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Amos Overall

 
Amos - The Country Prophet (1:1-2:16)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In our survey of "The Minor Prophets", we have already considered...
 a. Obadiah, who prophesied of the judgment to befall Edom
 b. Joel, who proclaimed a locust plague as a harbinger of "the day
 of the Lord"
 c. Jonah, God's messenger to the Assyrian city of Nineveh
 
2. Our next prophet is Amos...
 a. A shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit called by God to 
 prophesy - Am 7:14-15
 b. Who proclaimed God's message concerning eight nations, with an 
 emphasis on the northern kingdom of Israel
 
3. His book is divided into three sections...
 a. A series of "oracles" concerning sin and judgment of eight 
 nations (ch. 1-2)
 b. A series of "sermons" concerning the sin and judgment of Israel
 (ch. 3-6)
 c. A series of "visions" regarding the sin and judgment of Israel 
 (ch. 7-9)
 
[This lesson will examine the first section, with a look at the
"oracles" Amos proclaimed against eight nations. We begin with a
reading of Am 1:1-2, which serves as an...]
 
I. INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
 
 A. THE MAN...
 1. NAME - Amos means "burden-bearer"
 2. HOME - The village of Tekoa
 a. 12 miles south of Jerusalem, 18 miles west of the Dead Sea
 b. Near the wilderness of Judea, a very rugged area
 -- So while he was Judah, he primarily prophesied against 
 Israel in the north
 3. OCCUPATION - "a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit."
 (Am 7:14)
 a. An outdoorsman, accustomed to the wilds of nature, and of
 hard, honest toil
 b. It would be easy for him to have little sympathy for the 
 lazy and materialistic conduct of his northern kinsman
 4. CHARACTER
 a. Not known for his sympathy or warmth, but for his sense of
 justice and right
 b. "Not a sob is to be found in his book for the nation of
 wicked apostates, and there is only a sigh for the poor"
 (Hailey)
 c. He is reminiscent of John the Baptist
 
 B. THE DATE...
 1. He prophesied in the days of:
 a. Uzziah, king of Judah
 b. Jeroboam II of Israel
 2. Two years before an earthquake
 3. While the actual date is unknown, 755 B.C. is often suggested
 
 C. THE PEOPLE...
 1. His audience is primarily the northern kingdom of Israel
 2. Conditions which characterized them at this time:
 a. Wealthy, enjoying great luxury
 b. Morally, religiously, and politically corrupt
 
 D. HIS MESSAGE...
 1. In Am 1:2, we see a vivid picture of the Lord as a lion
 whose roar to the north reaches all the way to Mt. Carmel
 2. This describes what God is doing through Amos, proclaiming a
 fiery message of condemnation and judgment against Israel and
 the surrounding nations
 3. "The people of Israel were now at the summit of worldly
 prosperity, but were rapidly filling up the measure of their
 sins. The mission of Amos was, therefore, rather to threaten
 than to console. He rebukes, among other things, the
 corruption of their manners, which kept pace with their
 prosperity; he charges the great men with partiality as
 judges, and violence towards the poor; and he foretells, as a
 punishment from God, the captivity of the ten tribes in a
 foreign country..." - The Bible Handbook, Angus and Green
 
[With verse 2 as a good preview of the nature of Amos' prophecy, let's
now survey the first main section of the book of Amos...]
 
II. THE "ORACLES" OF SIN AND JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS (1:3-2:16)
 
  A. DAMASCUS - Am 1:3-5
 1. SIN - cruelty toward the inhabitants of Gilead (the tribes of
 Gad and Reuben)
 2. JUDGMENT - destruction and captivity
 a. Hazael was the murderer of Ben-Hadad I, and usurper of his
 throne - 2 Ki 8:7-15
 b. Ben-Hadad II was the son of Hazel - cf. 2 Ki 13:3,22-25
 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians - cf. 2 Ki 16:1-9
 
 B. GAZA (PHILISTIA) - Am 1:6-8
 1. SIN - engaging in slave traffic
 2. JUDGMENT - total devastation
  3. FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians
 
 C. TYRE - Am 1:9-10
 1. SIN - slave traffic; did not remember the covenant of 
 "brotherhood" (between Solomon and Hiram? - cf. 1 Ki 5:12)
 2. JUDGMENT - destruction
 3. FULFILLMENT - started by Nebuchadnezzar; finished by Alexander
 the Great
 
 D. EDOM - Am 1:11-12
 1. SIN - cruelty to brethren - cf. Oba 1:10-12
 2. JUDGMENT - destruction upon Teman (capital) and Bozrah
 (another chief city)
 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Nabateans, ca 400 B.C.
 
 E. AMMON - Am 1:13-15
 1. SIN - murder of pregnant women in Gilead (the tribes of Gad 
 and Reuben)
 2. JUDGMENT - destruction of Rabbah (capital) and captivity
 3. FULFILLMENT - by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon
 
 F. MOAB - Am 2:1-3
 1. SIN - burned the king of Edom's bones to lime
 2. JUDGMENT - destruction of the chief city of Kerioth
 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Babylonians
 
 G. JUDAH - Am 2:4-5
 1. SIN - apostasy from the Law
 2. JUDGMENT - Jerusalem (the capital) to be destroyed
 3. FULFILLMENT - by Nebuchadnezzar, 586 B.C.
 
 H. ISRAEL - Am 2:6-16
 1. SIN - several sins are listed...
 a. Social injustice (slave trade and abuse of the poor)
 b. Immorality (prostitution)
 c. Idolatry (worshipping other gods)
 d. Rebellion against God, who...
 a. Cast out the Amorites before them
 b. Delivered them from the land of Egypt
 c. Gave them prophets and Nazarites, whom they corrupted
 -- The effect of which weighed God down like a cart full of 
 sheaves - Am 2:13
 2. JUDGMENT - their inability to flee when destruction comes upon
 them
 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians in 722-721 B.C. - 2 Ki 17:5-23
 
[It is apparent that the focus in this section is primarily upon the 
northern kingdom of Israel, even though Judah did not escape 
condemnation. What lessons might we glean from these first two 
chapters...?]
 
III. LESSONS FROM THE "ORACLES" OF AMOS
 
 A. GOD HOLDS THE NATIONS OF MEN ACCOUNTABLE...
 1. He was not just concerned with His covenant people of Israel
 2. As we saw with Obadiah and Jonah, God judged the surrounding
 nations as well
 3 As Farrar says of Amos: "His whole message centers in the 
 common prophetic conviction that God is the sole and righteous
 Governor of the world, judging the people righteously, and 
 when they rebel, dashing them to pieces like a potter's 
 vessel."
 2. The same authority is given to Christ today! - cf. Mt 28:18;
 Re 1:5; 2:26-27
 
 B. APOSTASY AND CRUELTY TREATED ALIKE...
 1. God condemned:
 a. The heathens for their cruelty
 b. Judah and Israel for their apostasy from the Law
 2. But their judgments were basically the same!
 
 C. THE STANDARDS TO WHICH NATIONS WERE HELD ACCOUNTABLE...
 1. The heathen were judged for their violation of basic 
 principles of righteousness
  2. The people of God were judged by their faithfulness to God's 
 revealed Word!
 -- Akin to what we find Paul writing in Ro 2:12-15
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. In our next lesson we will continue our study of Amos...
 a. Looking at chapters 3-6, which concentrate on the sins and 
 judgment of Israel
 b. Where more lessons can be gleaned for us to apply today
 
2. Having read the judgments God pronounced upon the eight nations...
 a. We are reminded that God is a righteous GOD
 b. One who holds men and nations accountable for their actions
 
Are we ready for that great Day of Judgment, in which we will one day 
be held accountable for our actions? As Paul wrote:
 
 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that
 each one may receive the things done in the body, according to
 what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the
 terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (2 Co 5:10-11a)
 
Are you willing to let the Word of God persuade you to do what is 
right?

－－《Executable Outlines》

 
Amos - The Country Prophet (3:1-6:14)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In our previous study we began our survey of the book of Amos
 a. A prophet of God, who was...
 1) A country shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit - Am 7:14-15
 2) Called to proclaim God's judgments on the nations, especially
 Israel
 b. Whose book is divided into three sections, in which we find...
 1) "Oracles" concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch.
  1-2)
 2) "Sermons" concerning the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 3-6)
 3) "Visions" regarding the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 7-9)
 c. In his "oracles", we saw that God pronounced judgment upon...
 1) Heathen nations, such as Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, 
 and Moab
 2) The people of God, both Judah and Israel
 -- With emphasis placed upon the sins and judgment of the 
 northern kingdom of Israel
 
2. In this lesson, we shall direct our attention to the "sermons" in
 chapters 3-6
 a. There are three sermons, each beginning with "Hear this word..."
 - 3:1; 4:1; 5:1
 b. The focus of these sermons is Israel, the kingdom in the north
 
[From an outline by Ryrie, the first "sermon" could be entitled...]
 
I. THE DOOM OF ISRAEL (3:1-15)
 
 A. AMOS DEFENDS HIS RIGHT TO PROPHESY...
 1. The Lord has spoken against Israel - Am 3:1-2
 a. With whom He has had a special relationship
 b. Whom He now will punish for their sins
 2. Seven questions with obvious answers - Am 3:3-6
 a. The purpose and meaning of these questions have been 
 variously interpreted
 b. But their intent appears to enforce the logic of what 
 follows in the next two verses
  3. Can a prophet remain silent when God speaks? - Am 3:7-8
 a. The Lord does nothing unless He reveals it by one of His 
 prophets
 b. Like a lion that has roared (cf. Am 1:2), God has spoken 
 and Amos must prophesy!
 
 B. ISRAEL'S DOOM...
 1. Ashdod and Egypt are called to witness Israel's wickedness 
 - Am 3:9-10
 2. Israel will be plundered by an adversary - Am 3:11-15
 a. Though never identified by Amos, Isaiah declared that it 
  would be Assyria
 b. Concerning Israel's coming punishment:
 1) Only a remnant will survive of those who dwell in 
 luxury, like a piece of lamb left over after being 
 ravaged by a lion
 2) Destruction will come upon the altars of Bethel (cf. 
 Jeroboam's idolatry)
 3) Destruction will befall their luxurious homes
 
[With this first "sermon", destruction is pronounced upon Israel. The
sin of some of the men was mentioned earlier (Am 2:6-8), with the next
"sermon" we see the wickedness of the women...]
 
II. THE DEPRAVITY OF THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL (4:1-13)
 
 A. THE "COWS OF BASHAN", THEY ARE INSATIABLE...
 1. Living in Samaria (Israel) they were:
 a. Oppressing the poor and needy - Am 4:1
 b. Crying out for wine - Am 4:2
 2. For which they will suffer painful deportation to a foreign 
 land - Am 4:3
 
 B. A SARCASTIC CALL TO WORSHIP...
 1. To worship their false gods at Bethel and Gilgal - Am 4:4-5
 2. Designed to show how far they have departed from God
 
 C. THEY HAD REJECTED GOD'S CHATISEMENTS...
 1. They had failed to respond to God's efforts to get them to 
 repent
 a. Famine - Am 4:6
 b. Drought - Am 4:7-8
 c. Pestilence - Am 4:9
 d. Plague and war - Am 4:10
 e. Earthquake, or perhaps volcanic eruptions - Am 4:11
 2. Therefore they must prepare to meet their God!
 a. Who is bringing such judgments upon them - Am 4:12
 b. Whose name is "The LORD God of hosts" - Am 4:13
 
[In light of such a judgment to befall Israel, it is not surprising to
see that the third "sermon" is in the form of a lamentation...]
 
III. A DIRGE OVER ISRAEL (5:1-6:14)
 
 A. A LAMENTATION FOR THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL...
 1. In view of her coming fall - Am 5:1-2
 2. In which only a remnant will be left - Am 5:3
 
 B. A CALL TO REPENTANCE, FOR THERE IS STILL HOPE...
 1. Seek the Lord and live, lest He come with fiery judgment! 
 - Am 5:4-7
 2. Seek Him who is all powerful! - Am 5:8-9
 3. For He knows your manifold sins! - Am 5:10-13
 4. Seek that which is good, not evil; perhaps God will gracious!
 - Am 5:14-15
 
 C. THE COMING DAY OF THE LORD...
 1. The Lord is coming, and there shall be wailing in the streets
 and fields - Am 5:16-17
 2. The day of the Lord is not to be desired by sinful men
 a. For it will be a day of darkness - Am 5:18-20
 b. For God is repelled by their show of religion, when there 
 should be righteousness and justice - Am 5:21-24
 c. For they have never really served God, even in the 
 wilderness - Am 5:25-26
 3. Therefore they will be taken "beyond Damascus" (Assyria!)
 - Am 5:25-27
 
 D. A WARNING EVEN TO THOSE IN ZION...
 1. Woe to those who are at ease, trusting in Samaria (i.e., the 
 northern kingdom of Israel) - Am 6:1-2
 a. Perhaps to defend them?
 b. Consider what happened to kingdoms far greater!
 2. Woe to those who say the day of the Lord is far off - Am 6:3-6
 a. Who bask in their luxury
 b. While their brethren are afflicted
 3. They shall be among the first to go into captivity - Am 6:7
 
 E. THE EXTENT OF THE COMING DESTRUCTION...
 1. Coming because God hates their pride - Am 6:8
 2. A destruction where men will be scarce, and their houses 
 destroyed - Am 6:9-11
 3. Why? Because they perverted justice and righteousness, 
 priding themselves in their own strength - Am 6:12-13
 4. But God will raise up a nation (Assyria) against them, who 
 will afflict them from the north ("the entrance of Hamath")
 to the south ("the Valley of the Arabah") - Am 6:14
 
[So ends the third of these three "sermons" of Amos. Before we conclude
our study, let me share some...]
 
IV. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE "SERMONS" OF AMOS
 
 A. THE RECURRING THEMES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS...
 1. Several times we find references to justice and righteousness 
 - Am 5:7,15,24; 6:12
 2. Their opposites are also mentioned: oppression and evil 
 - Am 3:10; 4:1; 5:10-12
 3. Lacking justice and righteousness, all their religion, wealth,
  and power were in vain!
 -- Is there not a lesson for us to learn here? - cf. Mt 5:23-24
 
 B. ISRAEL'S FAILURE TO HEED GOD'S CHASTISEMENTS...
 1. That God used natural calamity to get their attention is 
 evident - Am 4:6-11
 2. Why did they not heed God's efforts?
 a. Perhaps they did not make the connection
 b. Perhaps they assumed is was just a coincidence
 3. One would be amiss to always attribute natural calamities to 
 God's working; yet...
  a. Should we not be open to the possibility that God may be 
 saying something?
 b. Should we not at least use such occasions to reflect on our
 relationship with God?
 
 C. REGARDING THE DAY OF THE LORD...
 1. The "day of the Lord" is a day of judgment, and a day of 
 darkness - Am 5:18
 a. In Amos it has reference to God's judgment upon Israel, 
 which came when Assyria took them into captivity
 b. But such judgment prefigures the Final Judgment, the "day 
 of the Lord"
 1) In which Christ will come to judge the world - Ac 17:
 30-31
 2) It too will be a day of "darkness" - cf. 2 Pe 3:7,10-12
 2. While we might not desire that "day" per se, we do look 
 forward to what is to follow - cf. 2 Pe 3:13-14
 
 D. GOD'S GRACIOUS OFFER OF REPENTANCE...
 1. Even with the pronouncement of judgment, there is an offer to
 have life if one repents - Am 5:4-6,14-15
 2. As we saw with Joel and Jonah, God was willing to relent for
 those who repented
 3. Even today, while the gospel proclaims judgment to come, it
 also offers salvation! - cf. 2 Co 6:1-2
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Unfortunately, not many heeded the warnings of Amos - cf. 2 Ki 17:
 13-23
 a. Within thirty years (722 B.C.), Israel was taken into captivity
 b. Under the cruel hand of the Assyrians, they experienced the
 righteous judgment of God
 
2. What about us, will we heed the warnings of Christ and His apostles?
 a. Their message is really not that different ("seek the Lord and
 live", "seek good and not evil")
 b. They too call upon us to repent and seek the Lord through faith 
 and obedience, though it is obedience to the gospel of Christ and
 not the Law of Moses
 
Remember that the book of Amos, along with the rest of the Old 
Testament, was:
 
 "...written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages 
 have come." (1 Co 10:11)
 
Are we willing to learn from its admonition, such as those found in 
the prophecies of Amos?

－－《Executable Outlines》

 
Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In the first two studies on the book of Amos, we briefly surveyed...
 a. The "Oracles" of Amos, concerning sin and judgment of eight
 nations (ch. 1-2)
 b. The "Sermons" of Amos, concerning the sin and judgment of Israel
 (ch. 3-6)
 
2. In this third and final lesson on Amos, we will...
 a. Focus our attention on the last three chapters which contain...
 1) Five "Visions" of Amos
 2) An "interlude" in which Amos defends his prophetic role
 3) A closing glimpse of a brighter future
 b. Offer a summary of lessons gleaned from the book of Amos
 
[Let's begin, then by noting...]
 
I. THE "VISIONS" OF AMOS (7:1-9:15)
 
 A. THE VISION OF THE LOCUSTS (7:1-3)
 1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer...
 a. The Lord shows Amos a swarm of locusts devastating the 
 crops
 b. Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel)
 c. The Lord hears, and relents so that the locust plague will
 not happen
 2. The meaning of the vision...
 a. Some take the locust plague to be a figurative symbol of an
 invading army
 b. Whether literal or figurative, the judgment it represented
 is averted by the pleading of the prophet
 c. It is reminiscent of what we saw in Joel, how the nation's
 repentance averted the reoccurrence of the "locust 
 invasion" - cf. Joel 2:1-24
 
 B. THE VISION OF THE FIRE (7:4-6)
 1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer...
 a. The Lord shows Amos a fire consuming the "great deep" and 
 the territory
 b. Once again Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel)
 c. The Lord again hears, and relents from bringing the 
 conflagration upon Israel
 2. The meaning of the vision...
 a. Clearly figurative, for the "great deep" is likely the 
 Mediterranean Sea
 b. Whatever judgment it represents is also averted by the 
 prayer of Amos
 c. These first two visions appear to illustrate God's 
 longsuffering due to the prayers of the righteous
 
 C. THE VISION OF THE PLUMB LINE (7:7-9)
  1. The vision and the Lord's explanation...
 a. The Lord is standing on a wall with a plumb line in hand
 b. The Lord explains He is setting a plumb line in the midst
 of Israel, and will now bring destruction upon:
  1) The places of idolatrous worship ("high places" and
 "sanctuaries")
 2) The house of Jeroboam (the ruling king of Israel, cf. 
 Am 1:1)
 2. The meaning of the vision...
 a. A plumb line is used to measure the correctness of any 
 construction
 b. God has so measured Israel, and found her so defective that
 He cannot overlook her anymore
 c. The judgment will involve destruction of her religious and
 political leaders
 
 D. AN INTERLUDE: AMAZIAH'S COMPLAINT AGAINST AMOS (7:10-17)
 1. Amaziah, priest of Bethel (center of idolatrous worship), 
 accuses Amos of conspiracy against Jeroboam king of Israel 
 - Am 7:10-11
 2. Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to his own 
 country of Judah - Am 7:12-13
 3. Amos defends his prophetic mission - Am 7:14-15
 4. Amos then prophesies against Amaziah and Israel - Am 7:16-17
 
 E. THE VISION OF THE SUMMER FRUIT (8:1-14)
 1. The vision and the Lord's explanation - Am 8:1-3
 a. Amos is shown a basket of summer fruit (evidently quite
 ripened)
 b. The Lord reveals that Israel's end is near, and is ripe for
 judgment
 2. Once again, the nature of Israel's sin is described - Am 8:4-6
 a. Oppression of the poor and needy - cf. Am 2:6-7
 b. Disdain for religious observances, because they hinder 
 economic enterprise
 c. Dishonest economic practices, to further abuse the poor and
 needy
 3. The nature of Israel's judgment is described - Am 8:7-14
 a. A day of mourning is coming - Am 8:7-10
 b. A day of famine for the word of God is coming - Am 8:11-12
  c. Those who trust in idolatry will fall and never rise again
 - Am 8:13-14
 
 F. THE VISION OF THE LORD BY THE ALTAR (9:1-10)
 1. Is this the altar of Jerusalem, or Bethel? (I suspect the 
 latter)
 2. The altar shall be destroyed, and none shall escape - Am 9:1-4
 3. The One who shall accomplish this is described - Am 9:5-6
 4. Israel has become little different than the heathen nations 
 - Am 9:7
 5. The careful, discriminate, nature of the Lord's judgment 
 - Am 9:8-10
 a. The "kingdom" will be utterly destroyed
 b. But the "house of Jacob" will not
 c. What little is good will be spared, as grain sifted in a 
 sieve
 d. But the sinners shall not escape, despite their claims to 
 the contrary
 
 G. A GLIMPSE OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE - Am 9:11-15
 1. The restoration of the tabernacle of David is foretold, in 
 which even the remnant of Edom and Gentiles who are called by
 His name are possessed - Am 9:11-12
 2. The restoration described in terms of agricultural abundance 
 - Am 9:13-15
 3. James applied the fulfillment of this prophecy to the church
 and the inclusion of the Gentiles by the gospel - cf. Ac 15:
 13-17
 4. So the prophecy is figurative...
 a. Given in terms especially comforting to those of Amos' day
 b. Yet actually referring to spiritual blessings found in
 Christ today!
 
[Visions in the Bible often are designed to impact more the heart of
man rather than his mind. So it is with these visions of Amos: 
depicting God's longsuffering, His judgment upon the nation of Israel,
and His promise of future blessings for Israel and the nations (the 
last fulfilled with the coming of Christ).
 
Before we close, let's review...]
 
II. A SUMMARY OF LESSONS GLEANED FROM AMOS
 
 A. CONCERNING GOD...
 1. He rules over the nations, and holds them accountable - Am 1,2
 2. His omnipotence may be seen in:
 a. His acts of creation - Am 4:3; 5:8
 b. His control over the forces of nature - Am 4:6-11
 c. His supremacy over the nations - Am 1,2
 3. His omnipresence is plainly taught (Am 9:2-4), also His 
 omniscience (Am 4:13)
 4. The righteousness of God is constantly emphasized by Amos 
 - e.g., Am 5:24
 
 B. CONCERNING ISRAEL...
 1. They were the people of God, having a special relationship 
 with God - Am 3:1-2
 2. They should have reflected the glory of God - cf. Am 5:14-15,
 24
 3. They failed, and so judgment would follow; but a remnant would
 be spared that would later bless the Gentiles - Am 9:11-12
 
 C. MISCELLANEOUS LESSONS...
 1. Justice between man and man is one of the divine foundations
 of society
 2. Privilege implies responsibility
 a. Israel had enjoyed special privileges
 b. Therefore she had been give special responsibilities
 3. Failure to recognize and accept responsibility is sure to 
 bring God's judgment
 4. The most elaborate worship is but an insult to God when 
 offered by those who have no mind to conform to His commands
 -- These lessons were offered by Homer Hailey in his book, "A 
 Commentary On The Minor Prophets" (Baker Book House)
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Many other lessons can likely be gleaned from a book like Amos; the
 "Disciples' Study Bible" offers these:
 a. Merely observing proper forms of worship is not sufficient for a
 right relation with God (pure religion takes into consideration
 one's treatment of the poor and needy - cf. Ja 1:27)
 b. Being a part of God's people does not guarantee exemption from 
 judgment (Israel and Judah certainly weren't exempt)
 c. Not all judgment seeks to penalize and hurt (many were designed
 to restore man back to God, Am 4:6-11)
 
2. Can we not see the value of studying the Old Testament prophets?
 a. They are truly "written for our admonition" - 1 Co 10:11
  b. They are truly "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
 correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Ti 3:16
 
In Am 8:11-12, we read of a famine for the Word of the Lord that 
would befall Israel, which occurred when they were taken into Assyrian
captivity. Let's be sure that we do not experience a self-imposed
famine of the Word by neglecting to study and glean from such prophets
like Amos!

"A FAMINE FOR THE WORD"
 
 Amos 8:11-14
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. About 750 B.C., an obscure farmer and shepherd was called by God to
 be a prophet...
 a. The man's name was Amos
 b. His mission: to warn Israel of God's coming judgment if they did
 not repent!
 
2. Sadly, the nation did not heed the call to repent...
 a. As a result, they were led into Assyrian captivity
 b. Part of Amos' prophecy that was fulfilled concerned an unusual 
 famine that would come upon the people: A FAMINE FOR THE WORD OF
 GOD! - cf. Am 8:11-14
 
3. Today, there is also a famine for the Word of God...
 a. Different in some ways
 b. Yet similar in other ways, and producing similar results!
 
[In our study today, we will compare the present-day famine with the 
one foretold by Amos...]
 
I. THE PRESENT DAY FAMINE
 
 A. HOW IT IS "DIFFERENT"...
 1. The present famine for the Word of God was not sent by God
 2. On the contrary, it is evident God has provided for a "feast",
 not a "famine"!
 a. We enjoy an abundance of Bibles
 b. Never before in the history of mankind has the world 
 enjoyed such free access to God's Word
 3. Indeed, today's famine for the Word of God is SELF-IMPOSED!
 4. Despite such access to the Bible, the following "Diary Of The
 Bible" illustrates what is often so true:
 a. January: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided
 to read me through this year. They kept me busy
 for the first two weeks. I'm now forgotten.
 b. February: My owner used me for a few minutes last week.
 He had an argument and was checking references.
 c. March: Grandpa visited us. He kept me on his lap for
 an hour, reading 1 Cor 13
 d. April: I had a busy day. My owner was appointed a
 leader of something and used me. I got to go to
 church the first time this year...Easter Sunday
 e. May: I have a few grass stains on my pages. Had some
  early spring flowers pressed in me.
 f. June: I look like a scrap book. They have stuffed me
 full of clippings. One of the girls got married.
 g. July: They put me in a suitcase today. I guess we're
 off on a vacation. I wish I could stay at home,
 as I will have to stay in this thing for a 
 month.
 h. August: Still in the suitcase.
 i. September: Back home again, and in my old place. I have
 lots of company. Two "True Stories"and four
 "Funny Books" are on top of me. I wish I could 
 be read as much as they are.
 j. October: They used me a little today. One of them is 
 sick. Right now I'm all shined up and in the
 center of the table...I think the preacher is
 coming.
 k. November: Back in my old place.
  l. December: They are getting ready for Christmas. I'll be
 covered under wrapping papers and packages.
 
 [Why is there this present-day famine for the Word of God? The 
 answer may be found as we compare this famine with the one foretold
 by Amos and notice...]
 
 B. HOW IT IS "SIMILAR"...
 1. The present famine is the result of similar causes
 a. E.g., material luxury
 1) In Amos' day, this became the cause of pride which God
 hated - Am 6:1-8
 a) Their luxury prompted them to "put far off the day of
 doom" in their minds (i.e., they did not want to 
 think about the future)
 b) God had warned Israel that it might cause some to 
 forget God - Deu 8:11-14,17
 2) Likewise, Jesus warned that riches could choke those who
 had received the Word - cf. Lk 8:14
 a) Today, many in their search for wealth forget about
  God
 b) Others have so filled their time enjoying their 
 luxuries, they have no time for the Word of God
 b. E.g., moral corruption
 1) Consider how corrupt the people had become in the days 
  of Amos - Am 2:6-7
 2) Who can deny that immorality is having its effect on the
 church today?
 a) The world's standards often become the standards of 
 those in the church
  b) When this happens, people will not want to feed upon
 the Word of God
 1/ If they did, it would make them very uncomfortable
 2/ Because of its ability to reveal our true selves 
 - cf. He 4:12-13
 c. E.g., religious corruption
 1) The people of Israel couldn't wait for religious days to
 be over - Am 8:4-10
 2) Today, many people can't wait for services to be over so
 they can work or play
 a) If they are unwilling to spend time in sincere 
 worship...
 b) ...it is easy to see why they won't take time to feed
 daily on God's word!
 2. The present famine also produces similar results!
 a. Amos described a sad picture in Am 8:13-14
 1) Young people fainting from "thirst"
 2) Others falling and not rising again
 b. Doesn't this describe the daily lives of many Christians
  today?
 1) Suffering from a lack of "spiritual food"...
 a) They are easily overcome by temptation!
 b) Even the common trials of life overwhelm them!
 2) This may help us understand why...
  a) Some new Christians fall away
 b) Young people often lose interest
 c) The behavior of some elders, preachers, and teachers
 is what it is!
 c. There are two things that are necessary to resist trials 
 and temptations...
 1) Faith in God: believing that He will provide a way of 
 escape - 1 Co 10:13
 2) Fear of God: that awesome reverence that motivates us 
 to turn from evil - Pr 16:6
 -- The Word of God is designed to impart both! - Ro 10:17;
 Deu 17:18-19; 31:10-13
 
[The condition of many churches today is one of "spiritual 
malnutrition"! Influenced by materialism, immorality, and a lack of 
true spirituality, by CHOICE many have imposed a famine upon themselves
for the Word of God!
 
This helps to explain the discouragement and defeat in the lives of so
many Christians today! What can be done about it? How can we end this
self-imposed famine for the Word of God?]
 
II. ENDING THE FAMINE
 
 A. FIRST, WE MUST APPRECIATE THE "POWER" OF GOD'S WORD...
 1. It possesses the power of CREATION
 a. Demonstrated with the creation of the physical realm - He 
 11:3; Gen 1:3
 b. It has similar power in the spiritual realm, producing true
 regeneration! - Jn 6:63; 1 Pe 1:23; Ja 1:18
 2. It possesses the power of SANCTIFICATION
 a. As praised by David in his psalm - Ps 19:7-11
 b. As mentioned by Jesus in His prayer - Jn 17:17
 3. It possesses the power of PRESERVATION
 a. The young are instructed to keep their ways pure by it - Ps
 119:9
 b. The elders are exhorted to keep the church pure by it - Ac
 20:28-32
  c. A lack of knowledge has always destroyed God's people 
 - e.g., Hos 4:6
 4. It possesses the power of SALVATION and CONDEMNATION
 a. It can save our souls when properly received - Ja 1:21
 b. It will be the standard by which we will judged - Jn 12:48
 -- Should this not motivate us to learn the Word of God? Would 
 it not be foolish to neglect such power in our lives?
 
 B. BUT THEN, WE MUST "FEED" UPON IT...
 1. Like newborn babies longing for their mothers' milk, so we 
 need to long for the word of God! - 1 Pe 2:2
 2. I contend that nothing less than daily reading of God's Word 
 is necessary!
 a. We appreciate the value of daily nourishment for our bodies
 b. Do our souls deserve any less?
 1) They were created in the image of God!
 2) They redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
 3) One soul is more valuable than the whole world put
 together! - Mt 16:26
 3. A simple practice of DAILY BIBLE READING will go a long way to
 ending this famine for the Word of God!
 a. A reasonable goal at first is to read a chapter a day
 1) I recommend reading through the New Testament first
 2) At the rate of one chapter a day, one will easily read
 the NT in a year
 b. Once the habit of daily Bible reading has been established,
 reading three chapters a day will enable one to read 
 through the entire Bible once a year
 1) That is really not much, yet many Christians have never
 read the Bible through once!
 2) It takes the average reader only 20-30 minutes a day
 3) The use of some Bible reading chart or checklist may be
 helpful
 4. As you read, make it a time for meditation and prayer
 a. Meditating upon the Word - cf. Ps 1:1-3
 b. Praying for wisdom and help to obey God's word - cf. Ps 
 119:18,33-37
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. It must have been terrible for the Israelites...
 a. Taken away as captives to a strange land
 b. Unable to feed on the wonderful Word of God!
 
2. But how tragic for those who impose a famine for the Word upon 
 themselves today!
 a. By their own neglect they languish from spiritual malnutrition
 b. By their own neglect they remain captives to sin
 
3. Their tragedy is increased when we realize...
 a. Their neglect is not just one related to the Word of God has it
 existed in Amos' day
  b. But they are neglecting the full and final revelation of God's
 Word given through Jesus and His apostles!
 -- By God's grace they have so much more to enjoy, yet they turn 
 aside from this spiritual feast!
 
4. I challenge everyone to...
 a. Make the commitment not to neglect the all-powerful Word of God!
 b. Feast daily upon that Word which can save your souls!
 
As Paul told the Ephesian elders when he bid them farewell:
 
 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His
 grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance
 among all those who are sanctified." - Acts 20:32

－－《Executable Outlines》