April 19, 2024
NASHVILLE (BP) – This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum by Lifeway Christian Resources.
Bible Passage: Amos 5:4-15
Discussion Questions:
Food for thought:
If I can just …
So many times we convince ourselves that if we can just get this bill paid off, get that promotion or find that perfect person, our life will be so much better. The problem is there seems to always be another bill, a better job than the one we have and flaws in the person we thought to be perfect.
In his third recorded sermon, Amos called for the people of Israel to seek God instead of the fake gods they were worshiping (5:4-9). He announced a coming judgment on those who distorted justice. Amos identified the Lord as the sovereign Creator who brings judgment to all, even the strong.
Amos also delivered an accusation against the people of Israel, calling out their perversion of justice and oppression of others (5:10-13). As a result, the people would not enjoy their gains because of their mistreatment of others. The prophet indicated that the wise would sit in silence as God exacted His judgment. Amos concluded his sermon by calling for the people to begin to pursue good and establish justice with the hope of God being gracious to them (5:14-15). The centerpiece of his message was for them to seek the Lord and live (5:4,6,14).
Seeking God means reorienting our lives to God’s service. The object of seeking God is not personal satisfaction, self-confidence, or even spiritual wisdom. The ultimate object is life itself, in all its fullness.
Experiencing life means that we pass that life on to others through daily conduct that honors God. The call to seek God is not about finding something lost, but about passionately pursuing Someone. Jesus spoke of this pursuit of God, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Matthew 6:33). We too can find life when we pursue God.
