Thursday, July 26, 2012

Amos Bible Study Notes Chapter 6


7/23/2012

Amos 6

-Woe is pronounced on those who are at “ease” in Zion and those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria (Amos 6:1). The LORD loathes their arrogance and detests their false sense of security in themselves (Amos 6:8, 13). He is commanding “a smashing up” (vs. 11) as a foreign nation will be lifted up against them for the purpose of affliction (Amos 6:14). The prophet reiterates their primary faults as turning “justice into poison and righteousness into wormwood (bitterness)” (Amos 6:12; 5:24). *Application* How easy is it to let things get comfortable and complacent when things are going well? It is as easy for us to get self-sufficient as it was for the children of Israel when times of prosperity flow and it seems like we can do no wrong. In these times, it is so tempting to give up our reliance on God, who gives and blesses with all His goodness, and think that we have it all figured out. It is at those times of “ease” that we must be very careful and vigilant. I heard a great message a couple of weeks ago on the difference between “ease” and “rest.” God certainly wants us to be at rest in Him (Psalm 116:7, Matthew 11:28-29, Hebrews 4:10-11). “Rest” is the confident assurance that God is in control and that your striving in your own strength is futile and unwarranted. It has the connotation of giving your own rights and placing faith in the Sovereign LORD. “Ease” on the other hand deals with complacency, lethargy, laziness, and luxury. This is where a sneak attack will come from the enemy and destroy the great things God was doing in your life and journey. The best example of this scripturally is David and his fall with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-12:23). Wherever you live, do not succumb to the disease of “ease!”

Verse to Memorize: Amos 6:1

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