DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 15 OCTOBER, 2017

LESSON 664: MICAH INTRODUCES IDOLATRY IN ISRAEL MEMORY VERSE: “And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod , and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest ” (Judges 17:5). TEXT: Judges 17:1-13

SUMMARY (1) The previous study focused on Divine healing and health: Healing is an important part of God’s covenant for His people. Obedience to God’s instruction brings divine health. Believers need to trust God for perfect health from day to day. Remember to meditate on God’s word. He is the Lord our healer! The study of today touches on three points: Corruption through evil influence. A conscript’s error and illusion Contemporary examples of idolatry

SUMMARY (2) Corruption through evil influence (Judges 17:1-6): Christians should avoid any association with people of corrupting influence. Today, we can withstand all the wiles of the enemy through the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Leaders should carry out their duties with diligence while followers should be submissive and cooperative. A conscript’s error and illusion (Judges 17:7-11): We should not abandon our ministerial assignment in place of earthly benefits. Appointment of leaders should be guided by scriptural principles. Contemporary examples of idolatry (Judges 17:12,13): Shun every form of idolatry, including inordinate pursuits, egotism and covetousness Absence of direct divine response to sin is not a proof of God’s approval

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What challenge can we receive from Micah’s defection? Ezra 7:25 2 Timothy 2:2

QUESTION 2 What can we deduce from Micah’s reaction to his mother’s declaration? Judges 17:2 Judges 17:3,4

QUESTION 3 What lessons can contemporary Christians learn from societal permissiveness of Micah’s time? Judges 17:6 Hebrews 13:7

QUESTION 4 Why did Micah need the services of this wandering Levite? Judges 17:7,13

QUESTION 5 Comment on what attracted the Levite to Micah? Judges 17:10

QUESTION 6 What can we learn from God’s attitude to the incident in the study? Psalm 50:16-22 Hosea 4:17 Acts 7:42

CONCLUSION All forms of idolatry violate God’s revealed will Believers must avoid company with agents of anti-scriptural practice and be quick to rebuke them Leaders in the church should perform their oversight functions with diligence, while followers should be submissive and cooperative The failure of one person or group is not a justification for others to engage in sin and compromise We must study the scriptures and obey it to avoid the error of Micah and the compromising Levite-priest