Lesson Notes Amos 7 The Power of the Gospel

February 3, 2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

A Study of the book of Amos (The Power of the Gospel)

Intro.: Amos was given a message that was not welcomed. Eventually, he was asked to leave Israel. In similar fashion, our message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not welcomed. Nonetheless, it is still the great Commission of the church to spread the Gospel. Read: Amos 7:1-17 What is the Gospel? The Good News -The message concerning the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1st Cor 15:1-5 Greek word: (euaggelz ) the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus, the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom: Mark 1:15; Mark 8:35; Mark 10:29; Mark 13:10; Mark 14:9; Mark 16:15; Matthew 26:13; comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God; so that it may be more briefly defined as "the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the proclamation of the grace of God manifested and pledged in Christ; the gospel" Why is the Gospel being rejected (seemingly) more and more today? The church has a poor reputation Christian either cannot explain it or simply do not believe in it anymore There is a spread of universalism and pluralism Why share the Gospel? We are commanded to! Matthew 28:18-20 o The sharing of our faith is not optional for the believer. o Jesus Himself often spoke of the necessity of preaching the Gospel. See Mark 13:9-10 , 14:9 It is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe Romans 1:16 o Paul stated that he was not ashamed to be associated with Christ o Power is defines as the ability to do work Power could also been said to be the vehicle of God unto salvation. No one comes to Christ apart from hearing the gospel message. Inclusive in the gospel message is: o The plight of humanity all have sin Roman 3:23 o The destination of humanity wages of sin Romans 6:23
2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

The Hope of humanity While we were yet sinners Romans 5:8 o The Savior of humanity God so loved the world John 3:16 If these were Christians, why did Paul state in verse 15 he was eager to preach the Gospel to them? o For Paul, the gospel message did not end at salvation, but was inclusive of sanctification, maturation, and service to Christ o Paul taught the each believer was fully equipped at the moment of salvation Resistance to the Gospel: 1st Cor 1:18-28 The Gospel message sounds foolish to the unsaved. 1st Corinthians 1:16 o The Gospel message is illogical to the wise. The Romans o The scribes were the Jewish scholars. See Galatians 3:13 o The debaters were the Greek philosophers. Consider the fact that the Gospel message stated: o A Jewish carpenter was crucified on a cross o He was buried and rose from the grave 3 days later o My ticket to heaven is based upon believing that His death made things right between me and God. God wants those who come to Him to come by faith! Not by sight, or by human reason of what is right or best. Those who understand the plight of humanity recognized why the events occurred like they did. Compare to Naaman and Elisha in 2nd Kings 5:10 Vs. 26 Paul reminds them that they were not chosen because of any accomplishments of their own: o The church in Corinth was not compose of the rich and famous o The disciples were not of notable pedigree o Not because of education o Not because of strength o Not because of fame or notoriety (God doesnt need famous people) Verse 27 God chooses that which is considered weak to shame the world o The Apostles were uneducated and untrained See Acts 4:13 o Weakness carries with it the idea that I realize that I need God for everything in life. Without Him I can do nothing. Humility. Things to remember when sharing the Gospel: o When witnessing, take them to the cross!
2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

o The wisdom of the world cannot answer the questions about God! o The power of the Gospel message lies in the work of God the Holy Spirit o We need to be familiar with the components of the Gospel message

2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

Notes (What is the Lord saying to me, and how do I apply it to my life?)

2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.

Author Bio
An energetic, talented, and Spirit-controlled teacher, Darryl J. Dawson, Sr. - a 2011 graduate of Luther Rice Seminary and former youth pastor - keeps it real. Honest, open and transparent, he makes it easy to open up and have a lively discussion by sharing his own struggles, shortcomings, and successes. Biblically-sound and true to God's Word, Darryl always positions us and challenges us to leave class and go apply God's principles to our lives. Darryl and his wife Shari have three sons, and make their home in Stockbridge, Georgia. They are members of First Baptist Atlanta. Darryl is active in youth sports, coaching championship teams in football, baseball, and basketball. You can listen to the audio that accompanies these notes at http://www.fbalifelines.org/lessons.html

2013 Darryl J. Dawson, Sr.