6.29.25 – Amos: Justice, Judgment, and Jesus
Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 1 Timothy 4:16
INTRO
Amos was a real man—a shepherd by trade—called by God to speak during a time of national prosperity in Israel’s history. Outwardly, the people were thriving. Inwardly, they were unraveling. They claimed to worship God while living in disobedience, injustice, and idolatry. God sent Amos to expose this disconnect and warn of coming judgment.
But even in judgment, God offered hope. Amos pointed forward to a better covenant and a better King—Jesus—who would one day fulfill all God’s promises and bring lasting justice and righteousness. His call is still clear today: Seek the Lord and live.
MAIN POINT
Seek the Lord and live: God’s judgment is real, but His mercy is greater—for all who turn to Him.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Begin by reading these passages aloud together: Amos 5:18–24; Amos 6:4–7; Amos 9:11–12
These will help set the tone for your discussion. Let the group pause and reflect after reading.
Additional references from the sermon include: Amos 1:1–2; Amos 2:6–7; Amos 4:6–11; Deuteronomy 28; Genesis 12; Exodus 19; 2 Samuel 7; Galatians 3:13; Acts 2:17–21; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 1:20.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: Where do you see the temptation to live a two-story life—where your Sunday worship doesn’t shape your Monday decisions?
Reminder: Israel was still performing their religious rituals, but their hearts were far from God.
How do you guard against spiritual compartmentalization in your life?
Q2: Amos warned about the danger of false gods, worldly comforts, and oppression. Which of these warnings feel most relevant today—and to you personally?
Reminder: Israel worshiped idols, indulged in comfort, and neglected justice. How can we respond faithfully in a culture with similar temptations?
Q3: God’s covenant curses were not random—they were intended to call Israel back. Can you think of a time when difficulty was meant to wake you up spiritually?
Reminder: “Yet you did not return to me,” God repeated through Amos 4. What helps you respond to hardship with repentance and not just frustration?
Q4: How does knowing Jesus took the curse for your disobedience (Galatians 3:13) shape the way you receive both God’s justice and His mercy?
Reminder: Jesus fulfills the covenant. He is the faithful one who became the curse so that we would be free. Why is a gospel foundation essential to understanding Amos?
Q5: God’s sovereignty is seen even in judgment—He used Assyria to bring discipline. How do you see God’s hand at work in difficult seasons, even when it’s hard to understand?
Reminder: “The Lord has His purposes for every nation, in every season.” How does God’s sovereignty give you hope and confidence?
LET’S REMEMBER:
The message of Amos is not just about judgment—it’s about transformation. God doesn’t want empty worship or superficial religion. He wants lives marked by justice, righteousness, and wholehearted devotion. The call is the same for us today: Seek the Lord and live.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, we admit it’s easy to separate Sunday worship from Monday living. Forgive us. Thank you for Jesus, who took our curse and keeps every promise. Help us seek You and live. Amen.