Embracing Our Spiritual Duties: Justice, Mercy, and Humility
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound responsibilities and spiritual duties that we, as followers of Christ, are called to embrace. The central theme was based on Micah 6:8, which instructs us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This scripture not only sets a foundation for our behavior but also aligns our actions with God's expectations.
I began by reflecting on personal experiences and divine revelations that have shaped my understanding of these duties. I shared how God has consistently revealed what is good through His word and how He expects us to respond to His teachings with obedience and humility.
Acting justly is more than just fairness; it involves living a life of righteousness, as righteousness is essentially doing what is right in the eyes of God. This concept extends beyond personal piety to include justice in our interactions and societal engagements. It's about being an active participant in creating a world where equity and fairness are not just ideals but realities.
Loving mercy involves more than feeling compassionate; it requires active engagement in showing kindness and forgiveness to others. This mirrors the mercy that God shows us daily. It's about extending grace to others, even when it's difficult, and ensuring that our actions contribute positively to the lives of those around us.
Walking humbly with God is perhaps the most personal and introspective of these commands. It calls for a submission to God's will, acknowledging that despite our plans or desires, His ways are higher and His plans more aligned with eternal goodness. Humility is shown in our worship, our submission to divine authority, and our interactions with others, reflecting a heart that recognizes its dependence on God.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of these actions not as isolated acts but as a comprehensive lifestyle that defines our identity as Christians. This lifestyle is not passive; it requires active engagement, constant reflection, and a heartfelt commitment to live out the teachings of Christ daily.
In conclusion, our walk with God is a journey of continuous growth, learning, and application of His word. It's about taking every step, whether in the valley or on the mountain, with a spirit of thankfulness and trust in His divine guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Acting Justly as a Reflection of God's Righteousness
Acting justly isn't merely about legal fairness but embodying the righteousness of God in every action. This means our justice must transcend human law to reflect divine justice, which is holistic and rooted in love. As we act justly, we become vessels of God's light in a world marred by inequality and injustice. [12:48]
2. The Depth of Divine Mercy
Loving mercy goes beyond mere feelings of sympathy; it requires actionable compassion that mirrors the mercy God shows us. It's about actively extending forgiveness and help to those in need, which not only transforms lives but also aligns us more closely with God's heart. [29:36]
3. Humility: The Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Walking humbly with God is essential for spiritual growth. It involves recognizing our limitations and surrendering to God's will. This humility allows God to lead our paths and mold us into the instruments for His purposes, demonstrating our trust and dependence on Him. [47:12]
4. The Power of Righteous Sacrifice in Worship
True worship involves sacrifice—giving of ourselves fully to God. This sacrifice is not just in what we give but how we live, ensuring that every aspect of our lives honors God. This form of worship is a powerful testament to our faith and devotion to God. [15:33]
5. Unity and Love in the Body of Christ
Our call to act justly and walk humbly extends to how we treat one another within the body of Christ. Promoting unity and exercising love are not optional but essential commands that reflect our obedience to Christ. This unity strengthens us and glorifies God in the eyes of the world. [20:57]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
02:10 - The Core of Micah 6:8
05:49 - Personal Testimonies of God's Guidance
10:12 - Diving Deeper into Scripture
13:35 - The True Essence of Worship
19:37 - Living Out Our Faith Authentically
23:10 - Embracing God's Mercy
28:27 - Gratitude in All Circumstances
31:25 - The Journey of Walking with God
34:04 - Trust and Obedience in Our Walk
38:56 - The Importance of God's Word in Our Lives
42:33 - The Role of Righteousness in Christian Living
47:12 - Humility as Strength
52:20 - Higher Calling in Christ
57:07 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Micah 6:8 (NIV) - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
2. Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV) - "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
3. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) - "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three main responsibilities outlined in Micah 6:8? ([02:10])
2. According to the sermon, how does acting justly extend beyond personal piety? ([12:48])
3. What does the pastor say about the relationship between worship and sacrifice? ([15:33])
4. How does the pastor describe the concept of walking humbly with God? ([30:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor's personal testimony illustrate the importance of acting justly in our daily lives? ([05:05])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that loving mercy involves more than just feelings of compassion? ([23:45])
3. How does the pastor explain the connection between humility and spiritual growth? ([47:12])
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that our walk with God is a journey of continuous growth and learning? ([31:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How can you actively practice justice in your interactions with others this week? ([12:48])
2. Think of a recent situation where you found it difficult to show mercy. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? ([23:45])
3. What are some practical steps you can take to walk humbly with God in your daily routine? ([30:10])
4. How can you incorporate the concept of righteous sacrifice into your worship practices? ([15:33])
5. In what ways can you promote unity and exercise love within your church community? ([20:57])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to submit more fully to God's will. What changes can you make to align with His guidance? ([47:12])
7. How can you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in both good times and challenging times? ([28:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting God's Righteousness in Justice
Acting justly is not merely about adhering to laws or maintaining fairness; it is about embodying the righteousness of God in every action. This form of justice transcends human law and reflects divine justice, which is holistic and rooted in love. As followers of Christ, we are called to be vessels of God's light in a world marred by inequality and injustice. By acting justly, we demonstrate God's love and righteousness, making a tangible impact on the society around us and aligning ourselves more closely with God's will. [12:48]
James 2:12-13, "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
Reflection: Consider a recent situation where you could have shown more fairness or righteousness. How can you align your actions more closely with God's justice in future interactions?
Day 2: Embracing the Depth of Divine Mercy
Loving mercy involves more than feeling sympathy; it requires actionable compassion that mirrors the mercy God shows us. This means actively extending forgiveness and help to those in need, transforming lives and aligning us more closely with God's heart. As we practice mercy, we not only follow God's command but also become conduits of His love and grace in a hurting world. This active engagement in showing kindness is essential in living out our faith authentically. [29:36]
Hosea 6:6, "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
Reflection: Who in your life needs mercy or forgiveness that you have been withholding? How can you extend God's mercy to them today?
Day 3: Humility as the Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Walking humbly with God is crucial for spiritual growth. It involves recognizing our limitations and surrendering to God's will. This humility allows God to lead our paths and mold us into instruments for His purposes. By acknowledging that His ways are higher, we demonstrate our trust and dependence on Him, which is essential for deepening our relationship with God and growing spiritually. [47:12]
Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to submit to God's will? How can you practice humility in this area starting today?
Day 4: The Power of Righteous Sacrifice in Worship
True worship involves sacrifice—giving of ourselves fully to God. This sacrifice is not just in what we give but how we live, ensuring that every aspect of our lives honors God. This form of worship is a powerful testament to our faith and devotion, demonstrating our commitment to living according to God's will and glorifying Him in all that we do. [15:33]
Romans 12:1, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: In what ways can you make your daily life a living sacrifice to God? What changes can you implement to honor Him more in your actions and decisions?
Day 5: Promoting Unity and Love in the Body of Christ
Our call to act justly and walk humbly extends to how we treat one another within the body of Christ. Promoting unity and exercising love are not optional but essential commands that reflect our obedience to Christ. This unity strengthens us and glorifies God in the eyes of the world. By living out these commands, we foster a community that is supportive, loving, and reflective of Christ's love for us. [20:57]
Ephesians 4:2-3, "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Is there a relationship within your church community that needs reconciliation or strengthening? What steps can you take to promote unity and love in this situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's about how I talk. There's people that call themselves Christian that when I hear them talking and cussing, You're going to say that? And you call yourself a Christian? You're going to act that way? And you call yourself a Christian? Come on now. If the Lord's really on the inside of you, you're not going to do that. If He's really on the inside of you, you're not going to act that way. You're not going to talk like that." [19:37]
2. "It's in there. I looked it up. And justly. Everybody say justly. And unblameable. And it said we behave ourselves. Paul was talking about us towards each other. That's what he was talking about. It's amazing to me that we think we just you know we got one little scripture here in Micah 6 and 8. And we read it and we read it real fast so that we don't have to dive in." [23:10]
3. "We're acting justly. We're being righteous before God. We're walking humbly with our God. That's what we're supposed to do. And everything we're doing is for Him. We're pointing everything to Him and everything that we do. We're not worshiping worship. We're worshiping Almighty God." [42:33]
4. "We are to love Him with everything that's within us. This isn't just loving Him with my pinky. This is loving Him with my whole hand. Everything about me, my mind, my heart, everything has to love Him. He's my God. He's not just a God. He is the God in my life." [16:17]
5. "Number one, amen, I've got to live for Him in the right way. This means that in every area of my life, I'm going to walk with God. I'm going to do what's right. This is about, we use the term worship a little bit loosely in our world today, in our Christian world today." [13:35]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I'm talking about walking in His word. Amen. You know, used to when I first got back in church, I thought it was cool because I'd done this when I was a little kid two or three times, but I hadn't stuck with it my whole life. Reading the Bible through every year. I did it probably three times when I was a kid. Teenager, early teenager probably." [37:05]
2. "It feels like about 10 minutes. I don't know what time I started to be honest with you. I usually look and I didn't look tonight. I'm sorry y'all. To humble ourself is to be in submission. To those over me. And to God. I mentioned it this morning. If my pastor were to call me right now. And tell me. Shut it down. You're coming home." [48:25]
3. "Couldn't get my mind off that because I was staring right at it. I'm talking about walking in His word. Amen. You know, used to when I first got back in church, I thought it was cool because I'd done this when I was a little kid two or three times, but I hadn't stuck with it my whole life." [37:05]
4. "Oh hallelujah, we love you Jesus, we bless your name, Lord we bless your name, we bless your name, hallelujah, amen. What an awesome God we serve, amen. There's absolutely nobody or no thing like our God, amen. He is awesome and incredible, and any other word you can put to it, He is, amen." [45:14]
5. "Ready? Lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. Hardest thing to do is get men to raise their hands. We don't want to surrender. We're macho. We got all this table muscle. The older ones. Well, there's a couple of younger ones. I can talk about you too. Come on. I'm talking about men." [40:11]
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