Preparing for the Lord's Day
Amos
When a child grows up continually receiving benefits without bearing responsibility, it’s easy for them to believe they are entitled to such blessings. That’s why wise parents couple privilege with responsibility—to cultivate gratitude, not entitlement. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal once surprised many by saying to his children, “We ain’t rich... I’m rich. You have earned nothing.” His point was clear: he didn’t want his children to presume they had a right to his fortune. Instead, he aimed to instill the value of hard work, stewardship, and humility. When you presume entitlement based on privilege you will quickly become irresponsible.
In Amos 3, God confronts His people with a similar warning. Though they were uniquely chosen, they had grown entitled. They mistook their privileges for a guarantee of God’s mercy—while ignoring the responsibilities of faithfulness and obedience. Therefore, God in his mercy calls upon the people of Israel to repent of their waywardness and return to the Lord. And what we will learn is that we must not look to our current privilege, peace, or stability for assurance of future salvation but rather we must look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in his righteousness alone. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Amos 3:1-15, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Hosea 1:4-9, Luke 3:8; 12:48, Romans 2:1-5, Galatians 6:7-9, Philippians 3:4-9, and Westminster Confession of Faith 18.1.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Vast the Immensity, Mirror of Majesty.” the Acclamation of Praise “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!” and the Hymn of Response “My Worth is Not In What I Own” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Amos 3:1-15
Title: Shaky Ground
Outline:
- Your Present Privilege does not guarantee God’s Future Mercy (vv. 1-2)
- Your Present Peace does not guarantee God’s Future Patience (vv. 3-10)
- Your Present Stability does not guarantee God’s Future Salvation (vv. 11-15)