SERMON: What Does God Truly Require?

Key Text: Micah 6:6-8 "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 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?"

Issue: What does God require of His people according to Micah 6:6-8?

In a small village, there was a man named Daniel who was known for his elaborate religious practices. Every week, he would offer the largest at the temple, wearing the finest robes and praying the longest prayers. However, despite his outward displays of devotion, Daniel was harsh in his dealings with others. He often exploited the poor, ignored the needs of the vulnerable, and looked down on those who couldn’t match his religious fervor. One day, a wise old woman from the village approached Daniel and asked, "Do you think God is pleased with your offerings?" Confident in his piety, Daniel replied, "Of course! I give the best I have." The woman shook her head gently and said, "God doesn’t just want your offerings; He wants your heart. He desires justice, kindness, and humility." Puzzled, Daniel pondered her words, realizing that his grand gestures meant little without a life that reflected God’s true desires.

Rule:

The passage emphasizes that God desires more than just outward religious rituals and sacrifices. He requires His people to:

1. Do justice

2. Love kindness

3. Walk humbly with their God

Analysis:

1. Doing justice o Reference: Isaiah 1:17 - "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." o Explanation: This verse reinforces the concept of justice as central to God's expectations. It underscores that justice involves actively addressing wrongs and defending the vulnerable. God values a lifestyle that reflects fairness and righteousness, which goes beyond ritualistic worship. Justice in God's eyes is about ensuring that integrity and equity are practiced in all dealings, which aligns with His character of righteousness.

2. Loving kindness o Reference: Hosea 6:6 - "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." o Explanation: This verse highlights God's preference for steadfast love (or kindness) over mere ritual sacrifices. It indicates that God values a heart that iscompassionate and merciful, mirroring His own loving nature. Loving kindness, therefore, is not just an optional trait but a reflection of true devotion to God. It calls for a consistent attitude of mercy and grace towards others, aligning one's actions with the compassionate heart of God.

3. Walking humbly with God :

• Reference: James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 
• Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in one's relationship with God. Walking humbly with God involves recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His will, rather than relying on one's own strength or engaging in religious acts for show. True humility leads to a deeper relationship with God, where one is guided by His wisdom and grace, rather than by personal pride or religious formalism. No amount of religious ritual or grand offerings can replace a life that aligns with God's will and character.

True worship is more about the condition of the heart than:

• Long prayers in church 
• Driving in a luxurious car to church yet you come to church late 
• Wearing the most beautiful and expensive dress to church yet you do not help the needy
• Paying huge sums of tithe and fat donations yet you do not attend prayer meetings
• Identifying the errors and weakness in others yet your are not committed to duty
• Being just the most eloquent yet you gossip and frustrate your subordinates at work
• Being regular at church gathering yet you disrespect your partner at home and in public
• Being able to sing all the hymns beautifully yet you are possessed with the spirit of jealousy and envy.

Conclusion: According to Micah 6:6-8, God requires His people to prioritize moral and ethical living—doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him. These qualities are far more important than performing religious rituals or ceremonies, regardless of how elaborate they may be. The essence of true worship lies in aligning one's heart and life with God's character, as illustrated Isaiah 1:17, Hosea 6:6, and James 4:10, which emphasize justice, steadfast love, and humility, respectively. Is there anything you to surrender to Jesus today? Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me (Rev 3:20) Think about it and let us pray