In Amos 1, Amos prophesies against the sins of Israel’s neighbors to the north, south, east, and west.  In Amos 2, he turns the tables, and begins to confront the Israelites for their sin.  In what ways do you find that you are more aware of the sins of others than you are aware of your own sin?  How can we work to combat this tendency?

 

What sins of Israel does Amos identify in Amos 2:6-16?

 

In Amos 4, we read that Israel is guilty of exploiting the poor while living in excess (4:1); and that they engage in empty, meaningless religious rituals (4:4-5); and that have done do into perpetuity, and refused to repent (4:6-11); and that God will judge them for it (4:2-3, 12-13).  How can we, as Christians, be working to identify sins of selfishness and self-righteousness in our hearts, and actively repenting of them?

 

What commands does Amos give to his hearers in Amos 5?  Why are they significant?

 

In Amos 7:10-13, Amaziah (a priest in Israel) accuses Amos of conspiracy, and asks him to leave the country.  How does Amos respond (Amos 7:14-17)?  Why do you think his response is this forceful and severe?

 

How are we to account for the stark contrast between Amos 9:1-10 and Amos 9:11-15?  How are we to reconcile the hard truths of God’s unwavering judgment of sin with the beautiful news of God’s restorative grace for sinners?

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