Sermon on 17 April 2022 by Ps Justin
Introduction
It is Resurrection Sunday. The Tomb is empty. Jesus is alive!
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. - Mark 16:6
Jesus wept on the road to resurrection, because many people rejected Him and will suffer judgment (Luke 19:41-44). Jesus was tortured and beaten (Isaiah 52:14). He was so disfigured it was hard to tell He was a man. Jesus was mocked (Mark 15:16-20). Jesus was crucified (Mark 15:21-25). It is finished (‘tetelestai’ in Greek, meaning ‘accomplished’, ‘completed’, ‘discharged’) (John 19:28-30). Our Lord Jesus Christ said this before He committed His spirit to the Lord. He is risen (Matthew 28:1-7). If we believe, we will not perish but we will receive everlasting life. This is the greatest gift.
Today, we continue the series on the books of the minor prophets. The book of Amos is about good over evil. The key message is about judgment, punishment and return to the Lord. The key emphasis is about sin, judgment and restoration. The four fundamentals that the book is based on are (1) the holiness of God, (2) the sinfulness of man, (3) the righteousness of God and (4) the sovereignty of God over all nations.
Message
Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. – Amos 5:14-15
There is only one good – that is God. Seek good; seek God. Have the presence of God in you. Love what God loves and hate what God hates. Therefore, love good and hate evil.
The Fear Of The Lord Is To Hate Evil. – Proverbs 8:13a
You Who Love The Lord, Hate Evil. - Psalms 97:10a
Abhor What Is Evil. Cling To What Is Good. - Romans 12:9b
Amos was from the southern kingdom of Judah. In 760 BC, Amos went to the northern kingdom of Israel. His ministry was to the house of Israel. Amos was a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore fruit (Amos 7:14-16). God calls people who are willing, and available, not those who are able. God chooses those who are weak in the world to shame those who are mighty. Amos was a God-fearing obedient servant of God.
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. - Isaiah 53:4
Lesson 1: Judgment of the Lord
In Amos chapters 1 (verses 3, 6, 9, 11 and 13) and 2 (verses 1, 4, 6), Amos announced judgment on the nation of Israel 8 times. Repeated transgressions hurt the heart of the Lord. Only a Christ-like man is a godly man. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to imitate him as he imitated Christ.
Lesson 2: Hear the Word of the Lord
Amos explained to Israel why they were being punished – because they rejected the Lord over and over again (Amos 3:1-10, 4:1-11, 5:1-12). They were told to turn away from sin and hear His word, otherwise they would be chastened and disciplined (Amos 3:10; 4:12).
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? – Amos 3:3
“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” – Amos 4:12
Lesson 3: Vision from the Lord and Restoration
Amos received 5 visions (Amos 7:1; 7:4; 7:7; 8:1; 9:1). Amos saw locusts, fire, a plumb line, summer fruit (which was a prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus on calvary), and the destruction of Israel. God desires us to repent to return to Him. Amos interceded from the nation of Israel. When We Stand Interceding, We must stand with God, we must pray according to the will of God, we must see the seriousness of sin.
And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore. - Amos 7:8
The 5 promises of restoration can be found in Amos 9:11-15. God promised to raise up, repair, rebuild and return (verse 11), possession (verse 12), abundance (verse 13), restoration (verse 14) and inheritance (verse 15).
Closing
Let us remember to seek good and not evil. Be Christ-like, for a Christ-like man is a godly man.
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