Return to God’s Word
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)