3. In what ways can we, as Christians, be a light in a world where dishonesty and corruption often prevail?
    4. How do you personally experience the tension between the consequences of sin and God’s call to repentance and restoration?
    5. What role does confession and accountability play in overcoming sin in our lives?

  9. Week 9:

    Micah 7:1-7

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 7:1-7. How does Micah’s lament reflect feelings of loneliness and frustration in your own life?
    2. Despite his lament, Micah chooses to "watch in hope for the Lord" (verse 7). How can we maintain hope in God during difficult times?
    3. What does it mean to trust in God when human relationships fail or disappoint us?
    4. How can lament play a positive role in your spiritual life and relationship with God?
    5. What practical steps can we take to trust God’s timing and provision when life feels overwhelming?

  10. Week 10:

    Micah 7:8-20

    1. Recap this week’s sermon and/or read Micah 7:8-20. What does it mean for you to wait for the God of your salvation, as Micah does in verse 7?
    2. How does verse 18's description of God delighting in mercy impact your understanding of His character?
    3. How does God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in verse 20, encourage you in your walk with Him? Is there a particular promise of God you need to claim in light of current circumstances?
    4. What role does forgiveness and mercy play in your relationships with others, especially those who have wronged you? How can you share the message of God’s mercy and unfailing love with someone who needs it this week?
    5. What were your biggest takeaways from this series?