Summary: All of us have three different kinds of relationships: an Up relationship with God, In relationships with the people with whom we share our life, and Out relationships with the wider community. But we tend to be weak in one kind of relationship, resulting in a life that is flat & out of balance. Jesus came to give us a rich, full life and he is the One who brings balance to our relationships.
Big Idea: Jesus brings balance to our three kinds of relationships: Up, In & Out
Opening Question: What is an example of a great relationship that you have had in your life?
Background to Micah 6:1-8
- Micah was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah around 750 to 686 BC, which is similar to the time frame when Isaiah was a prophet.
- This was a time of great upheaval for the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah are being threatened by the war-loving empire of Assyria. Micah predicted the downfall of Israel (1:6), a prophecy that was fulfilled in 722 BC.
- Micah is more focused on social conditions and less on political realities than was Isaiah.
- Through Micah, God is setting the scene as is he and the people of Israel are in a law court making a case against each other.
Read: Micah 6:1-8
- In the first part of this passage, God invites the people of Israel to make their case against him. Up to this point in time, what has God done for his people?
- Up to the present point in time, what has God done for his people and for the world?
- What has he done for you individually?
- God uses the word “faithfulness” to describe his actions for his people. What is the significance to us personally that God is faithful?
- When Micah asks about appropriate responses from us to God for his faithfulness, he gives examples of sacrifices people could make. What are some examples of sacrifices in our time that people think that they need to make to God?
- What has God sacrificed for us?
- What does God require of us as an appropriate response to his loving faithfulness toward us?
Background to Luke 6:12-19
- The events described in this passage take place early in Jesus’ ministry.
- Prior to this Jesus had already called some of his disciples—Peter, James, John and Matthew (Levi)—but this passage contains a complete list of Jesus’ 12 main disciples.
Read: Luke 6:12-19
- What did Jesus do the night before he chose his twelve apostles?
- What might be the significance of Jesus spending the night with his Father before making some very important decisions?
- What might be a good thing for us to do before we make big decisions?
- If you know something about how Jesus related to these twelve apostles after he chose them, how would you describe their relationship? What sorts of things did they do together?
- Who are your close circle of friends or family with whom you do life? How can you be a greater blessing to them?
- What did Jesus do when he encountered crowds of people after coming down from the mountain?
- What are ways that we can reach out to others with the love of Jesus?
This Bible Study focuses on the same passage as the sermon on Jan 19/20 from Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley BC. It is based on A Passionate Life and The Passionate Church both by Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad.
Farewell to Shadowlands 