Amos 3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The First Sermon of Judgment to the Northern Kingdom

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God’s judgment is not without reason.

  2. God’s judgment is not without warning.

  3. God’s judgment is not without mercy.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Have you heeded God’s clear warning?

QUESTIONS

  1. When did Amos prophesy?

  2. Give a brief sketch of Israel’s history up to this point.

  3. What was Amos’ profession?

  4. Why was Amos considered a foreign missionary?

  5. The Northern Kingdom was doing well militarily and materially, but…

ANSWERS

  1. The eighth century B.C. (around 760 B.C.)

  2. The Exodus and Conquest of the land of Canaan The period of the Judges The United Kingdom of Israel established under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon The United Kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah

  3. Amos was a sheepherder or sheepbreeder, not just a shepherd.

  4. He lived in the southern Kingdom of Judah, but he prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

  5. …..they were morally and spiritually corrupt, and they were characterized by social injustice.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. God chose Israel to be His people, but that did not exempt them from punishment for their sins. The Bible teaches that privilege increases responsibility. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). How does this apply to the Church today?

  2. Review the series of seven questions in Amos 3:3-6 to see how Amos teaches that God’s judgment is not without reason. For every effect there is a cause.

  3. God sends warning of impending judgment for sins. Consider Noah as he was warned about the flood to come. Now Amos warns Israel while the surrounding foreign nations are invited to see the social sins of the nation. In other words, even the world condemns God’s people for wrongdoing. Have you seen examples of this today?

CHALLENGE

  1. Have you heeded God’s warnings in your life, whether it be for salvation or for righteous living as a believer?

KEY VERSES

  • “Hear the word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children…” Amos 3:1

  • “I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Amos 3:2

  • “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Amos 3:3

Amos, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsAmos 3