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Having faithfully proclaimed God's revealed words (chapters 1–6) Amos now faithfully proclaims God's revealed visions (chapters 7–9). God's people are expected to take these seriously, for their lives, quite literally, depend on it. In this chapter, Amos makes clear that God's word trumps man's words. May the Lord help us to recognise and submit to all that God says.
Learning about a mature Christian's character, and that of an elder, is being able to think God's thoughts about God's words. Once we understand what these words and characteristics mean to the Lord, then we are in a better place to live them out.
When Scripture says that an elder must not be a drunkard, it speaks to more than avoiding drunkenness. It calls us to have a mature and godly relationship with the good gifts God gives. This qualification reminds us that spiritual maturity involves self-control, gratitude, and wisdom in how we use God's blessings. True Christian maturity is not found in abstaining from good things, nor in overindulging, but in enjoying God's gifts rightly—with thankfulness, restraint, and dependence on him.
The danger of spiritual complacency presents a clear and present danger which Christians all too often do not see clearly as a danger! So it was with the people of God to whom Amos ministered. Amos addressed their woeful complacency in chapter 6 by confronting it (vv. 1–7) and by condemning it (vv. 8–14). May God rescue us by empowering us to both repent and to resist the sin of complacency.
To be hospitable is to be a soul winner. It is to draw or welcome a stranger so that you can invite them into the household of God. This is required of elders and is to be aspired to by all believers. Christians should work to overcome their hesitancy to reach out to strangers and and look beyond strange appearances to see and love strange souls.
Matthew 5:43–48 record some of the most countercultural words in Scripture. Here, Jesus calls us to love like the Father—to love not only those easy to love, but to even love those we might otherwise consider enemies. The text contains three imperatives to help us love like our Father: 1. Reject the World's Love (vv. 43–44) 2. Reflect the Father's Love (vv. 45–47) 3. Reach for the Father's Standard (v. 48)
Colossians 3:1–4 addresses how Christians can experience genuine spiritual transformation and victory over sin. Paul contrasts the bondage of legalistic false religion—characterised by empty rules—with true Christian freedom found in seeking and setting our minds on things above. Rather than focusing on earthly regulations or our own performance, lasting change comes from fixing our minds on Christ and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in him.
The third commandment warns, “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” (Exodus 20:7). This prohibition applies to everyone, but especially to God's people. Though often “at worship,” Israel was nevertheless guilty of taking God's name in vain. She exercised plenty of “God talk” but it was empty talk. It was vain, empty, futile talk. And she would be judged for it. To her great surprise. We too can be equally guilty. Our passage addresses the problem of mere “God talk” under three broad headings: 1. God Talk Exclaimed (vv. 18–20) 2. God Talk Exposed (vv. 21–24) 3. God Talk Exiled (vv. 25–27)
God is the one who appoints the times and events that happen in our lives. He appoints both good and bad times, so that we will come to know and fear him as Lord. We consider two broad truths from these verses: 1. Life is Bittersweet (vv. 1–8) 2. Life is Beautiful (vv. 9–15)
What will move a church to guard its unity and to walk worthy of its calling? What will keep a Christian believing in Jesus in the face of distraction or suffering? What will cause us to worship with joy and thanksgiving? Only what Paul prays for in Ephesians 1:15–23.
What comes to mind when you think of a respectable person? Perhaps someone who is put together, successful, healthy and influential. Even the world has all sorts of standards of respectability, but they sometimes differ from the biblical image. Scripture teaches that being respectable means ordering our lives according to the truth and adoring that truth with our lives. We consider three aspects of what it means to be respectable. 1. Respectable: According to Scripture 2. Respectable: According to the World 3. Respectable: According to Christ
The book of Amos has a way of getting under our spiritual skin, revealing hypocrisy and mere formalism in our professed love for God. Amos is a powerful reminder that God knows whether our worship is faithful or a mere façade. In 5:1–17, Amos addresses this in terms of a funeral dirge. He declares to be dead that which professes to be alive and makes the earnest appeal to seek God and live.
In a world filled with shallow displays of virtue and slavery to sin, true freedom and righteousness is only possible in Christ. Scripture calls us to be self-controlled—not by sheer willpower, but by yielding ourselves to the rule of Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father and now strengthens his people by his Spirit. Together, we'll explore “Christian Self-Control: Christ in Command” through three headings: 1. The command to grow in self-control 2. The heart of Christian self-control 3. Practical strategies for self-control
In Amos, we hear God's thunderous threatening—his roaring resolve of irrevocable judgement. God's people, and the world, were being prepared to meet their God, to give account to him. And depending on their response to this message, they would either meet God in his wrath or in acceptable worship. The choice was theirs. The choice is ours as well. 1. A Stunning Indictment of the Women (vv. 1–3) 2. A Sarcastic Call to Worship (vv. 4–5) 3. A Stubborn Response to the Word (vv. 6–11) 4. A Sobering Warning of Wrath (vv. 12–13)
Possibly more than ever, the believer in Christ needs to be vigilant and awake to the many battles that are raging for a piece of our mind. The sober-minded Christian lives with a single-minded focus on the glory of Christ, which will be revealed to us in eternity and will shape how we live each day in this world. We consider three things: 1. A Definition 2. A Contrast 3. A Circumspect Hope
Amos 3:1–15 warns against the peril of false security before God. Israel imagined that their heritage, religious practices, and prosperity guaranteed safety, but Amos declared that privilege brings responsibility, and grace creates obligation. God's roar through his prophets revealed that judgement was certain, for his justice is impartial and his warnings are never empty. Outward religion and cultural identity cannot save, and wealth cannot protect. Our only true refuge is found in Christ, who bore the judgement we deserve and rose to grant salvation to all who repent and trust in him. Four truths rise to the surface of the text. 1. God's Grace Creates Godly Obligations (vv. 1–2) 2. God's Warnings Point to Serious Consequences (vv. 3–8) 3. God's Justice is Universally Impartial (vv. 9–12) 4. God's Judgement is Humanly Inescapable (vv. 13–15)
After happily hearing of “Yahweh the Warrior” meting out judgement upon the surrounding nations (1:3–2:5), Amos then declares to Israel, “The same Warrior sees your sins as well. Thou art the nation!” Amos 2:6–16 instructs us that to sin against grace is even more awful than sinning against conscience. To whom much is given, much is required.
God's design for marriage from the beginning was clear: one man and one woman joined together in covenant faithfulness (Matthew 19:4–6). This is not only a standard for elders, but a call for every Christian—married or single—to reflect the purity, devotion, and integrity of Christ in relationships. To be “the husband of one wife” is ultimately to be a one-woman man or a one-man woman, faithful in body, heart, and mind. When the church lives this way, it becomes a living testimony of the gospel.
In Amos's first message, he is called to denounce the atrocities of seven nations surrounding Israel. These nations face impending and irrevocable judgement. But while some are crying out, “Amen!” they do not realise their own guilt. The noose of judgement is tightening. Is there any escape?
Corporate fasting, distinct from individual believers simply choosing to fast at the same time, occurs when the church deliberately comes together to fast for specific purposes. Building upon Jesus's teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 that believers should fast joyfully and in secret before the Father, Scripture provides clear examples of corporate fasting. The practice demonstrates collective dependence upon God, creates space for clearer understanding of his word (not mystical revelation), and should be consecrated for specific purposes rather than used as a means to manipulate divine outcomes.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 addresses the human tendency to become paralysed by uncertainty and “what if” thinking, using the metaphor of casting bread upon waters and sowing seed despite not knowing the outcomes. While we live in a world of unknowns, we are called to live boldly rather than passively. The text teaches four key principles for faithful living amidst uncertainty: 1. Live proactively (vv. 1–2) 2. Live contentedly (vv. 3–4) 3. Live faithfully (v. 5) 4. Live actively (v. 6)
Amos is the first of the writing prophets to confront God's people with their need to repent of self-sufficient self-righteousness. Like those to whom Amos was sent, we need to take God seriously preparing for the day we will stand before him. As we do so then his warnings of destruction can be replaced with an anticipation of hope.
First Timothy 3:1–2a issues a call for Christians and churches to pursue blamelessness—before God, before other Christians, and before the world—as a reflection of Christ's character, using the qualifications for church elders as a model for all believers. Every church member should pursue the Christlike character expected of leaders. When this happens corporately, the church becomes a powerful testimony that glorifies God and impacts the world.
Mark 10:46–52 reveals that saving faith is stubborn faith. The Christian life is a war requiring soldier-like vigilance, yet many Christians buckle under pressure rather than persisting in faith like Bartimaeus did. His stubborn faith—refusing to be silenced, throwing off his cloak, and springing up when called—resulted in both physical healing and spiritual salvation, as he immediately followed Jesus to Jerusalem. The text challenges Christians to examine whether their faith demonstrates this same stubborn persistence when faced with opposition, trials, or feelings of guilt.
Active soldiers who fight in war are good soldiers and therefore they suffer. Unlike civilians, active soldiers have the duty of being disciplined and fight to obey their commanding officer who enlisted them. Second Timothy 2:3–4 highlights three things about good soldiers: 1. Good Soldiers are Dedicated to the Gospel Christ 2. Good Soldiers are Disciplined in Service to Christ 3. Good Soldiers are Devoted to the Person of Christ
Having written a difficult letter, the apostle Paul finally concludes. All that needs to have been said has been said. The Corinthians should prepare for Paul's imminent visit (vv. 1–10) and here in his final words he tells them how to prepare: They should 1. rejoice with one another (v. 11), 2. receive one another (vv. 12–13), and 3. remember alongside one another (v. 14)
Anything prioritised over God constitutes idolatry. The account of the capture of God's ark in 1 Samuel 5 emphasises God's supremacy over idols and encourages self-reflection on personal idols and warns against clinging to them, as God will ultimately expose and remove them to receive exclusive worship.
The local church is the primary setting for spiritual growth and members have a biblical duty to care for one another through the word. The various “one another” texts in Scripture illustrate the responsibility of Christians to love, honour, forgive, and instruct each other. A church culture of discipleship is fostered through meaningful membership, where members view their commitment as a covenant to care for and invest in one another.
Paul's great burden for the Corinthian church was for them to be restored to the glorious image of the Lord Jesus Christ. This, of course, is the goal of the gospel. In the final words of this epistle, Paul highlights three requirements for a church's spiritual restoration: 1. Gospel Authority (vv. 1–4) 2. Gospel Assurance (vv. 5–6) 3. Gospel Affection (vv. 7–10)
Second Timothy is a letter about suffering. The apostle Paul has Timothy's tears in mind as he writes the epistle. In 2:3-6, Paul encourages Timothy to lean into his suffering and endure it. In this passage, Paul warns Timothy against three temptations that promise to inappropriately ease the suffering of Christians in every age. 1. The temptation to ease suffering with distraction (vv. 3–4) 2. The temptation to ease suffering through disobedience (v. 5) 3. The temptation to ease suffering by dawdling (v. 6)
The world (evil and corrupt systems) is a very dangerous enemy for God's people, as its influence is subtle and its effect enslaving and blinding, keeping them from savouring Christ and living for eternal things. We consider this text under three broad headings: 1. Cannot coexist with God's love 2. The source is not from God 3. It loves what is passing
The accomplished work of Christ on our behalf, by his Grace, is the greatest motivation to live godly lives that adorn the gospel for his glory.
Luke 23:46 challenges us to reflect on the art of dying well by looking at how Christ faced death: with peaceful confidence and intimate trust in the Father. Jesus teaches us that preparing to die begins with cultivating intimacy with our heavenly Father now. As believers, we are called to live with that same assurance, entrusting our lives—and our deaths—into God's faithful hands.
Psalm 63, written while David was in the wilderness of Judah, fleeing from Absalom's murderous coup, reveals David's deep longing for intimacy with God. Exiled from tabernacle worship, he knew that intimacy was still possible, and he offers some counsel for all who, like him, seek, thirst, and faint for intimacy with God. We consider this Psalm under four broad headings: 1. Desire God Genuinely (v. 1) 2. Seek God Corporately (vv. 2–4) 3. Be Satisfied with God Privately (vv. 5–8) 4. Celebrate God Consistently (vv. 9–11)
Acts 12:20–24 records a brief but striking narrative about a man who, in his pride, opposed the church, only to find himself opposed by God. Herod was a man who suffered deeply from delusions of grandeur: ideas and visions of one's self worth and importance that are out of step with reality. This malady is a temptation for all who are not clearly fixing their gaze on the mission of Jesus. When we seek the flattery and praise of others, we are at risk of deluding ourselves. We consider three things from this text: 1. God's Purpose on Stage (vv. 1–19) 2. Herod's Pride on Stage (vv. 20–22) 3. God's Power on Stage (vv. 23–25)
After thirty sermons in the Sermon on the Mount, the closing verses remind us that it is not only about the teachings but about the Teacher. The Pharisees taught by authority (handed down), but Jesus taught with authority—because he is God, the great “I AM.” The God who gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai is the Jesus who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. But instead of “stay away from the mountain,” Jesus invites us to come because he is the law and the mediator and the sacrifice.
“A Pastor's Prayer for His People” from Philippians 1:9–11 shows Paul praying for love, fuelled by truth and discernment, which leads to a life of purity and fruitfulness. This powerful prayer reveals God's work in us, not only for our transformation but ultimately for his glory and praise. We consider the text under two broad headings: (1) A Pastoral Purpose (v. 9a); and (2) A Prayer for Profound Transformation (vv. 9b–11).
In the final words of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a parable about two builders—one wise, one foolish. Both hear his words, build houses, and face storms. But only one house stands. This message reminds us, that the direction of our lean—our foundation—matters more than appearance. Which way are you leaning and what are you building on? We will look at this parable under the following headings: 1. Foundations Matter 2. Same Blueprint, Different Lean 3. The Storms Will Reveal Your Lean
First Samuel 22 presents a comparison between two contrasting kings—Saul and David—which illustrates the choice every person must make between following God's chosen king or the world's way. Neutrality is impossible: Everyone must choose a side. While following Jesus may not bring popularity or earthly success, it offers the only true safety and eternal life.
Matthew 7:21–23 is one of the most sobering passages in all of Scripture. The mark of the King's servants is that they live according to the will of the King. There are many who are quick to speak in the name of the King, but will one day find themselves unwelcome in his presence.
As Paul prepares for this third visit to the church at Corinth, he is apprehensive over what he might find. He is concerned about the damage done by the false apostles and by those who are self-willed and self-indulgent. He writes, therefore, to give them the heads up by: 1. making a foolish admission (vv. 11–13), 2. professing his fatherly affection (vv. 14–18), and 3. pastorally admitting his fearful apprehension (vv. 19–21)
Anyone who has taken a hike in the wild knows how difficult it often is to identify certain plants and fruit. But in times of survival, being able to identify plants and fruit could mean the difference between life and death. In Jesus' next warning in the Sermon on the Mount, we find an exhortation to identify teachers and Christians by their fruit. Anyone can mask their true intention, but a discerning Christian will know the difference.
As Paul continues to warn the Corinthian church about false apostles, he informs them of a remarkable revelation he had experienced. But he goes on to show another remarkable revelation: God's power revealed in our weaknesses. In doing so, he writes a passage that has brought comfort to millions of Christians by its revelation of God's all sufficient grace.
Matthew 7:12–14 contains two of Jesus most famous Sermon on the Mount sayings: the golden rule (v. 12) and his teaching on the wide and the narrow gate (vv. 13–14). Taken to heart, these exhortations rescue us from pursuing a life of ease and help us to die to self, take up our cross, and daily follow him. We consider two things from these verses: 1. Christian Love (v. 12) 2. The Way to Life (vv. 13–14)
In this very personal, pastoral address to the Corinthian church the apostle Paul is doing something that he hates to do: talk about himself—a course that can be foolish. He is quite literally “playing the fool” to protect God's flock. Sometimes, fools need to be answered (Proverbs 26:5) and in this passage Paul wisely answers them for the welfare of the church.
Matthew 26:64 wonderfully points to the victorious rule and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. In response to Caiaphas's cynical question about his identity, Jesus responded, “Yes, I am Messiah and I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus was prophesying and promising his ascension.
As the spiritual father of the Corinthian church, Paul was deeply concerned about apostolic pretenders who had infiltrated the church attempting to lead her astray; leading her away from her betrothed Saviour. As Paul writes to warn the church, we benefit, for we also need to be alert and aware of Satan's dark servants who pretend to be servants of righteousness. We will study this passage under three headings: 1. A Father's Jealous Care (vv. 1–6) 2. A Father's Sacrificial Commitment (vv. 7–11) 3. A Father's Bold Courage (vv. 12–15)
Corporate worship happens regularly. When Jesus rose from the dead, Christians began to gather on the first day of the week and so, two thousand years later, we continue to do this, every seventh day. Familiarity all too often breeds contempt and we can begin to allow worship to become mundane, or to morph into something that is more about us and our needs than it is about God and his glory. Hebrews 12:28–29 reminds us of some truths about the God that we are gathering to worship, and helps to refocus our hearts and minds, grateful for the opportunity we have each week to worship together. We ask three questions of this text: 1. What is worship (v. 28)? 2. Who do we worship (v. 29a)? 3. How should we worship (v. 29b)?
In Matthew 7:7–11, Jesus tells his followers to ask, knock, and seek for the good things that God promises to his children. We learn two lessons from these verses about the prayers of God's people: 1. Pray with Persistence (vv. 7–8) 2. Pray with Confidence (vv. 9–11)
Matthew 7:1–6 contains a well known teaching about hypocritical judging. Jesus presents us with a warning about harbouring an overly critical spirit towards others and challenges us to see the hypocrisy of doing so. Rather, we are to learn to see clearly so that we may be a help to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Only once we have learnt to see ourselves clearly will we be able to clearly discern between good and evil. We unpack this section in four steps: A warning (vv. 1–2) A challenge (vv. 3–4) Learning to see clearly (v. 5) Clearly discerning (v. 6)
Paul's opponents in Corinth were commending themselves and criticising Paul by the use of a worldly metric. In their estimation, the Corinthians should reject Paul and replace him with them. But, of course, the metric that Paul used was very different to the metric the imposters used—as different as night and day; as different as spiritual light and spiritual darkness. This passage helps us to measure ministry by God's metric.
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