Week 3 - God's Visitation

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*CHURCH UPDATES: Digital and paper connect Card

DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY:

Opening Scripture:

When God Visits because of Sin...

God’s visitation exposes our sin to others

Amos 3:9-10 “9 Proclaim to the strongholds in Ashdod and to the strongholds in the land of Egypt, and say, “Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see the great tumults within her, and the oppressed in her midst.” 10 “They do not know how to do right,” declares the Lord, “those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds.””

Even the wealthy of Ashdod and Egypt would condemn the behavior of the wealthy in the Kingdom of Israel.

God’s visitation allows destruction

Amos 3:11-12 “11 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “An adversary shall surround the land and bring down your defenses from you, and your strongholds shall be plundered.” 12 Thus says the Lord: “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.”

They had oppressed and plundered others and now it will be done to them.

v. 12 Nothing of significance will remain after their pending punishment of destruction

God’s visitation destroys the places of security

Amos 3:13-15 “13 “Hear, and testify against the house of Jacob,” declares the Lord God, the God of hosts, 14 “that on the day I punish Israel for his transgressions, I will punish the altars of Bethel, and the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. 15 I will strike the winter house along with the summer house, and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall come to an end,” declares the Lord.”

Religious Security destroyed (v. 3:14)

Societal Security destroyed (v. 3:15)

Conclusion/Reflection:

Wrath of God:

Romans 1:18 ESV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Saved from Wrath:

Romans 5:9 ESV

9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Wrath Delayed:

Romans 9:22 ESV

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

Wrath No longer delayed...Poured Out

Revelation 16:1 ESV

1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

Talk It Over

DISCUSSION

What effect does it have on others when Christians fail to behave in right ways? (See 1 Tim. 4:2; Hab. 2:6–11.)

What are some of the ways in which people seek comfort in religion? Why is it that special religious clothing and objects cannot save us from God’s punishment on sin (see 1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 51:16–17; Mark 12:33)?

Where is the only place to find true security? (See Ps. 20:7; 131:1–3; Hab. 3:17–19.)

FURTHER STUDY

How had Egypt oppressed the forefathers of the Israelites (see Exod. 1:8–14; 3:7; 5:4–9 and Heb. 11:26), and how had the Philistines harassed Israel (see 1 Sam. 13:23–14:14; 17:1–58; 2 Sam. 5:17–25; 2 Kings 18:8)?

Look up the number of times that the northern kingdom of Israel is referred to as Jacob (Amos 6:8; 7:2 and 5; 8:7). Why is this?

What kind of lives are Christians called to live? (See Isa. 35:8; 1 Thes. 4:7; 1 John 3:3.)