Week 2 - Day 1 Historical Context

Historical context is defined as:

"The historical events in the biblical era, either events recorded in the pages of Scripture or events that form the backdrop for the biblical story."

In the Leaders Guide for our study, Dr. Guthrie interviews another seminary professor by the name of Andreas Kostenberger regarding reading the Bible in the context in which it was given.  He make several statements regarding the four contexts that we are going to cover this week.  When discussing Historical context, Dr. Kostenberger makes this statement regarding the importance of knowing the Historical context:  

"So we first need to understand God's message to the original recipients before we can understand the relevance of God's message for us today."

Dr. Kostenberger shares a great example that is a little lengthy for this post, but I will share with you as we meet next week.  So let's go ahead and get to our lesson for the day.

Amos 5.21-24.  Okay!  Admit it.  You had to look at the table of contents in the front of you Bible to find Amos?  Well, I didn't - I have a thumbed index bible.  Amos is part of what we call "Minor Prophets".  Any idea why they are called the Minor Prophets?  Because the authors where under the age of 18?.....[rim shot].  Thank you I'll be here all night.  Don't forget to tip you waiter.....but seriously.  They are referred to by that name because they are relative small (4 -5 chapters) compare to the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc).

Similar to other minor prophets, God has called Amos to address God's people regarding a whole bunch of stuff going on that he isn't happy about.  Dr. Guthrie provides us a list on page 32.

Number 3 on the list is a rebuke from God for how the people are abusing and cheating the poor - Amos 8:4-6.  Number 4 is a theme that you will see repeated in other Minor Prophets as well - empty religion - see vs. 5:21-24 (our main passage for today).  You may want to read the first 2 chapters of Malachi as well to see the similarities.
  
 5.21-24 God is rebuking His people for the following reasons (all 4 apply):
1 - empty worship gatherings;
2 - meaningless offerings;
3 - empty worship music;
4 - the need for justice;
5 - the need for righteousness.

Question #1: How does your study of the historical context help you understand this passage? Will save this one for our next meeting.

Question #2: What guidelines for living did Amos provide for the Israelites in the last two lines in this passage?   Let justice and righteousness flow.

Question #3: How can believers practice justice and righteousness today in their church?  In their community?  Unfortunately, I think we are just like the world sometimes.  We honor people for all the wrong reasons and not honor them for all the wrong reasons.  We don't address certain sins for what they are (all in the name of not judging).  We have become tolerant.