Joel - Next Steps

Message Summary

In the Old Testament, God used prophets to call people to see how they were not living up to His standard. Often, these prophets would herald a coming trial, challenge, or exile as a result of the people of God’s choice to do their own thing instead of following God’s instruction. As a part of this warning, a prophet would implore God’s people to see the error of their ways and turn back to the Lord. This week we examined the book of Joel, seeing how when we heed God’s call to repentance, we can experience His deliverance and refreshment.
What is your reaction when you sense danger is on the horizon

How would you define the role of a prophet?

Do you believe that God still uses people in prophetic roles today? Why or why not?

Read Joel 1:1-12

What was the cause of the destruction that Joel spoke about?

Why do you think this was so devastating for people at that time?

What was Joel calling the people to do?

How does God choose to warn us today?

Are there areas of your life that you need to heed God’s warning?

Read Joel 1:13-15; 2:12-14, 28-2

What does the prophet Joel call God’s people to?

How does Joel describe the character of God? In 2:13 why is that important for us to remember?

How would you define repentance?

Pastor John reminded us this week that the biblical definition of repentance is more than just being sorry. It is to turn away from, change your mind, and return to something we’ve left. How does this understanding of true repentance influence what we do?

What does Joel remind us comes after we truly repent?

Are there areas of your life that you need to repent?

How would the refreshment and deliverance that comes after we truly repent change your perspective on your life today?

Moving Forward

Spend some time reviewing these verses and how they help us understand what it means to refocus our lives on God.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15
Proverbs 1:23
Proverbs 28:13
Matthew 3:8
Luke 17:1-4
James 4:7-10
2 Peter 3:9
1 John 1:5-2:6
Revelation 3:1