We want to go deeper in understanding God’s presence as a way of life for all of us. This truly is what the idea of The Roaring Twenties is all about!
Amos 3:7-8 Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared-- who will not fear? The Sovereign LORD has spoken-- who can but prophesy?
Isaiah 31:4 References the lion’s “growl” which happens to be the same Hebrew word that translates “meditate.” As we meditate on God’s Word the roar of God is awakened within us.
One of the biggest problems I see with most Christians is feeling unqualified to be used by God.
We are inclined to identify with our dysfunction. We are designed to identify with our destiny.
What if I told you that you are unqualified on purpose and this is part of God’s plan to keep you truly reliant upon Him? Think about it! When are you more inclined to pray? When you are in complete control or when things seem to be beyond your control? Maybe God asks us to do things beyond our ability so we learn to tap into His abilities.
We are focusing in this season on Amos 3:7-8 text but I want us to understand today who Amos was and why this is so significant to us in this season.
The original recipients of his message were the citizens of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos was a farmer. Not only was Amos not a religious professional but he wasn’t a northerner.
Amos was an unknown and underestimated shepherd living in a rural area in Judah. Suddenly he emerges having been alone with God having had conversations with God. This would be like an unknown farmer from Gotebo, showing up prophesying and calling order to the church on every level across this land.
The priest of Bethel made it clear that Amos was not welcome and should go home.
Amos 7:14-16 Amos answered, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from tending the flock & said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16 Now then hear the word of the LORD. NIV
I love his response! Rather than trying to prove he was something he wasn’t he simply admitted what he wasn’t right up front. I’m not a prophet nor the son of a prophet.
Stop trying prove yourself to people who are deeply devoted to misunderstanding you.
God’s purposes for you are more powerful than other people’s opinions of you. Relax and you will be revealed correctly. The best you is the relaxed you. Amos had been in conversation with God.Peter and John were uneducated and untrained men but spiritual leaders of their day recognized they had been with Jesus and this set them apart! (Acts 4:13)
No matter how divinely designed by God you may be if you don’t explore and experience the prophetic nature of God in places of prayer as a way of life you’ll never sharpen those skills, gifts and abilities.
We were created to be fascinated! The less we pay attention to Holy Spirit we more we thirst for entertainment.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
#TurnThePage every day. Make time to read your Bible and make time to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life.
Discussion Guide for Community Leaders
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
THE ROARING LION: SUPERNATURALLY EMPOWERED DISCUSSION GUIDE
UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON: We have entered into unprecedented days for the church. God is not taken off guard so we must be intentional about moving from being on our heels to being on our toes. Our mission hasn’t changed. Love is our agenda and making disciples is our focus. God is speaking to His sons and daughters and it is important that we all take the time to hear his voice.
Amos 3:7-8 When the Lion of the tribe of Judah roars we can’t help but prophesy!
Isaiah 31:4-5 Speaks of a lion’s “growl” which also translates “meditate”. As we meditate on God’s Word the roar of God is awakened in our lives.
We’ve been starting our groups with the first and primary question that we want to continue even more specifically during this season:
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. Where are you reading in your Bible and what are you sensing from God?
In the Bible we read about Amos who is in many ways an under-qualified shepherd God called to make a difference as a prophet to his generation. Many of us tend to feel under-qualified.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
2. What were the common things you believe Amos had to overcome to be used by God and how do you relate to that struggle in your life?
Amaziah, priest of Bethel, made it clear that Amos was not welcome and that he should go home. Amos gave a very authentic response:
Amos 7:14-16 Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. 15 But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16 Now then, hear the word of the LORD…. (NIV)
Rather than trying to build a case to prove that he was something he wasn’t he simply admitted what he wasn’t so he could clearly define who he was.
People are searching for something genuine in our generation! This is why it’s so important for us to be both inspired by God to want to make a difference and empowered by God to actively do something to leave the world a better place.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
3. What are the common reasons that would keep us from being genuine and transparent with people?
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. (MSG)
Your relationship with the Holy Spirit is one of the most important relationships you can work at in your life.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (NAS)
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
4. Share an example of a time when you heard somebody, but weren’t really listening to what they said – or a time when somebody else heard you but didn’t listen to what you said.
It is entirely possible to be hearing God but not listening and paying attention to what He wants to tell us. This week we want to work to develop and improve our listening skills with God.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
#TurnThePage every day. Make time to read your Bible and make time to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life.
Next week, be prepared to share with the group what you’re hearing the Holy Spirit speaking to you.