Week of September 24, 2023
Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you are leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group.
Discussion
SPOILED ROTTON ∙ Amos 8:1-14
GETTING TO KNOW YOU:
Tell us about your favorite memory of fall.
God condemns his people for participating in evil.
DISCUSSION:
The Depiction (vs 1-3) – The moral and spiritual deterioration in Israel passed the point on no return.
The basket of fruit object lesson. This section of Scripture is clearly about the Nation of Israel. Can this be applied to an individual – to pass a point of no return? Discuss the importance of discerning/understanding the subject of biblical promises and curses and to not misapply the Scriptural message or lesson.
DISCUSSION:
The Decay (vs 4-6) – Israel broke God's law and failed to live by His covenant.
Discuss what can (and usually does) happen when we start down that “slippery slope” of misinterpreting, bending God’s requirements and even having excuses to justify our actions.
DISCUSSION:
The Declaration (vs 4, 8-14) Israel became so ripe in sin that she had to be destroyed.
God warned Israel (the Northern Kingdom) of their destruction about 40 – 50 years before they were conquered and destroyed by Assyria. That represents at least one generation. Also, early in Israel’s national history, God waited for the entire generation that had been in Egypt to die off in the wilderness before the next generation was permitted to enter the Promised Land. We don’t know what God’s plans are for the United States but discuss the importance and potential impact a single generation can have on a nation and our need to reach the current and the next generation for Christ.
LESSONS TO LEARN:
- Sin has a decaying effect on our lives and our nation.
- Sin will sooner or later be punished.
- There is seed to sow and a harvest to reap before the end of this season of grace.
Next Steps:
#1 I will recognize sins decaying effect in my life, take responsibility for it, and repent of it.
#2 I will be salt and light in my community while actively sowing the seed of God’s Word.
Talk to God
- How can this group pray for you?
