Like a Roaring Lion – Part 2 Amos 1:3-2:5 (read only 1:3-5 here) There are essentially seven judgment speeches against the nations (1:3-2:5). Damascus (1:3-5). Philistine cities (1:6-8). Tyre (1:9-10). Edom (1:11-12). Ammonites (1:13-15). Moab (2:1-3). Judah (2:4-5). The One Question – “What’s wrong with the world?” 1) Treating people as things (1:3-5). o The word ESV translates transgressions (pesaim) is one of the three major words for sin in the Old Testament. It can be translated sin, transgressions, rebellions, or crimes. o While it can’t be proven beyond reasonable doubt, it’s likely that three here represents fullness (think Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and four would be representative of overflow. 2) Profit over people (1:6-8). • The idea of “whole communities” could be a reference to all people, including women and children, or “whole communities” might be a reference to people at peace with Gaza. • So let me say that any activity that denigrates the personhood of anyone is sinful. What’s wrong with the world? Treating people as things, Profit over people. 3) Failure to keep one’s word (1:9-10). What’s wrong with the world? Treating people as things, Profit over people, Failure to keep one’s word. 4) Anger against God’s people (1:11-12). What’s wrong with the world? Treating people as things, Profit over people, Failure to keep one’s word, Anger against God’s people. 5) Ambition (1:13-15). What’s wrong with the world? Treating people as things, Profit over people, Failure to keep one’s word, Anger against God’s people, Ambition. 6) A Vengeful spirit (2:1-3). • Anger and vengeance are the two sides of a boomerang. You throw it at someone and it comes back to hit . . . you. What’s wrong with the world? Treating people as things, Profit over people, Failure to keep one’s word, Anger against God’s people, Ambition, A Vengeful spirit. 7) Rejecting the Word of God (2:4-5). There is always immediate context for God’s Word. There is always important content within God’s Word. There is always inspired conviction in God’s Word. • Dr. Al Bean - “If God smacked us every time we sinned, we would quit sinning or die sooner.” • Dr. Graham - “If God doesn’t destroy America he’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
