Apathy Leads to Destruction

Introduction:

What was as problem for people during the days of Amos – are the same problems we face today – they have just repackaged themselves in a 21st century wrapping. Godly expectations do not change because the nature of sin does not change. In this lesson, we will get to know Amos a little better & discuss one of the prominent themes of his prophecy.

I. The times of Amos

A.     Amos was from the small village of Tekoa – 12 miles S of Jerusalem.

B.     Amos prophesied during the time of Uzziah of Judah & Jeroboam II in Israel.

1.     1:1 - two years before the earthquake…

                                              a.     Both nations prospered, as they had not since the days of David/Solomon. Peace on all sides.

2.     Economically prosperous – 3:11-12, 15; 4:1-3; 6:1-7

C.     Imagine the job of a prophet for a moment.

1.     Daily dealt with rejection, insults, persecution, apathy.

2.     3:1-8 – Amos defends his right to speak – he had been sent out on a mission to deliver God’s message to Israel.

3.     3:9-15 – Israel took great comfort in the knowledge that they were God’s chosen people.

4.     Imagine how this message must have seemed to a materialistic, arrogant, and prosperous society.

II. A warning to apathetic and unconcerned people.

A.     Many living during Amos’ time could have cared less about impending judgment.

1.     Imagine a farmer/rancher type walking through the streets of a sophisticated city – spreading a message of doom, destruction, and devastation.

2.     6:3-6 – people too busy reveling to even notice the continual strengthening of their enemy – the Assyrians.

3.     6:7 – banqueting will pass away.

                                              a.     4:1-3 –an indication of low level of morality in society.

                                             b.     Women play a role in determining the morality of a culture. They are often a spiritual/moral conscience for men.

4.     6:8-14 – complete destruction is coming.

B.     I can’t help but think of our own time.

1.     We are no more sinful today than we ever have been. Sin has a grip on our time, just as it did then.

2.     Americans have largely become rich, arrogant, and secure.

3.     Could our society be too busy to listen to and consider God’s message?

4.     Is God’s truth too antiquated and simplistic for our sophisticated society?

C.     Our culture would do well to learn from history.

D.    Societies that lose respect for righteousness & truth – will ultimately perish.

Conclusion:

A.     Apathy can deafen us form the plain and simple teaching of God.

B.     Throughout scripture, we are warned of the danger of apathy.

C.     Hebrews 2:1