Arguing From Amos — Lesson 5
January 10, 2009
Arguing from Amos – Autumn/Winter Study Series
“Israel’s Future: Visions of Judgment and Justice” Chapter 7
Sunday and Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
January 11, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Introduction:
As we considered Chapter 6, we saw that Israel was guilty of pride and focus on the self. Their rebellion led to God’s judgment. We ended our discussion with a question: As you think of Israel’s negative relationship with God, what “first steps” would you suggest we take at West Broad to avoid the nation’s mistakes?
Today, we will begin our study of Chapter 7. How do the people respond to the message of Amos? How will we respond as Christians in downtown Richmond?
I. Review of the First Three Visions (7:1-9)
The visions of prophets are common in the Old Testament. What do we see in Amos’ visions?
-
7:1-3. Origin, effect, and response.
-
7:4-6. Origin, effect, and response.
Question: What do these verses say about the state of our country today? What, in your thinking, is the role of the Christian?
-
7:7-9. We see here a change in Amos’ response. How can this be explained?
-
Consideration of God’s posture
-
Consideration of the plumb line. Amos seems to recognize God’s righteous standard. Question: Imagine that God has put a plumb line in the midst of our church. How would we “measure up?” Upon what do you base your answer?
-
Results from the plumb line. Question: Think of this reality as it applies to the West Broad Church of Christ. What are you motivated to do as an individual? Why?
-
II. Interaction With the Priest of Bethel
The visions are suspended as the priest Amaziah confronts Amos at Bethel. What happens during this exchange? What lessons can be learned?
-
Accusation and Expulsion (7:10-13). Note Amaziah’s words to the king.
-
Statement and omission. Question: How might Jeroboam have responded if Amaziah provided all the details?
-
A desire for distance. From Amaziah’s perspective, Amos cannot be allowed to stay near the royal residence.
-
-
Response and Revelation (7:14-17). What do we see when the prophet “breaks his silence?”
-
A denial of vocation. Why does Amos reject Amaziah’s description?Probing into prophecy
-
Proclaiming for pay
-
Amos distanced himself from those servants who were walking in their own authority, not God’s. Question: How does his action speak to us, today?
Conclusion:
Amos provides a perfect example of what it means to be a faithful follower of God. The prophet demonstrates (1) passionate concern for others, (2) a humble acceptance of God’s justice, and (3) appropriate response to detractors. Indeed, if we read Amos 7 closely, we will see that the prophet provides a striking and useful faith model for us to follow as Christians in the 21st century. The question is, will we follow it?
