A Life Well Lived

In this series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the quiet anxiety many Christians feel: “Am I doing enough to please God?” Drawing primarily from the book of Micah, this study moves away from “Checklist Christianity” and toward a life defined by an obedient, grace-filled heart. It explores how we can trade the burdens of guilt and second-guessing for the simple, profound rewards of walking in rhythm with our Creator.

1. What Does God Expect? (Micah 6:1–8)

• Overview: Sets the stage by addressing the human tendency to replace genuine faith with elaborate religious rituals. Paul and Micah both argue that God isn’t looking for religious “performance” but for a specific heart posture.
• Key Fact: The prophet Micah answered the universal question of God’s expectations with a comprehensive three-part response that bypasses empty tradition.
• Scripture: Micah 6:8 – The core mandate: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

2. Doing What Is Right (Micah 6:8a)

• Overview: Focuses on the first requirement: “to do justice.” This involves making choices based on God’s character rather than cultural convenience or personal gain.
• Key Fact: The Hebrew word for justice, mishpat, implies a “rightness” that is rooted in God’s unchanging nature.
• Scripture: Acts 4:18–20 – An illustration of “doing justice” where the apostles chose to obey God’s command to preach despite legal threats from the Sanhedrin.

3. Loving What Is Kind (Micah 6:8b)

• Overview: Explores the second requirement: “to love kindness” (or mercy). This goes beyond being “nice”; it is a deep-seated loyalty and compassion for others.
• Key Fact: God delights more in genuine attitudes of the heart that overflow into our relationships than in religious sacrifices.
• Scripture: Micah 6:8 – The emphasis is not just on doing kindness, but loving it—making it a core delight of the soul.

4. Walking What Is Humble (Micah 6:8c)

• Overview: The final requirement: “to walk humbly with your God.” This message discusses the internal discipline of staying in step with God’s lead rather than running ahead in pride.
• Key Fact: Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less; it is the natural byproduct of a right view of God’s greatness.
• Scripture: Micah 6:8 – The walk is described as being “with” God, implying intimacy and consistent fellowship.