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Steve McKenzie September 4, 2022

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)