As we continue to make our way through the Minor Prophets, we arrive at the smallest book of prophecy, the book of Obadiah. In just 21 verses, we see God’s determination to restore His people through judgment on display in the destruction of Edom. We also learn four important lessons for our lives today about the destructive nature of pride and the trustworthy sovereignty of God, our good and just Judge.
Main Points
Through judgment, God will restore His people.
Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride.
Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God’s people are saved through judgment.
Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.
Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord’s.
Key Takeaways
Napoleon is known for his pride. His pride led to his destruction.
Similarly, the book of Obadiah tells about the pride and fall of the Edomites. Yet it also contains a message of hope that through judgment God will restore His people.
God’s indictment against Edom (vv. 1-2) is sent among the nations as a warning against pride.
Verses 3-4 describe the Edomites’ problem: their arrogance. God promised to oppose Edom for their pride.
The Lord declares total devastation will come to Edom (vv. 5-9).
Verses 10-14 demonstrate how this pride from Edom has manifested toward the Israelites, their blood relatives. They should have allied with Israel but instead, they were violent toward them because of their pride. In doing so, they opposed both God and God’s people.
Verse 15 is a key verse. It describes a reversal of fortune. Essentially, in colloquial terms, “what goes around comes around.” God promises the Edomites will drink a cup of judgment, bringing about their own demise by their destructive actions even as God Himself judges them for rejecting Him. Thus we see the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty.
Obadiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, and quickly. The Nabateans overthrew Edom. This was the prophecy’s immediate fulfillment.
But the ultimate fulfillment will be Jesus’ second coming when God judges all the nations—the righteous unto salvation and unrighteous unto judgment.
Verses 17-21 transitions from a message of destruction to a message of hope and restoration. Though God judged His people (see the book of Amos), a remnant remains and God will restore them.
God’s ultimate objective is the realization of His eternal kingdom to bless His people forever.
Lesson #1: Obadiah reminds us of the destruction of pride.
The Noah Webster Dictionary of 1828 defines pride this way: “Pride is inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.”
The ultimate expression of pride is living without an understanding and declaration of our desperate need for God.
The most severe manifestation is the willful rejection of the triune God and His Word.
All pride leads to destruction.
Yet it’s inherent in our fallen nature. Even as believers, our flesh wrestles with our new self in Christ. But God in His love allows the destructive consequences of pride to humble us and bring us to repentance.
Lesson #2: Obadiah reminds us that God’s people are saved through judgment.
We have all acted in the sin of pride in opposition to God. And we are saved through judgment—God’s judgment of sin poured out on Christ in our stead.
Lesson #3: Obadiah reminds us that God is just and will judge; this is good news.
God will right all wrongs. And He is a better Judge than we are. Vengeance is His (Romans 12:19-21).
Lesson #4: Obadiah reminds us that the eternal kingdom is the Lord’s.
Justice is coming. This world is not our treasure. As we sing, “Though the nations rage and kingdoms rise and fall, there is still one King reigning over all; and I shall not fear, for this truth remains—that my God is the Ancient of Days.”
The greatest declaration of pride is, “Lord, I don’t need You.” May our humble declaration be, “Lord, I need You.”
Discussion Questions/Application
Personal application:
Spend some time asking the Spirit to help you identify pride in your heart. How do you see pride show up in your life on a weekly/daily basis? How do you live as though you don’t need God? How do you see apathy toward God show up in your life? If you have trouble, think through a recent conflict. How did your pride play a role? Are you experiencing any destructive consequences of pride right now?
Consider: Do you see a holy hatred of pride growing in your life? How? If not, how can you begin—through the Holy Spirit’s power—to cultivate it more?
Discuss with your community group:
What wrongs are you struggling with right now, desiring to see justice prevail? How can you more fully embrace God as our Judge and trust His timing and plan in this?
Share about a time when pride led to destruction in your life. What happened? How did God use the consequences of your sin to lovingly discipline you and draw you to Him? How did you see James 4:4-10 at work?
Passages Referenced
James 4:4-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:19-21
Worship Set List: The Passion, Firm Foundation (He Won't), Nothing Else, Death Was Arrested, Lord I Need You
Main Idea: History connects us to the past; forgetting it risks repeating mistakes.
Main points:
Pass down your faith story.
Pursue justice and care for the marginalized.
Reject empty religion and pursue true worship.
Remember God’s faithfulness.
Speak truth in love.
Recognize God’s judgement and repent.
Key takeaways:
-We, as believers, are like Amos: regular people called by God to speak the truth.
-where sin is rampant, destruction is sure to follow.
-The Lord cares about the heart of worship far more than the act of worship.
-prioritize a genuine relationship with God and resist the worldly schedule that makes that hard or impossible.
Discussion questions and applications:
-Israel, God’s elect, became oppressive. Have you ever forgotten your redemption story and become an oppressor rather than the humble redeemed? (An accidental Pharisee)
-Idolatry is often covert. Pray and ask God to reveal yours.
-Sin leads to destruction. That destruction can be in this life, or you can be free from it by allowing the Cross to redeem it and fully pay for it. If destruction has been caused by your sin, is there someone you need to repent to and seek forgiveness and restoration? Before total destruction.
For Community group discussion:
-Are there areas in our community we should be reaching out to in love as the Church? What opportunities do you see?
-Has chasing the world ever compromised your seeking first the kingdom of God? And caused you to forget parts of the community?
-If you have not cared widows and orphans (James 1), what is holding you back?
Scripture references:
Book of Amos; 2 Kings 17:6-9
This week, we continue our study of the minor prophets in the book of Joel. The book of Joel shows us that our Creator and Redeemer God is a God of judgment but also a God of mercy who stands ready to restore His people when they come before Him in repentance. This book also points to a time when the Spirit of God would be present in all God’s people.
Main Points:
1. The Day of the Lord is a Day of Judgment
Joel 1–2:11
A locust plague devastates the land.
This is a covenant curse (Deuteronomy 28:38).
It is a foreshadowing of an even greater judgment (Babylonian invasion).
Israel is being treated like Egypt for covenant unfaithfulness.
📖 “The Day of the Lord is indeed great and very awesome; who can endure it?” – Joel 2:11
2. The Day of the Lord is a Day of Mercy & Restoration
Joel 2:12–32
“Yet even now, return to Me…” (Joel 2:12).
God is gracious and compassionate (Exodus 34).
Edenic renewal promised: restoration, fruitfulness, peace.
Salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord (Joel 2:32).
3. The Day of the Lord is a Biblical Pattern
Noah's Flood: Salvation through judgment.
Sodom & Gomorrah: Destruction and rescue of Lot.
Exodus: Judgment on Egypt, salvation through the blood of the lamb.
Cross of Christ: The ultimate Day of the Lord.
Jesus bore judgment to bring salvation.
4. The Day of the Lord in the New Testament
Acts 2: Fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy at Pentecost.
Romans 10: “Everyone who calls… will be saved.”
Revelation: Final judgment, final restoration.
Application (2 Peter 3:3–15)
1. Don’t forget: The Day is coming
Don’t be lulled into thinking God delays. He is patient.
2. Be diligent to be found in Christ
Live with urgency, in holiness and godliness.
3. Regard the Lord’s patience as salvation
His delay is a mercy for more to repent and be saved.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Do you see God’s justice and mercy as compatible - or in tension? How does the cross inform your viewpoint?
Are you prepared for the Day of the Lord? If it came today, would you be found in Christ?
How does understanding the pattern of salvation through judgment shape your view of suffering or discipline?
What signs of God’s mercy have you seen in hardship?
Are you telling the next generation about what God has done? (Joel 1:3)
How are you yielding to the Holy Spirit in your life? How does the gift of His presence encourage you?
“For those who are in Christ, the Day of Judgment is no longer a threat - it is the Day of Salvation.”
Closing Encouragement:
“The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend… even so, it is well with my soul.”