CPC Discussions: December 2019

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Not Despising Small Things: Micah 5:2-5a Chris Smith (3rd week of Advent)

Sermon Discussion Questions

Context: 1) What was happening Israel and Judah, in the first 4 chapters of Micah, prior to chapter 5? In light of the judgment we read about in the first 4 chapters of this book, why are the first 5 verses of chapter 5 such good news?

2) Micah 5:2 is cited in Matthew 2:6. What historical context/significance is taking place in Matthew 2?

3) Just as the leaders of Micah’s time had taken their eye off of the things of the Lord, we do as well. What are some affections that your heart is drawn to that may be distractions from keeping your focus on Christ?

4) What the world often tells us to focus on is not what we should ultimately have our hope in. How do we fight against this in our every day lives?

5) We see throughout Scripture, God often times will use the unexpected, or the “under-dog” in history to bring about His purposes. Why was Bethlehem an unlikely/unexpected place for the Messiah to be born?

6) The cross also seems like an unlikely place for God to defeat His enemies, but He ultimately defeats death/sin at the cross and through the resurrection of Jesus. Reflect on this truth. How is that comforting/good news?

Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/