August 2, 2015

Micah's Idol

Speaker: Mark Twombly Series: Judges: Partial Victories & the Faithfulness of God Topic: Exposition Passage: Judges 17

Micah's Idol from Jacobs Well on Vimeo.


INTRODUCTION: COUNTERFEITS

 

     We naturally desire that which will destroy us.

 

FALSE REPENTANCE

 

     Human resolve is not heart repentance.

 

FALSE DEDICATION

 

     Worship that orginates with man is the worship of man

 

     Worship that orginates with God is the worship of God

 

FALSE EXPECTATION

 

     You become like whatever you worship.

 

Conclusion: The Real Thing

 

     We have infinite life, joy and pleasure in the presence of the living God.

 

COMMUNITY MEDITATION

KNOW

  • What are some things that are ‘right in your own eyes’ which may not actually be right in the eyes of God? Judges 17:6, Proverbs 14:12, 12:15, 26:12
  • Why did Micah and his family think what they were doing was right and would bring God’s blessing? Take a brief look at Judges 18. Were they right?
  • What is wrong with the statement, ‘I worship God in my own way?’
  • Think of the categories of false Repentance, Dedication, and Expectation in Judges 17. In what ways are these reflected in your own life?

FEEL

  • Which parts of God’s word would you most like to be different? What attribute(s) of God would you most like to be different?
  • Knowing that God is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:3-4, James 1:17) and that His word is perfect (Psalm 12:6, John 17:17), and to be esteemed entirely (Psalm 119:128), what does this say about your heart attitude toward God and His word?
  • Read Isaiah 55:6-11. Knowing that God’s thoughts, words, and ways are infinitely higher than yours, how can you wrestle through these issues and take new steps of repentance and faith in your own life?

LIVE

  • Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 and 1 John 2:15-16. What are some areas of your life that you boast in or love that are idols for you (substitutes for God and His ways)?
  • Read and meditate on Psalm 16. Take your time. In what ways have you ‘run after other gods’ (v.4) and given up on the life and joy that God intends for you (v.11)? In what ways are you holding back from full dedication to God and inviting His blessing into your life?
  • How might new steps of repentance, faith, and freedom equip you to help others find true freedom and joy in Christ? 1 Peter 1:8-9

other sermons in this series