Justice Rolls Like a River
A Study Guide for When Religion Replaces Righteousness
1. Introduction: A Prophet from the Fields
Amos wasn’t a priest or scholar—he was a shepherd and fig farmer from Judah (Amos 1:1, 7:14–15).
God called him to prophesy against Israel (the northern kingdom), warning them of coming judgment.
Amos boldly confronts sin, hypocrisy, and complacency in a prosperous but corrupt society.
Reflection: God doesn’t need credentials—He calls people who are willing to speak truth no matter the cost.
2. Judgment Begins at the Borders
Amos begins by pronouncing judgment on Israel’s neighboring nations (Chapters 1–2).
He condemns their violence, cruelty, and injustice.
Then he turns to Judah and Israel, showing that God’s people are not exempt from judgment.
Takeaway: It’s easy to cheer when judgment comes to others—but God holds His own people accountable first.
3. Israel’s Injustice Exposed
Amos lists Israel’s sins: oppression of the poor, sexual immorality, greed, corruption, and religious hypocrisy (Amos 2:6–8).
They trample the needy while indulging in wealth and ritualistic worship.
God is disgusted—not impressed—with their outward religious show.
Lesson: Going to church, raising hands, or giving offerings mean nothing without a heart for justice, mercy, and truth.
4. God’s Warnings Ignored
Despite past warnings and discipline, Israel refuses to return to God (Amos 4:6–13).
God repeats the phrase “yet you did not return to me” again and again.
Their religious festivals are meaningless because their lives are corrupt.
Encouragement: God’s repeated warnings aren’t signs of wrath—they’re invitations to repent before it’s too late.
5. A Call to Seek the Lord and Do Good
“Seek me and live” becomes a repeated cry (Amos 5:4–6).
Amos calls for justice to “roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (5:24).
God wants transformed hearts, not hollow rituals.
Truth: If our worship doesn’t move us to love people and seek justice, it’s not worship—it’s noise.
6. Visions of Judgment
Amos sees several visions: locusts, fire, a plumb line, a basket of ripe fruit, and the Lord standing by the altar (Chapters 7–9).
These symbolize that judgment is near and inescapable.
Even the religious leaders resist Amos and tell him to stop preaching (Amos 7:10–13).
Reminder: Truth is often unwelcome—but it is still necessary. The plumb line of God’s Word reveals what’s truly straight.
7. A Hopeful Ending
Despite all the warnings, Amos ends with a promise of restoration (Amos 9:11–15).
God will rebuild David’s fallen tent and restore His people to their land.
This points forward to the Messiah and the hope of God’s unshakable kingdom.
Hope: Judgment is not God’s final word. For those who repent, restoration is always possible.
8. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Amos 3:2 – “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you…”
Amos 4:13 – “For behold, he who forms the mountains… the Lord is his name.”
Amos 5:14 – “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live…”
Amos 5:24 – “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Amos 9:11 – “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen…”
9. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
Why is it dangerous to separate religious activity from godly living?
What are some modern parallels to the injustice Amos condemned?
How does God’s repeated warning—“yet you did not return to me”—speak to you personally?
What does it mean to let justice and righteousness flow like a river?
How can we guard against spiritual complacency when life is comfortable?
How does the book’s ending give hope even after harsh judgment?