7/6/2014 What Keeps Us from God’s True Blessings? Based Micah 3:1-13, by Dr. Joe K. Taylor, Senior Pastor, South Reno Baptist Church South America was founded by men who were seeking gold. North America was founded by men who were seeking God. The sturdy men who crossed the ocean to come to our land came not seeking soil for their plows but liberty for their souls. – Roger Babson 1. Corrupt __POLITICIANS__. (vv. 1-3) Micah 3:1–2, 12, NIV - 1 Then I said, “Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel. Should you not embrace justice, 2 you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones… 12 Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets. Six Requirements God Wants for Politicians From the Book of Proverbs A. Righteousness—“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. - Proverbs 29:2, NIV84 B. Wisdom—“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. - Proverbs 8:12–16, NIV84 C. Honesty—Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool— how much worse lying lips to a ruler! - Proverbs 17:7, NIV84 D. Separation from Bad Influences —Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; 5 remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. - Proverbs 25:4–5, NIV84 E. Personal Purity—Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. - Proverbs 31:3, NASB95 F. Standing up for those who can’t defend themselves —“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” - Proverbs 31:8–9, NIV84 2. Compromising ___PREACHERS____. (vv. 4-10) Micah 3:4–6, NIV84 - 4 Then they will cry out to the Lord, but he will not answer them. At that time he will hide his face from them because of the evil they have done. 5 This is what the Lord says: “As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim ‘peace’; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him. 6 Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. Jeremiah 23:1, NIV84 - 1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Ezekiel 34:2, NIV84 - 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3. Complacent ___PEOPLE____. (vv. 11-16) Micah 3:11–12, NLT - 11 You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the Lord. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the Lord is here among us.” HERE IS THE POINT ------> Ultimately, the hope of America is not found in the White House, the State House or the Courthouse. The hope of America is found in God’s House—it is in God and God alone!
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 14:20:14 +0000
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