Untitled Sermon (2)

BETHLEHEM’S HONOR:

GOD’S KINGLY VILLAGE-

MICHAH 5:2

Dr. Mike Fabarez • Compass Bible Church • December 18 & 19, 2021 • Christmas at Compass • Msg. 21-43

Michah 5:2

But you,

O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (ESV)

1. Detect YOUR LONGING FOR CHRIST(v.2a)

BETHLEHEM MEANS HOUSE OF BREAD;

EPHRATHAH MEANS FRUITFUL

Ephrathah is the name of the district in which Bethlehem is located and David was born (1 Sam. 17:12). too little. The unlikely choice of David as king foreshadows the unlikely choice of Bethlehem as the hometown of the greater David. Matthew 2:6 (combining this with Mic. 5:4) shows that Jewish scholars of Jesus’ day read this as a prediction of the Messiah’s birthplace (cf. John 7:42). The Messiah’s reign is at God’s behest (for me), and his coming forth (or “origins”; plural of Hb. motsa’ah, “coming out”) is from of old, from ancient days. This has been taken to indicate either an ancient (Davidic) lineage or eternal (and therefore divine) origin of the predicted Messiah. The first time-related expression (“from of old”; Hb. miqqedem) generally refers to ancient historical times (e.g., Neh. 12:46; Ps. 77:5, 11; 78:2; 143:5; Isa. 45:21; 46:10) but can also refer to eternity past (e.g., Ps. 74:12; Hab. 1:12). The second time-related expression (“from ancient days”; Hb. mime ‘olam), however, refers to ancient historical times both in Micah (7:14; cf. 7:20) and elsewhere (Deut. 32:7; Isa. 63:9, 11; Amos 9:11; Mal. 3:4); thus this text is referring to the Messiah’s ancient Davidic lineage, confirming that the ancient covenantal promises made to David still stand.

  The Messiah-Ruler, who will deliver His people, was born in an insignificant, small town (not even mentioned in the list of towns in Josh. 15 or Neh. 11) where the clans of Judah lived. And God said this One, who will minister on Yahweh’s behalf (for Me), will be Israel’s “Ruler” (cf. “rule” in Micah 4:7). Christ accomplished and will accomplish the Father’s will (cf. John 17:4; Heb. 10:7).

This Ruler’s origins (lit., “goings out,” i.e., His victories in Creation, theophanies, and providential dealings) are from of old, from ancient times. The KJV renders “ancient times” as “everlasting,” but the NIV translation is preferable for the Hebrew is literally, “days of immeasurable time.” Other verses such as John 1:1; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:17; Revelation 1:8 point up the eternality of Jesus Christ.  

1 cor 1:18

18 For the word of the cross [is] folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it [is] the power of God. 19 For it is [written],

“I will [destroy] the wisdom of the wise,

and the discernment of the discerning I will [thwart].”

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made [foolish] the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not [know] God through wisdom, it [pleased] God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews [demand] signs and Greeks [seek] wisdom, 23 but we [preach] Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God [is] wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  

1:18 foolishness God’s provision of salvation through the crucifixion of a messiah appeared to be foolishness according to the wisdom of the world. The Romans used the cross as a humiliating form of execution reserved for the worst criminals—insurrectionists. The Greeks believed that the gods operated above the limitations of people and would not have allowed themselves to be treated as Jesus was. Jews regarded the cross as a shameful punishment and even a curse from God (see Deut 21:23).

2. Adopt God’s value system (v.2b)

3. Live like Jesus is King/Lord(v.2c)

Application Questions

Read Isaiah 40:1-8. In what ways do these truths heighten your anticipation of the second coming of Christ? What specifically about this text challenges you to not be passive about what is to come?

Read 2 Peter 2:6-9. What in this passage can keep you from being overly discouraged about the cultural decline and the increasing hostility against God’s people and his truth in the modern era?

Read John 6:32-35. How would you advise a Christian who tells you that he has no consolation or peace amid the trails and pains of his life?

Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-10 and 1 John 2:15-17. What safeguards or practices can you put in place to remind yourself that what is valued by our culture should not determine your ultimate priorities and goals?

Read Luke 10:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-32. What are some of the ways, and in what settings might you be able to champion the greatness of the coming King?