
Amos 1:1-2
“The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
And he said:
‘The Lord roars from Zion
and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
and the top of Carmel withers.’” (ESV)
Amos 7:14-17
“Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now therefore hear the word of the Lord.
‘You say, “Do not prophesy against Israel,
and do not preach against the house of Isaac.”
Therefore thus says the Lord:
“Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city,
and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword,
and your land shall be divided up with a measuring line;
you yourself shall die in an unclean land,
and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.”’” (ESV)
John 10
Click here to read John 10 (ESV)
Sermon Notes
1. God can use
2. God can use anyone who is
3. God empowers us through his perfect shepherd,
Journey Group Questions
Personal Study
In preparation for your group discussion this week, spend some time reflecting upon the message from Sunday and the related Bible verses. Use the interpretive questions below to help you think carefully about the text.
Scripture Focus: Amos 1:1-2; 7:14-17
- Before Sunday, when was the last time you read Amos? What all did you know about Amos?
- According to Amos 1:1 and 7:14-15, what was Amos’ profession? Where did he live? And why is this important?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of a shepherd? Who are examples of shepherds that are mentioned in Scripture?
- What are Amos’ first words of prophecy (v. 2), and what do they mean for Israel?
- What do the narratives of Amos and Jonah have in common? How are they different?
Group Discussion
1. What was one key takeaway you had from the sermon on Sunday? What is one truth you needed to hear and one truth that you will share with someone in your circle?
2. What are some other examples of God using unlikely people in Scripture? How does this encourage you to see yourself as a servant of God, even in times of doubt?
3. What are some common reasons Christians give as to why they cannot be used by God? Do any have validity? Do any of them resonate with you?
4. What are the reasons God may choose to use the lowly, as opposed to using the ‘lofty’ to do His work?
5. Run an honest assessment of your life. In what ways are you being used by God? In what areas might you be resisting God’s call?
6. Last week, we took a moment to consider a believer we look up to. This week, take a moment and consider who in your life reminds you of Amos: Obedient to God, professing God’s truth even in tough situations, and living a life that displays God. Consider reaching out to them and letting them know how thankful you are for them and their ministry.