PREPARED TO MEET GOD?/AMOS 4:1-13

Dear friends, hear me carefully, God makes no special agreements or arrangements for sinners to get into heaven after death. There is only one way: personal faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, repentance leading to forgiveness, and a persevering to the end. So, don’t risk it. As Amos says in our text "Prepare to meet God." Let’s explore how we do so as we enter into the story of Amos.

I) A STORY OF GREED AND STATUS–Vv.1-3

A) Amos begins this section by speaking directly to the women of Israel. He is a bit rude to them by calling them the "cows of Bashan." Bashan was known for its rich pasture land from which the most desirable cattle came. Amos’ criticisms of these women were that they "oppress the poor," "crush the needy," and who order their husbands around (v.1). It could be that Amos is saying that the unsatisfied wants of these women drove their husbands to oppress the poor. Either way they were guilt. Concern for others and order in the home were sacrificed for greed and status. In a sense, we see the same thing today. Women want to be freed from their God-given role of being a help-mate to their husbands. Husbands are driven to seek a sense of worth in their work, but not their work at home. The sad part is that believers have bought into the same notions as the world–worth is found outside our God-given roles of husbands and wives. We are just as much in danger, as Christians, to sacrifice everything for greed and status. We must guard ourselves by a renewed commitment to doing things God’s way–roles in marriage, purpose of work, and finding worth.

B) Amos says that these things–sins against others and God–result in God’s just judgment (v.2). And, there will be no escaping it (v.3). They could not hide nor escape God’s wrath upon their sins. And, the same is true of us today. The God who brought judgment upon the sins of Israel in Amos’ day is the same God who will bring judgment upon sinners today–uncovered sinners that is. Here’s great news: those who are in Christ by faith will not be subject to God’s wrath. Those who repent and flee to Christ will not have to flee from the presence of God when He brings judgment. Now we turn to an interesting, though ...

II) IRONIC CALL TO WORSHIP–Vv.4-5

A) God, through Amos, calls the people of Israel to worship, but says that their worship just multiplies their transgressions/sins (v.4). They were offering all the right sacrifices and offerings, those which God required, but they were considered sinful due to their spiritual condition. In verse 5 we are told that they love to worship God, but God was not at all pleased with their worship. Why? If He required it and they did it, then what’s His problem? He knew their hearts. What of our worship this morning? Is it pleasing to God? Here’s the point: God is concerned with the condition of the heart more than the form worship takes. Pastor Brian reminded us of the kinds of worshipers God is seeking in John 4:23-24. Those who worship in "spirit and truth." In light of all that we have considered, we turn our attention to ...

III) GOD’S CALL TO REPENTANCE–Vv.6-13

A) Amos on five occasions (vv.6, 8, 9, 10, 11) speaking for God says, "‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ declares the LORD." We see God using difficult times as a means to get His people’s attention (vv.6-11). In all this, God was using means to bring His people to repentance–turning from their sin to Him. Yet, in all this, they did not repent and return to God. This is a sad commentary on how many waste God’s gracious, though painful, call to turn from sin and misery. I would encourage you to evaluate the trials and difficulties you are experiencing now through this filter–God’s use of means to either judge or call to repentance. Whether God is judging you or calling you to repentance may be known by the way you handle your difficulties–do they make you bitter, resentful, or angry with others and God? Or do they cause you to look to God in repentance and clarity? cf. Hebrews 12:4-11.

B) Amos, finally, declares what for most should be terrifying words: "Prepare to meet your God" (v.12). This declaration is in the vein of what we hear in Hebrews 10:26-31. Dear friends, we will either meet God as judge or as Savior. We all have an appointment to keep cf. Hebrews 9:27. Secure salvation today by coming to Christ as Savior. Repent of your sins against God, seek forgiveness of those sins, and trust Christ alone to save you.

C) Amos concludes with a picture of the One True God in verse 13. He creates, He reveals Himself, He controls all things, and He is the LORD God of the armies of Heaven. Do you know Him? Are you trusting in His sovereign plan? A proper view of God is essential to life–now and eternally.