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