Joel, Amos, Obadiah - 9 Sessions

This study will delve into the powerful messages of Joel, Amos, and Obadiah, three minor prophets whose words continue to resonate today. As the renowned theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, 'True prophethood is always a disturbance, a challenge to the comfortable, a threat to the complacent.' We will examine how these prophets challenged the social and religious injustices of their time, offering timeless lessons for our own era.

Joel, Introduction

The book of Joel is a powerful, poetic prophecy that calls God’s people to repentance and paints vivid pictures of both judgment and restoration. Although it is one of the shorter books of the Bible, Joel’s message resonates deeply with believers today, offering timeless truths about God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy. Joel centers around a locust plague—a devastating event that serves as a metaphor for God's judgment—and transitions into a promise of restoration and a vision of the "Day of the Lord," a theme that connects directly to God’s ultimate plan of redemption.

As we begin our study, it’s important to consider how Christians today should approach the Old Testament. While some may view these texts as ancient and unrelated to modern faith, Jesus Himself emphasized their importance. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." The Old Testament is the foundation upon which the New Testament is built, revealing God's character, promises, and the grand narrative of redemption that culminates in Christ. Renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Old Testament is the bud; the New Testament is the flower.” The two are inseparably linked, with the Old Testament pointing forward to Christ and the New Testament looking back to fulfill and explain His work.

Joel’s prophecy, in particular, reminds us that God is not distant but deeply involved in the lives of His people. The call to “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12) is just as relevant today as it was in Joel’s time. As J.I. Packer noted, “The Word of God is the instrument of our salvation, the means of our sanctification, and the fuel of our worship.” Studying the book of Joel invites us to reflect on our relationship with God, to see His hand at work even in trials, and to cling to the hope of His ultimate restoration through Christ.

As we embark on this two-session journey through Joel, let us remember that this book not only speaks of judgment but also of hope—a hope that finds its fullest expression in the Gospel. It challenges us to trust in the God who controls all history and to live in anticipation of the great "Day of the Lord," when His promises will be fully realized.

Amos, Introduction

The Old Testament, often seen as the foundation of Scripture, holds significant lessons for believers today. As we begin our study of the book of Amos, we must remember that while the Old Testament was written long ago, its truths still speak powerfully to us as Christians. The words of the prophets, like Amos, are not only historical accounts but also contain divine instruction meant to guide God's people in every generation. Amos’ message was one of judgment, calling Israel to repentance for their unfaithfulness and social injustice. Yet, within that message is a clear invitation to return to righteousness, a theme that resonates even today.

Amos, a shepherd and a farmer, was not a prophet by profession but was called by God to speak out against the moral decay of Israel. The nation had prospered, but their prosperity was built on corruption, oppression of the poor, and the worship of idols. Amos boldly declared that God's judgment was imminent but offered hope for those who would repent. His words remind us that God is both just and merciful, calling us to live in obedience to His ways.

As Christians today, we must understand that the Old Testament, including the writings of prophets like Amos, is more than a historical narrative. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 15:4, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." The Old Testament is part of God's Word for our growth in faith. The words of Amos challenge us to live justly, act with compassion, and stay faithful to God, especially in times of prosperity and ease.

Charles Spurgeon, the famous preacher, once said, "The Old Testament is full of Christ; the New Testament is the Old Testament unveiled." This reminds us that as we study Amos and other Old Testament books, we are ultimately drawing nearer to the Savior, who fulfills God's promises and calls us to a life of holiness. Let us approach this study with the understanding that while we may be learning from a world far removed from our own, the moral and spiritual lessons Amos delivers still carry the weight of divine truth that speaks to us today.

Obadiah, Introduction

The book of Obadiah, the shortest in the Old Testament, packs a powerful punch. In just 21 verses, we encounter a prophetic message of God's judgment on the nation of Edom and a promise of restoration for Israel. While the specific historical context may seem distant, Obadiah offers timeless truths about God's justice, his unwavering love for his people, and the enduring nature of his promises.

For Christians today, the Old Testament can sometimes feel like a distant and unfamiliar world. However, as renowned theologian J.I. Packer reminds us, "The Old Testament is the seedbed of the New." It provides the foundation for Christian theology, revealing God's character, his covenant relationship with humanity, and the unfolding story of redemption.

While we may not directly experience the same judgments or blessings as the ancient Israelites, Obadiah's message of God's justice and his ultimate plan of restoration still resonates deeply. As the prophet Micah declared, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). By studying Obadiah, we can gain valuable insights into God's heart for justice and his desire to see his people live in a way that reflects his character.

Let us approach the study of Obadiah with open minds and hearts, seeking to understand not only the historical context but also the enduring spiritual principles that continue to guide and challenge us today.

Joel Introduction

Session 1: "Sound the Alarm: A Call to Repentance" - Joel 1:1–2:17

Session 2: "Pour Out the Spirit: God’s Promise of Restoration" - Joel 2:18–3:21

Amos Introduction

Session 3: "Hear the Roar: God’s Call to Justice" - Amos 1:1–2:16

Session 4: "Seek the Truth: Warnings to a Wayward People"- Amos 3:1–4:13

Session 5: "Turn and Live: A Call to Repentance"- Amos 5:1–17

Session 6: "Let Justice Roll: The Day of the Lord"-Amos 5:18–27

Session 7: "Measure Up: The Plumb Line of God’s Judgment"- Amos 6:1–7:17

Session 8: "Hope Restored: The Promise of Renewal"- Amos 8:1–9:15

Obadiah Introduction

Session 9: "Stand Firm: God’s Justice for All"- Obadiah 1:1–21