Sunday School Class November 9, 2025 – “God’s Prophets Warned”
Key Concept: Though there is a future judgment, there is also a future hope.
Link to scripture: And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:6 KJV
Opening Question:
Is there a book or movie you could read or watch over and over again? Why?
Background:
The prophet Micah ministered during a time when God’s people had grown comfortable in their sin. Injustice, idolatry, and hypocrisy had spread throughout the land. Micah’s message was clear: Judgment is coming—but so is hope.
God’s prophets never warned without offering a way back. Micah’s message reminds us that while sin brings consequences, God’s grace always offers restoration for those who repent and return to Him.
Scripture: Micah 5:1–5; 6:6–8; 7:8–9, 18–20
God Warns of Coming Judgment (Micah 5:1–5)
[1] Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. [2] But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. [3] Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. [4] And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. [5] And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. [6] And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.
Summarized:
Micah warned that because of their rebellion, Jerusalem would face attack and exile. Yet even in the middle of that warning, he spoke of a coming Ruler from Bethlehem—a prophecy of Jesus Christ, the One who would bring lasting peace.
Application:
God’s warnings are acts of mercy. He exposes sin not to shame us, but to draw us back to Himself. When God convicts us, it is because He loves us too much to leave us where we are.
Reflection Question:
When has God’s correction in your life led you to deeper faith or renewal?
God Desires True Worship, Not Empty Rituals (Micah 6:6–8)
[6] Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [7] Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or 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? [8] He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Summarized:
The people asked, “What does God really want from us? Sacrifices? Offerings?”
Micah’s response was timeless:
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee,
but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Application:
God wants more than religious activity. He desires authentic faith that shows up in how we treat others and how we walk before Him. Justice, mercy, and humility are the fruits of a heart that truly knows God.
Reflection Question:
How can you live out Micah 6:8 in your home, workplace, or church this week?
God’s Mercy Brings Hope and Restoration (Micah 7:8–9, 18–20)
[8] Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. [9] I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
[18] Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. [19] He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. [20] Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
Summarized:
Even after acknowledging sin, Micah declared, “When I fall, I shall arise.” He recognized that God’s anger was temporary, but His mercy endures forever.
Micah rejoiced that God “delighteth in mercy” and “casts all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
Application:
No matter how far we have drifted, God offers hope. His forgiveness is greater than our failure. The same God who judged sin also provided salvation through Jesus Christ.
Reflection Question:
How can remembering God’s mercy change the way you respond to your own failures—or to others’?
Closing Prayer
“Lord, help us each day to realize the hope we have in the salvation You have graciously provided to us through Your Son Jesus Christ and that salvation for us provides eternal life. In the precious name of Your Son Jesus we pray, Amen.”
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How to become a Christian and follower of Christ Jesus:
If you are not a Christian and you want God to work in your life, it is very simple, put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Admit you are a sinner (as we all are), Believe that Christ died on the cross for your sins (all of our sins), was buried and raised again on the third day, and Confess your faith in Jesus as your Savior.
If you are ready, simply say: "Dear God, thank you for loving me." I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins. I believe He rose and lives now. Today, I choose to reject sin. Thank You for Your wonderful love and for changing my life forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
Let your local Pastor know of your decision and they will help you in your new walk. Keep the faith. Love one another.