By Lifeway Christian Resources
NASHVILLE, BP — This week’s Bible study is adapted from Lifeway Christian Resources’ Explore the Bible program.
Bible Passage: Amos 5:4-15
Discussion Questions:
- What are the things people look for in their efforts to find purpose and meaning? How do these things compare to God?
- How does seeking God give life?
Food for Thought:
If I can just…
So many times we convince ourselves that if we can just pay that bill, get that promotion, or find the perfect person, our life will be so much better. The problem is that there always seems to be another bill, a better job than the one we have, and flaws in the person we thought was perfect.
In his third recorded sermon, Amos called on the people of Israel to seek God instead of the false gods they worshiped (5:4-9). He announced a coming judgment on those who perverted justice. Amos identified the Lord as the sovereign Creator who passes judgment on all, even the strongest.
Amos also brought an accusation against the people of Israel, exposing their perversion of justice and oppression of others (5:10-13). As a result, people would not profit from their earnings because of the mistreatment they inflicted on others. The prophet indicated that the wise would sit in silence as God exacted His judgment. Amos concluded his sermon by calling on people to begin to seek good and establish justice with the hope of God’s mercy (5:14-15). The centerpiece of his message was for them to seek the Lord and live (5:4,6,14).
To seek God means to reorient our lives towards the service of God. The object of seeking God is not personal satisfaction, self-confidence, or even spiritual wisdom. The ultimate object is life itself, in all its fullness.
Experiencing life means imparting that life to others through daily conduct that honors God. The call to seek God is not to find something lost, but to pursue someone passionately. Jesus spoke of this pursuit of God: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matthew 6:33). We too can find life when we pursue God.
