Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Amos Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Amos’ life and message remind us that God expects justice, righteousness, and genuine worship from His people. He calls us to stand against oppression, live with integrity, and obey His commands. His message is still relevant today as we strive to uphold God’s standards in our society.
CHARACTER STUDY OF AMOS – PROPHET OF JUSTICE AND JUDGMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Amos 5:24
"But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream."
Supporting Texts:
Amos 1:1, Amos 3:7, Amos 4:12, Amos 7:14-15, Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8, Proverbs 21:3
INTRODUCTION:
Amos was a prophet called by God to bring a message of judgment and justice to Israel during a time of great prosperity. Unlike many prophets, he was not from a priestly or prophetic lineage—he was a shepherd and a caretaker of sycamore trees. However, God called him to speak against the corruption, idolatry, and oppression in Israel.
His message emphasised that true worship of God must be accompanied by righteousness and justice. He condemned the leaders and the wealthy for exploiting the poor and warned them of impending divine judgment. His life and message remind us that God demands holiness, justice, and obedience from His people.
1. AMOS’ BACKGROUND AND CALLING
a) A humble beginning (Amos 1:1)
Amos was a simple shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees in Tekoa, a small village in Judah.
b) Called by God to prophesy (Amos 7:14-15)
Though not from a prophetic lineage, God chose him to be His mouthpiece to Israel.
c) A prophet to the Northern Kingdom (Amos 3:1, Amos 6:1)
He primarily addressed the sins of Israel, though he also prophesied against surrounding nations.
d) His name means "burden-bearer"
His message was heavy, carrying warnings of judgment for Israel’s sins.
e) Biblical Example: Gideon was also an ordinary man called by God for a great mission (Judges 6:11-16).
2. AMOS’ MESSAGE OF JUDGMENT
a) Judgment on surrounding nations (Amos 1:3-15)
He condemned the sins of nations like Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab.
b) Judgment on Judah and Israel (Amos 2:4-16)
He declared that Judah and Israel were guilty before God and would face His punishment.
c) Condemnation of social injustice (Amos 5:11-12)
He rebuked the rich for oppressing the poor and perverting justice in the courts.
d) Warning of the "Day of the Lord" (Amos 5:18-20)
The people thought it would be a day of victory, but Amos revealed it would be a day of darkness and destruction.
e) Biblical Example: Jonah also preached a message of judgment to Nineveh (Jonah 3:4-10).
3. AMOS’ MESSAGE OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
a) True worship requires justice (Amos 5:21-24)
God rejected Israel’s religious ceremonies because they were not accompanied by justice and righteousness.
b) Oppression angers God (Amos 8:4-6)
The rich cheated the poor with dishonest business practices, and God condemned such actions.
c) Justice should flow like a river (Amos 5:24)
Righteousness and fairness should be constant and abundant in society.
d) God demands obedience, not just rituals (Amos 4:4-5)
Empty religious acts without a transformed heart are meaningless to God.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus also rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in worship (Matthew 23:23).
4. AMOS’ VISIONS AND PROPHETIC SYMBOLS
a) The locust plague (Amos 7:1-3)
A vision of destruction that was averted due to God’s mercy.
b) The fire judgment (Amos 7:4-6)
Another vision of destruction that was also prevented by God's mercy.
c) The plumb line (Amos 7:7-9)
A symbol of God's standard of righteousness, showing that Israel had fallen short.
d) The basket of ripe fruit (Amos 8:1-3)
A picture of Israel being ripe for judgment.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph also received prophetic dreams from God (Genesis 37:5-10).
5. REJECTION OF AMOS’ MESSAGE
a) The priest Amaziah opposed him (Amos 7:10-13)
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, accused Amos of treason and tried to silence him.
b) Israel refused to repent (Amos 4:6-11)
Despite God’s warnings through famine, drought, and plagues, the people remained stubborn.
c) False confidence in prosperity (Amos 6:1-7)
The people believed their wealth and power would protect them from judgment.
d) They preferred false prophets (Amos 2:12, Amos 7:12-13)
They rejected the true prophet and embraced deceitful leaders.
e) Biblical Example: Jeremiah also faced rejection and persecution for delivering God’s message (Jeremiah 20:1-2).
6. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION
a) A remnant would be saved (Amos 9:8-10)
Though judgment was certain, a faithful remnant would survive.
b) The restoration of David’s fallen tent (Amos 9:11-12)
A prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah and the restoration of Israel.
c) Abundant blessings in the future (Amos 9:13-15)
God promised a time of great prosperity and restoration.
d) The ultimate fulfilment in Christ (Acts 15:15-17)
The Apostle James cited Amos’ prophecy to show that salvation would come to the Gentiles through Jesus.
e) Biblical Example: Isaiah also prophesied about the restoration of Israel (Isaiah 11:1-12).
7. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF AMOS
a) God can use anyone for His purpose (Amos 7:14-15)
Amos was not a trained prophet, but God used him mightily.
b) True worship must be accompanied by righteousness (Amos 5:24)
