Return to God’s Word
Steve McKenzie

September 4, 2022

 A COMMON MAN CARRIED BY GOD (Amos 1:1-2)

  • Amos was not a professional minister, nor did he come from a family of religious leaders. He was bred sheep southeast of Bethlehem and tended to fig trees (Amos 1:1; 7:14-15).
  • Amos’ name mean “burden,” or “to carry.” This can be understood in two different ways: [1] Amos was burdened to carry this message from God, and [2] Amos was being carried by God. Both are true.
  • Amos spoke to both the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel. See this timeline for a better understanding of the historical context.

UNRELENTING JUDGEMENT (Amos 1:3-2:16)

  • There are 8 judgements in these two chapters with the first 6 focusing on nations around Israel. They list of nations slowly move in closer like a spiral zeroing in on the target of Israel.
  • Judah (Southern Kingdom) is judged for 3 things (Amos 2:4-5)
    • Rejecting God’s Word
    • Rejecting God’s Principles
    • They Believed Their Own Lies
  • Israel (Northern Kingdom) is judged for 3 things 9Amos 2:6-8)
    • Sell the Righteous & Poor
    • Trample the Poor & Obstruct the Needy
    • Profane God’s Name by declaring good what God detests
  • God responds with judgement (Amos 2:13-16; 5:19)

PURPOSE & PUNISHMENT (Amos 3:1-5:17)

  • PURPOSE
    • The Jewish people were set-apart as God’s people to display his glory, values, and truth to all nations (Deuteronomy 10:18).
  • PUNISHMENT
    • 4:1 “you cows of basin…” (Fat cats)
    • 4:12 “prepare to meet your God!”

APPLICATION (Amos 6:1-9:15)

  • RESIST COMPLACENCY (Amos 6:1-3)
  • INTERCED IN PRAYER (Amos 7:1-6)
  • INTROSPECTION (Amos 8:1-14)
  • RETURN TO GOD’S WORD (Amos 9:1-15)