Bible Studies

A Simple guide for teaching the Bible Amos

by Henry Jaegers
06/16/20
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THE BOOK OF AMOS

Title; The Herdsman from Tekoa

As I have studied this book of Amos, the thing that caught my attention was the unique character and experience of Amos himself. So, to begin this study, let's look at the man Amos.

In the first verse of this book, several things capture my attention. First, the time in which he preached. We do not know how long he preached, but it appears that he preceded Isaiah by a few years. His message was to the 10 tribes of Israel who follows Jeroboam in this counterfeit forms of worship. Amos seems to have a greater understanding of what the sins of Jeroboam were and we find them in more detail than that found in the book of First Kings.

Because he was of the common people as a herdsman, he was not restricted to the Israelite community alone; he appears to have had a great deal of understanding because of his particular relationships with the Jews and Gentiles alike. It is not strange that God would call Amos for this particular ministry.

Finally, consider the testimony that Amos gave concerning his call to do the work of God as he stood before Amaziah the priest who charged him with wrongly influencing the people in the northern kingdom by his message.

I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was a herdsman, and a gatherer of Sycamore fruit: and the Lord told me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

He held to the view that God was the God for everyone and not exclusively for the Jews.

THE SUBSTANCE OF HIS MESSAGE

(Chapters 1-9)

THE TIME OF THE MESSAGE (VERSE 1)

THE REASON FOR THE MESSAGE (CHAPTER 1,2)

A PEOPLE OF PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY  (CHAPTER 3)

UNRECOGNIZED AND UNRESPONSIVE CHASTENINGS FROM GOD

(Chapter 4)

THE IMPARTIAL JUDGEMENT OF GOD VERSUS THE PARTIAL

JUDGEMENT OF MEN (Chapter 5)

A CALL TO ACTION (6:1-6)

THE CONSEQUENCES OF INACTIVITY (6:7-13)

THE PRAYER OF AMOS (7:1-3)

THE ANSWER OF A MERCIFUL GOD.(7:4-10)

HOSTILITY TOWARD GOD BEGINS (7: 11-13)

AMOS DECLARES HIS AUTHORITY FROM GOD (7:14)

THE MESSAGE OF THE “SUMMER FRUIT” (Chapter 8)

THE INESCAPABLE JUDGEMENT OF GOD (9:1-7)

THE INEVITABLE MERCY TO THE FAITHFUL. (9:8-15)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. From verse one, discuss the time, place, and the servant as found in this verse.

2. Notice the words "for three transgressions and for four". Why do you think God used these words?

3. Notice how detailed the sins of Israel are in these verses, and why do you think that God addresses them more harshly?

4. From Chapter 3, What significance is there in reminding them of their past privileges?

5. Describe some of these. To whom do these apply?

6. Chapter 4:12 is a verse that preachers like to expound. Discuss the context of the words "prepare to meet thy God". Note how the surrounding verses give the verse its power.

7. In 7:8,9' discuss the message of the plumb line. Note both the prophetical and practical application and how this message relates to the answer to the prayer of Amos.

8 in chapter 8, reference is given to “the basket of summer fruit”. The summer fruit relates to fruit that must be eaten immediately without haste. How does this message of “the summer fruit” apply to these rebellious people?

9. Discuss the futility of men trying to escape the determined judgments of God. How do men try to escape the reality of judgment today?

10. In chapter 9:10-15, discuss the promises addressed to the faithful remnant, who shall escape the judgment of God. Note: that God always has a remnant faithful to him. Though they are small, God knows who they are.