Unit 1 LESSON 1

March 2, 2025

STUDY TEXT: Amos 1:1; 7:10-17; Jonah 1:1 through 3:5; Habakkuk 1:1 through 3:19

CENTRAL TRUTH: God calls and equips some believers to minister as prophets.

KEY VERSE: Hosea 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets (KJV).

"I sent my prophets to warn you with many visions and parables." (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

What image comes to your mind when you hear the word prophet? Moat people picture a spiritual superhero who fearlessly declares God's words to hostile listeners. The truth is often different. When you truly examine the lives of biblical prophets, many would hardly be confused for superheroes. Three wel known Old Testament prophets--Amos, Habakkuk, and Jonah--demonstrate that God uses ordinary people to proclaim His truth. traits we would consider disqualifying did not hinder God's calling and empowerment of these prophets, their stories show that unknown people, questioning people, and even resistant people can be used by the Lord. He is patient and faithfully helps His chosen messengers.

PART 1- From Shepherd to Prophet

The surprising Prophet           Amos1:1

Amos's story shows that only one factor matters in the making of a prophet: God's call. It was the only Quali cation Amos had and the only qualification he needed. Amos 1:1 tells us that amos was a Shepherd from a small town in the high country of the southern kingdom of Judah. We learn later in his writings that he not only tended sheep, but he was also a farmer who kept fig trees. He was an average person from a small town in Judah, working as a farmer to provide for his family. The two kingdoms had gone their separate ways with different kings, different places of worship, and a different religious expression. God gave Amos a mesage to deliver during a time of relative peace and prosperity for both kingdoms. But God told Amos to go to Israel and deliver harsh words of judgment, disturbing the general feeling of peace. God intentionally chooses who He wants to say what He wants, whenever He wants. His decision is the only qualification required. Amos may have been an unknown farmer from the middle of nowhere, but he was the one God called.

Discuss? What should we do when we feel unqualified for what God is calling us to do? 

Courage to Obey                         Amos 7:10-17

The message Amos proclaimed was not an easy one. In rapid sequence, he issued devastating messages of divine judgment. he pointed to every nation that bordered the northern kingdom and proclaimed God's judgment (Amos 1:2 through 2:5). The nations received short declarations of impending judgment, but when Amos turned his attention to Israel, he proclaimed five lengthy oracles of judgment and five visions of coming destruction. Amaziah rebuked Amos and commanded him to go home. Amos responded that his authority to prophesy in Bethel did not come from any earthly king or religious leader. How could a simple farmer stand his ground before such a powerful man? he knew his message and calling came from God himself. where can you find the courage to proclaim the gospel when powerful authorities threaten you? Our answer is the same as Amos's. If God sent you with His message, then you can sand on his authority and depend on His Spirit's power.

Discuss? List some ways that God's Word conflicts with the world's values today.

Part 2-- Watcher and Writer

Dual Vision                         Habakkuk 1:1-11

There is almost no biographical information about the vigilant and thoughtful prophet Habakkuk. The only detail about his life is found in the last verse of the book, which indicates he may have been a temple musician (Habakkuk 3:19). Habakkuk could not understand why God was allowing the world to spin out of control. Habakkuk saw God's people embracing sin, injustice, and violence-- although they should have known better. He wanted God to correct and punish Judah. But God's answer was not what he expected to hear. Judgment was being prepared against God's people. The Lord was going to use a wicked nation, the Chaldeans of Babylon, to bring judgment on Judah. At least two lessons emerge from this section of Habakkuk: (1). God has never rejected the honest questions of His people. When we look around at the world and see good being called evil, we can be honest with God about how confused and upset we are. (2). God's response and timing may not be what we expect. He will do the right thing every time--even if we do not always understand it.

DISCUSS? How do you typically respond when God is not responding to your prayers in the way you expect?

          Responding to Uncertainty                   Habakkuk 2:1-3

God told Habakkuk the exact way Judah would be judged (Habakkuk 1:5-11). Habakkuk's wondered how God could use people even more wicked than Judah to bring His judgement. Such moments often cause a crisis of faith. habakkuk again asked probing questions of the Lord (verses 12-17). he ended the second complaint by reaffirming his willingness to wait and see what God would do (2:1). Although he didn't receive the answer he expected, he submitted himself to God. In response to Habakkuk's patience and faith, God gave him a clear next step (verses 2-3), His job was to write down what God had said so others could hear and understand it. Habakkuk would call the nation to awareness and repentance. God does not fit into the boxes we create for Him. Habakkuk teaches us that our job is not to advise God but trust Him and humbly wait to see His plan unfold.

DISCUSS? How can you position yourself as a careful watcher to see God's purpose come to pass?

      Part 3- The Twice-Called Prophet

Jonah Rejects God's Call       Jonah 1:1-3

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh--the sprawling capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians' imperial strategy was conquering and ruling through fear and torment so extreme that modern historians are still shocked by their atrocities. When God told Jonah to go and preach there, he headed to Tarshish instead. Jonah decided to go as far as he could in the opposite direction to avoid delivering God's message to the Assyrians. Jonah revealed the reason for his disobedience: God's mercy. He knew God would

forgive the Ninevites if they repented (Jonah 4:2). We must constantly guard our hearts against selectively obeying God.  Even if He has used us in the past, we must be ready to obey Him today--even in the most challenging circumstances.

Discuss? Jonah had a unique reason for not obeying God. What are some other excuses people use for not obeying the Lord?

God Calls Jonah Again                   Jonah 3:1-5

Most of the Book of Jonah is narrative. His only prophetic words are found in Jonah 3:1-5. Jonah's sermon to the Ninevites can be summarized as, "In forty days, God is going to destroy Nineveh." Johnah's rebellion did not alter the message he would take to the Assyrians. God's intentions to reach people do not change just because His messengers occasionally fail. God did not give up on Jonah-and He did not give up on the people living in Nineveh. Even believers who have been used by God in significant ways can struggle to obey when God calls them to something new. If you're afraid, remember that God will not give up on you. When He calls you to do something, it is best to trust Ghim and obey right away.

Discuss? How have you seen God move people from resistance to obedience?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Throughout history, God has consistently chosen to speak through His people This is miraculous all by itself. But when we consider who God chooses to use, we get a better idea of His grace and greatness. The biblical prophets were entirely human. This is good news for the rest of us who are also entirely human. God speaks through unknown people, ordinary people, questioning people, and flawed people. and He can speak through us. Don't let anything keep you from obeying when He tells you to speak.

LIVING IT OUT

         Share God's love and truth with someone this week--even if you are afraid or don't have all the answers.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

    Monday: God Chooses the Levites. (Numbers 3:5-1)

Tuesday: God calls Samuel. (1 Samuel 5:1-14)

                                 Wednesday: Ezekiel Sees Visions of God. (Ezekiel 1:1-3, 26-28)

                     Thursday: God sends Peter to the Gentile (Acts 10:9-20)

         Friday. God Calls Barnabas and Sau. (Acts 13:1-3)

    Saturday: A revelation from Jesus. (Rev.1:1-11)

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 3. Mar. Apr. May 2025