Double Woes (Amos 5:18-6:14)
In session 4, Amos lays out details of two specific reasons for Israel to “woe”.
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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
Classroom Instructions
Lesson
Double Woes (Amos 5:18-6:14)
Double Woes Amos will now lay out details of two specific reasons for Israel to “woe.”
- You longed for the Day of the Lord. But because of their wickedness, they too will be on the receiving end of that justice (Amos 5:18-27).
- Two sins
- Complacency: Israel should not feel secure. Even in their lives of luxury, music, food, and wine, those who do not grieve the ruin caused by sin will be the first to go into exile (6:1-7).
- Pride: God abhors the pridefulness of Jacob. Pride is the only sin that makes everyone else around you sick except for you. He will smash the great palaces and humble abodes alike (6:8-14).
The problem is that Israel felt secure because they were God’s covenant people. They can’t wait for the day of the Lord. Amos warns that the Day of the Lord is good news for true people of God who are obedient. But Israel has been unfaithful and will experience the darkness of that day (Amos 5:18, 20).
Application
- It is our complacency and pride that lead to our self-reliance rather than being dependent on God within the boundaries of protection he sets for us.
- Romans 11:22: “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”
- God’s wrath and love are not on opposite ends of the spectrum.
- The threats and reality of Assyrian exile were meant to shock Israel into repentance so they could enjoy the blessings of God again.
- God loves his children. It brings him sorrow when he sees the mess humanity creates when we push past the boundaries he creates. It harms others, it harms us. It causes him to cry out, “Woe!”
Session 4 Discussion Questions
- How would you respond if someone asked you, “What will the Day of the Lord be like?”
- What would cause God to cry “Woe” in your community today?
- God is both kind and stern (Romans 11:22). He is both wrath and love. These qualities are not in opposition to one another. How is God’s wrathful judgment a form of his love?
- Do you believe that God draws us to repentance because he wants to protect us, not punish us? If this is true, why do we often push against his boundaries?
- Does God’s grace compel you to trust and obey him? Slow down and think about this for a while. What blessings are we denying by not trusting and obeying God?
Double Woes (Amos 5:18-6:14) Instructions
Lesson
Double Woes (Amos 5:18-6:14)
Double Woes Amos will now lay out details of two specific reasons for Israel to “woe.”
- You longed for the Day of the Lord. But because of their wickedness, they too will be on the receiving end of that justice (Amos 5:18-27).
- Two sins
- Complacency: Israel should not feel secure. Even in their lives of luxury, music, food, and wine, those who do not grieve the ruin caused by sin will be the first to go into exile (6:1-7).
- Pride: God abhors the pridefulness of Jacob. Pride is the only sin that makes everyone else around you sick except for you. He will smash the great palaces and humble abodes alike (6:8-14).
The problem is that Israel felt secure because they were God’s covenant people. They can’t wait for the day of the Lord. Amos warns that the Day of the Lord is good news for true people of God who are obedient. But Israel has been unfaithful and will experience the darkness of that day (Amos 5:18, 20).
Application
- It is our complacency and pride that lead to our self-reliance rather than being dependent on God within the boundaries of protection he sets for us.
- Romans 11:22: “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”
- God’s wrath and love are not on opposite ends of the spectrum.
- The threats and reality of Assyrian exile were meant to shock Israel into repentance so they could enjoy the blessings of God again.
- God loves his children. It brings him sorrow when he sees the mess humanity creates when we push past the boundaries he creates. It harms others, it harms us. It causes him to cry out, “Woe!”
Session 4 Discussion Questions
- How would you respond if someone asked you, “What will the Day of the Lord be like?”
- What would cause God to cry “Woe” in your community today?
- God is both kind and stern (Romans 11:22). He is both wrath and love. These qualities are not in opposition to one another. How is God’s wrathful judgment a form of his love?
- Do you believe that God draws us to repentance because he wants to protect us, not punish us? If this is true, why do we often push against his boundaries?
- Does God’s grace compel you to trust and obey him? Slow down and think about this for a while. What blessings are we denying by not trusting and obeying God?