For Further Study:
1. Throughout the Bible there are numerous instances where followers of God substituted religious rituals and obligations for an authentic relationship with Him. The verses below include several examples of this. What rituals or obligations were they focused on and what fruit of authentic faith were they missing?
Isaiah 1:13-17
Micah 6:6-8
1 Samuel 15:22-23
Hosea 6:6
Are you aware of any religious rituals or obligations in your life that you are more committed to than an authentic relationship with Christ?
2. Read Galatians 5:19-24 – Compare the fruit of the flesh to your life. Are there areas of your life that need to be surrendered to the Lordship of Christ?
Now, compare the fruit of the Spirit to your life. What are some areas that through prayer you need to seek the Lord and ask Him to develop in you?
3. Read Micah 6:8 – Meditate on the thoughts of “act justly, love mercy, walk humbly before your God.” Commit your journey in a fresh way to the Lord.