Divine Judgment (Amos 6:8-14)
Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament > woe. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. Amos has been addressing a self-righteous people who are not hostile to the Word of God, but indifferent about its impact upon their morality. They have become unthinking in their worship and indifferent in their morality. Read Amos 6:8-14 Common theme: reversal of expectations (1:2; 2:9; 3:2; 3:12; 4:1-3; 5:3; 5:13; 5:18-23). The people are still not responding! God has, in no uncertain terms, made his condemnation of…
Prepared to Make a Defense (1 Peter 3:13-17)
Introduction Peter is concluding his application of the principle that Christians are called to live different, yet exemplary lives. Their goal is to live at peace with everyone. Last week, we considered characteristics and conduct that build fellowship within the covenant community (inward). This week shifts to an outward focus. Read 1 Peter 3:13-17 We will be prepared to make a defense and maintain a good conscience when Christ is set above everyone and everything else. When Christ is preeminent…
Called to Be a Blessing (1 Peter 3:8-12)
Introduction Peter has been addressing those in submission to authority. Christian Relationships: Citizen/Civil Authorities Servant/Master Wives/Husbands The blessings a Christian receives, through union with Christ and other believers, impacts us at every level. Peter is still applying the principle of living differently, yet exemplary lives before a watching world (2:11-12). Read 1 Peter 3:8-12 Peter begins to summarize the section that began at 2:11. He leaves the specific roles of husbands and wives to address all Christians living in exile.…
Woe to Those Who Are Complacent (Amos 6:1-7)
Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. How do you address a people who are not hostile to the Word of God, but indifferent? It isn’t that Israel is actively attacking the faith of their fathers, but they have simply become complacent to apply the truth to any sphere of their lives outside of the worship service. It’s almost like Amos has to begin by convincing them that they are not saved, before he can point them…
The Consideration of an Exemplary Husband (1 Peter 3:7)
Introduction Peter has been addressing those in submission to authority. Until now, he hasn’t addressed those in authority. Maybe he sees the additional attention this relationship needs. If marriages suffer, because of Christianity, their witness will suffer more than with any other relationship. Now, finally…we get to address the husbands! Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 “Happy wife, happy life”? Peter/Holy Spirit, exhorts the Christian husband to have an exemplary marriage. Main idea in 1-6: How a wife relates to her husband…
Religious Reformation (Amos 5:21-27)
Introduction Amos’ judgment > lament. Moral Reformation > Religious Reformation. They possessed no moral character and looked forward to the Day of the Lord assuming it would favor them. Had they lost their salvation? Alec Motyer But to whom was Amos speaking? Even the most casual reading of his book reveals his hearers as a church which had confused assurance with complacency. They not only professed salvation but also an unworried certainty of salvation (cf. 5:14, 18). Their lifestyles as…
The Courage of an Exemplary Wife (1 Peter 3:5-6)
Introduction Peter’s instruction to wives and husbands falls within a section (2:11-3:16) of exhortation to live lives that compliments Christianity in a pagan culture. Christian citizens and servants were to respect authorities (2:14-20). Likewise, wives are to respect their husbands (3:1-6). Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 The pattern of Peter’s exhortation: Reverence For God > Submission to Husband (1-2). Beauty Before God (Affirmation) > Adorning with a gentle and quiet spirit (3-4). Hope In God > Obedience, respect, doing good, and…