Introduction

In Amos 7 we reflected on our need for voices from outside of our time and culture to speak truth to us. If we are going to be kept from drifting along with the spirit of our age and if we are going to live life in all its fullness, then we need prophets, we need a Word from God, our Creator.

Now this word is found in Scripture–we can hold it in our hands and read it in on our laps. But, as important as it is to know that God’s Word teaches, it will be of no benefit if we do not listen. That is quite self-explanatory, isn’t it? You can be told to brush your teeth again and again, but the mere sound of words does nothing to stop plaque from forming. Hearing a voice from outside is necessary, but it is not the same as actually responding to God and doing what he says. Repentance and faith cannot be reduced to knowledge of the Bible only.

If the above sounds very familiar, then you have been paying attention to the book of Amos. Right at the beginning of this prophecy the people of Israel were warned, they must not trust in their privilege to deliver them from God’s judgment. Having a Bible on the shelf or being a member of a church is not the same as living in relationship with God. The Lord is looking for the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of faith, righteousness and justice. That is the message that he has preached all over Israel again and again. Judgment is coming, seek the Lord and live.

As we come to Amos 8 it appears as if the same message is being repeated once again. Another warning of judgment, another list of crimes. It seems as if Amos is a broken record, playing the same song again and again. But this time there is one key difference, a point of emphasis if you like. And that is the idea that for Israel, the time of repentance is over. God’s patience has come to an end, salvation is no longer possible.

The limits of God’s patience

• Explain how Amos 8:1-3 shows that there is a limit to God’s patience

• Explain how Amos 8:4-6 shows that God’s judgment is fair

• Explain the difference between indifference and patience and why it is a good thing that there is a limit to God’s patience

• Explain how the limit to God’s patience puts us in a dangerous position

Why is judgment delayed?

• Explain how Amos 8:9-10 looks forward to a future day of judgment–Assyrian invasion

• Explain how Amos 8:9-10 points to the death of Jesus Christ

• Explain what happened when Jesus died on the cross

• Explain how forgiveness of sins is given to people

• Explain why judgment is delayed

Patience will come to an end

• Explain how we can live as if God’s patience will continue forever

• Explain what is meant by Amos 8:11-14 and why these verses are very frightening

• Explain how we cannot know when God’s patience will come to an end

• Apply: do not delay repentance for tomorrow or next week

• Apply: have we listened to the things Amos has been saying? Have we made changes in our lives regarding justice, worship, business, and sexual ethics?

Conclusion

May God through his Spirit work a true faith in our hearts if it is absent and strengthen our faith where it is found. May he help us not only to hear his Word but to do what he says. And above all, may the good news of Christ and his payment for our sin comfort us and encourage us to know there is no limit to God’s love. Those who seek him will live, they will be forgiven.