Not So Minor Prophets Series
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Week 1 – Mercy
[Jonah]
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To SEEK JUSTICE and to LOVE MERCY and to WALK HUMBLY with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Mercy – “che·sed” – Lovingkindness, goodness, unchanging love, kindness, devotion
Jonah (yo-naw’) means “dove” or “pigeon” – “messenger”
Message to Nineveh: Judgment against Nineveh because of the wickedness of the people (1:2), “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed” (3:4).
Jonah runs from God (1)
Jonah went in wrong direction (1:3)
God mercifully arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah (1:17)
Jonah prays (2)
He notes that “those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies” (v. 8)
BUT, Jonah will praise God and fulfill his vows because God alone saves (v. 9)
Jonah delivers God’s message (3)
The people repent
God shows mercy
Jonah is angry at the LORD’s mercy (4)
Jonah says, “I knew that You are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love” (v. 2).
Jonah begs for death if Nineveh doesn’t face judgment and waits to see what will happen (v. 3-5)
Plant shades Jonah but worm destroys it (v. 6-7)
Is it right for you to be angry?
You feel sorry about the plant… Nineveh had more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness… SHOULDN’T YOU FEEL SORRY? (v. 9-11)
1) Read Jonah 1:9-16.
When Jonah admits that the storm is his fault for running from the LORD, and he requests that the sailors toss him into the sea, what is their initial response?
In verse 14, the sailors cry out to the LORD, pleading for His mercy. What pops out to you in this verse?
When the storm stops at once, how do the sailors react? Have you seen this before?
2) Read Jonah 2:8-9.
What does Jonah believe about those who worship false gods?
What does this belief of Jonah do to God’s mercy?
3) Read Jonah 3:9-11. How does anger relate to mercy? How can we be a people who “feel sorry” (have empathy) for people, so that we show compassion and mercy?
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Week 2 – Brother’s Keeper
[Obadiah]
Obadiah means “servant of Yahweh” or “worshipper of Yahweh”
Jewish Tradition (Talmud) say the time period is before the exile, but some say after exile.
There’s more than one Obadiah in the Bible. We aren’t sure which one is this Obadiah.
Obadiah is the shortest book of the OT; Obadiah is not quoted in NT.
Jeremiah 49:7-22 similarities
Jacob and Esau:
Judah – descended from Jacob
Edom – descended from Esau
The Edomites wouldn’t let the Israelites pass through their land when they came out of Egypt (Numbers 20)
The Edomites joined with the Moabites and Ammonites to attack Judah (2 Chronicles 20)
When Israel is in urgent need and the enemy is at the gates of Jerusalem, the Edomites help THE ENEMY (v. 11, 14). God sends Obadiah to predict the extinction of the Edomites (v. 18) because they are not willing to serve as their Brother’s Keeper. God promises His people that He will destroy their enemies and they will live in peace (v. 19-21).
Obadiah preceded Joel and influence seen:
v. 10 = Joel 3:19
v. 11 = Joel 3:3
v. 15 = Joel 1:15; 2:1; 3:4, 7, 14
v. 18 = Joel 3:8
The troubles between Jacob and Esau continued in the New Testament. Edom was forced to leave their mountain territory. When they moved, they became known as Idumeans. Herod the Great, who was an Idumean, was the king who attempted to murder Jesus (from the line of Judah) by ordering all babies under age 2 to be killed.
1) Read Genesis 27:39-40. Isaac spoke this to Esau. How do we see this develop in the life of Edom from reading Obadiah?
2) Read Obadiah 10-14. What are some of the things that Edom did that was not certainly not being a “Brother’s Keeper”? How are we supposed to “keep” our brothers? *
V. 11 –
V. 12 –
V. 13 –
V. 14 –
3) Read Obadiah 15-17, 20-21. These passages reference the Day of the Lord. Look closely at both Edom and Israel in these passages.
What does the Day of the Lord encompass for Edom?
What does the Day of the Lord encompass for Israel?
4) Read Numbers 20:14-21 & Luke 6:28-32. This is when Edom refuses to let Israel pass. What is Israel asking Edom to do? What would Edom lose if they obliged and allowed Israel to pass through their land? How does Edom’s actions go against what Jesus teaches?
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Week 3 – Repent & Receive
[Joel]
Joel means “Yahweh is God.”
Message delivered to Judah about impending judgment – the Day of the LORD, a call to repentance, and the final restoration of God’s people.
JUDGMENT & MOURNING
Joel 1:15 – “The day of the LORD is near, the day when destruction comes from the Almighty. How terrible that day will be.”
REPENT
Joel 2:12 – “Turn to Me now, while there is time. Give Me your hearts. Come fasting, weeping, and mourning.”
Joel 2:13 – “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
RECEIVE
Joel 2:28-32 – “I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on servants – men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on earth… everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
JUDGMENT & BLESSING
Joel 3:13 – “Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread the grapes, for the winepress is full.” (Revelation 14:15-20)
Joel 3:21 – “I will pardon My people’s crimes… and I, the LORD, will make My home in Jerusalem with My people.” (Revelation 21:3)
1) Read Joel 1:4. What is the difference between the various types of locusts mentioned? What does this mean?
2) Read Joel 1:5-13. What types of people are listed? What is the response from each people group?
3) Read Joel 2:12-13. What does the LORD request? What does this mean?
4) Read Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:16-21, and Galatians 3:13-14.
What are the similarities and/or differences between these two passages?
Why do you think Peter quoted this passage?
Did the events in the book of Acts fulfill the prophecy of Joel completely or partially?
5) Read Joel 3:12-13 and Revelation 14:14-20. What are the similarities? What can you glean from the judgment of God?
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Week 4 – Idolatry
[Hosea]
Hosea means “salvation.” The message was for the Israelites.
Hosea 1-3: Marriage to Gomer
Hosea 1:2 – Go and marry a woman of promiscuity
Gomer’s children:
Jezreel – God scatters (1:4)
Lo-ruhamah – No compassion (1:6)
Lo-ammi – You are not My people (1:9)
Hosea 4-11 – Warnings of Judgment
There is no knowledge of God
Don’t know-know God (4:1-11)
Idolatry of Baal (4:12-19)
Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” [ESV]
They trust in alliances with other nations
Hosea 11 – Love of God for Israel
God is loving Father, Israel is rebellious son
Hosea 11:8 – How can I give you up? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.
Hosea 12-13 – Review of history of the Israelites
Jacob and the Israelites
Choosing King Saul
Hosea 14 – Hope for the Future
God’s Promise – Hosea 14:4 – “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” [NIV]
Hosea 14:9 – “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.” [NASB]
1) How does Hosea remind us of God? How does Hosea’s relationship with Gomer remind us of God’s relationship with His people (including us)?
2) Read Hosea 3:1-5.
How did God tell Hosea to love his wife?
Describe this love. What kind of love is this?
3) Read Hosea 6:1-2.
When does Hosea believe God will heal and restore Israel?
Does this remind you of something?
In these verses, what is the only necessary thing for us to do? Is this easy or difficult?
4) How does the story of Hosea and his promiscuous wife affect the way you view God, and the sacrificial price Jesus paid to purchase your redemption? (self-reflection)
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Week 5 – Complacency
[Amos]
Times are good in Israel – prosperity, peace, strength, security
Amos brings plumb line to measure Israel against God’s perfect standard… The result… complacency!
Judgment on Israel because of Complacency – Amos 2:6-16
Self-satisfaction
Unawareness of deficiencies
Immorality
Injustice – oppression of the poor
Stagnant religion – No action religion
Religion without Repentance – 4:6-13
Religion without Reformation (no change) – 5:11-12
Stench and Noise of Complacency – Amos 5:21-23
I hate, I despise, your feasts!
I can’t stand the stench of your solemn assemblies
Take away from Me the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
How to Respond Complacency
Amos 6:1 – Woe to those who are at ease… those who feel secure
Get out the PLUMB LINE in your own life – Amos 7:7-9
Live intentional, take off your blinders & actively choose love
Amos 5:15 – Hate evil, love good
Amos 5:24 – Let justice flow
1) Read Amos 5:6-15.
How does this passage describe the godly way of living?
How does this passage describe how the Israelites were living?
2) Read Amos 8:11-12.
What kind of famine is referenced in this passage?
What do you think this means?
The LORD desires for us to know Him, to know His commands, to read His Word, to live as He designed. Why then would He allow a famine of the hearing of His words through the prophets?
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Week 6 – Justice
[Micah]
Micah is a writing prophet, name means “Who is Like Yahweh”
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To SEEK JUSTICE and to LOVE MERCY and to WALK HUMBLY with your God.” – Micah 6:8
What is Justice?
Just behavior or treatment, fairness
We typically think of justice as “bring to justice” – a person receives punishment for one’s misdeeds.
What about doing justice? To act or treat fairly? Justice is not simply about punishment being handed out. Justice is also about fairness in our treatment of ALL people.
Oppressors, Unjust Leaders, & False Prophets Judged
Plotting evil (2:1)
Fraud, coveting, violence (2:2)
Stealing, dishonesty (2:8)
Driving widows from homes (2:9)
Hating good, loving evil (3:1-2)
Despising justice, distorting what is right (3:9)
Murder and corruption (3:10)
Taking bribes (3:11)
1) Many people during this time were enjoying great prosperity. With great prosperity also came an increase in social injustice and moral decay.
Is there a relationship with prosperity and injustice? If yes, why?
Is there a relationship with prosperity and moral decay? If yes, why?
2) Read Micah 2:6-11. The people reject Micah’s message. What do the people want to hear?
3) Read Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5-6, Luke 2:4-7, Micah 7:18-20. What does it say about God that He would give such a message of promise to people who were so unjust with others?
4) Read Micah 6:8. How is justice, mercy, and humility linked together?
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Week 7 – The Goodness of God
[Nahum]
Sequel to Jonah – Message to Ninevites & Judah. Nahum is a book of judgment of the Assyrians, a message of comfort to Judah. Nahum means “comfort.”
The Assyrian army is at height of its power, seeking new territory. They were guilty of attacking Israel. God had used them to punish Israel; however, God would punish them for disobedience and their hatred for the people of God. Prophesy fulfilled when God allowed the Assyrians to be conquered by Babylonians in 612 B.C.
Nahum 1:2-3
The Lord is jealous (1 Peter 2:9 – You are precious to Him, His special possession)
The Lord is slow to anger
The Lord is great in power
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good,
“Towb” – pleasant, agreeable, good, beautiful
A Stronghold in a day of distress;
“Mauz” – a place or means of safety, protection
He cares for those who take refuge in Him. (He knows those who trust Him)
“Yada” – He knows
“Chasah” – To seek refuge
Circumstances may say otherwise, but THE LORD IS GOOD!
“God is eternally & unchangeably good. He cannot be better; He cannot be worse – He is absolutely perfect. There can be no improvement, & there can be no depreciation in Him.”
– Spurgeon
ONLY GOD is Good
Matthew 19:17 – There is only One who is good
God is good to EVERYONE
Psalm 145:9 – The Lord is good to everyone, His compassion rests on all He has made
God’s plan is ALWAYS GOOD
Genesis 50:20 – God planned it for good (Joseph to his brothers)
You have the choice to experience the goodness!
Psalm 34:8 – Taste and see the Lord is good
1) How does God’s righteous anger differ from our sinful anger?
2) Read Nahum 1:3-6.
How is God described in verses 1 & 2?
How do these three items relate?
What is the response to the LORD in this passage? What does this mean to you?
3) Read Nahum 1:7. God knows those who trust in Him. What does that mean to you?
4) Read Nahum 2:13 & Romans 8:31. In Romans 8:31, we read, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Does this then mean that if God is against them, who could be for them?
5) Read Nahum 3:7. This verse asks who will mourn for Nineveh when it is devastated. Who do you think will mourn for Nineveh?
6) Read Nahum 3:19. How is the message of Nahum different from the message of Jonah?
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Week 8 – Our God Sings
[Zephaniah 3:17]
Jerusalem will be told… this is the future of God’s people…
Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, He’ll calm you with His love and delight you with His songs. [MSG]
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. [NLT]
The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. [NASB]
THE LORD – the One and only God
YOUR GOD – He’s personal. He’s your God
GOD IS PRESENT – He is alive and active.
GOD SAVES – He is mighty to save, He alone can save [HEBREWS 7:25]
GOD REJOICES – He rejoices over you with gladness, happy to have you back [LUKE 15:10]
GOD RENEWS – In His love, He makes no mention of past sin [PSALM 103:12]
GOD DELIGHTS – He delights in you with singing, He delights in you and who He made you to be in Christ Jesus.
1) Read these passages and paraphrase:
Zephaniah 3:17
Psalm 147:11
1 Peter 1:6-7
Romans 2:29
1 Corinthians 4:5
2) Looking at the passages above, we can see each one references God’s delight in His people. In these passages, what is connected to His delight?
3) We have just discussed that God’s delight in His people is connected to our delight in Him.
Why should we be glad if He delights in us?
Why is it dangerous for us to be so focused in His delight in us?
4) How can we continually delight in the Lord?
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Week 9 – Discerning God’s Will
[Habakkuk]
Habakkuk’s First Prayer (1:1-4)
Habakkuk complains of injustice in Judah (v. 2-3)
God’s First Answer (1:5-11)
God responds that he was sending Babylonians to punish Judah (v. 6)
Habakkuk’s Second Prayer (1:12-17)
Habakkuk complained about God’s answer (v. 13)
Unfair to use wicked Babylonians to punish less wicked Judeans
Habakkuk Waits for God’s Response (2:1)
God’s Second Answer (2:2-5)
God will do as He determined.
The Five Woe Oracles (2:6-20)
Habakkuk’s Third Prayer (3:1-15) (2, 13)
Habakkuk’s Confidence in God Expressed (3:16-19) (17-19)
Discerning God’s Will (Habakkuk 2:1)
Saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9
Spirit-filled – Ephesians 5:17-18
Sanctified – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Submissive – 1 Peter 2:13-15
Suffering –1 Peter 4:19, Philippians 1:29
Do whatever you want – Psalm 37:4
1) Read Habakkuk 1:2-3. What are the two questions Habakkuk asked?
2) Read Habakkuk 1:5. What are the actions you read in this verse that God commanded Habakkuk to take? What does this say to you?
3) Read Habakkuk 1:12-13. How is the second prayer different from the first prayer?
4) Read Habakkuk 2:1. How would you translate this (write the verse in your own words)?
5) Habakkuk said he would stand at his guard post or on the watchtower. This watchtower was positioned above ground level. Why do you think Habakkuk positioned himself there?
6). In Habakkuk 2:1, it is revealed what message was expected to be received from God. What was Habakkuk expecting? How was he prepared to respond to the message?
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Week 10 – Honoring God
[Haggai]
Darius took control & approved rebuilding of the Temple
God directed Haggai to encourage leaders in Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple
Haggai told people to get priorities in order and place God first
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. [NASB]
Glorify God (1:1-15)
“Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,” says the LORD. (1:8 NASB)
Stay Committed to God’s Plans (2:1-9)
Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts (v. 4b ESV)
Please God by Living Holy Lives (2:10-19)
THINK CAREFULLY (v. 15, 18a, 18b)
Serve God Faithfully (2:20-23)
Zerubbabel promised to be made like God’s signet ring, because God chose Him.
1. Haggai encourages the leaders to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Today, we know that this temple is not the same. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21, 1 Peter 2:5.
Where is the temple today?
How do we ensure today’s temple is a priority?
2. One common phrase in Haggai is “think carefully” or “consider.”
What should we be thinking about carefully?
Why should we be thinking about these things carefully?
3. If we are aiming to honor God, is it still okay for us to enjoy nice things in life? If so, when is it not okay?
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Week 11 – Praying the Promises of God
[Zechariah 10]
Zechariah means “The Lord Remembers.” Like Isaiah, this book is filled with a lot of prophesy pointing to Jesus. Zechariah is before the 400 years of silence (intertestamental period). Zechariah speaks of the Messiah, the end-time events.
Zechariah contains eight visions (chapters 1-6). God gave Zechariah the visions, Zechariah describes each one and an angel is asked what is meant by the vision. These visions include: the vision of the horses, the vision of the four horns and four craftsmen, the vision of the measuring line, the vision of the high priest, the vision of the lampstand and olive trees, vision of the flying scroll, vision of the woman in a basket, and the vision of the four chariots.
The Crown and the Branch [Zechariah 6:11-15]
The Coming King [Zechariah 9:9-10]
The Promised One [Zechariah 10:4]
Christ is the CORNERSTONE of His people – see Isaiah 28:16
Christ is the TENT PEG of His people – The tent peg was where valuables were hung, everything of value that we have is in Christ.
Christ is the BATTLE BOW – Victory is His and through Him – see Revelation 19:11-16
Christ is the RULER of His people
He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19), He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23), He is able (Romans 4:21)
Praying the Promises of God
We obey God’s command when we pray – we are supposed to seek Him in pray
Zechariah 10:1 Ask for rain at time of Spring Rain
We acknowledge our dependence on God when we pray
We need Him – we can’t do anything on our own
We acknowledge God is in control when we pray
We is in control of all things, He is in, through, and above all things
We actively participate in the process when we pray
Read Scripture and Paraphrase:
John 8:32, 36
Romans 6:22
Consider the chain link as the chain that once held you down.
How do you live out this promise from God in your life?
ACTION: Write on the Art Piece – “I am free.”
Read Scripture and Paraphrase:
1 John 1:9
Isaiah 43:25
How do you live out this promise from God in your life?
ACTION: Write a past or current sin in the sand. Wipe it away. Remember, you are forgiven in Christ Jesus.
Take time to thank God for His forgiveness. Pray that you can extend grace to yourself and move forward from this past sin. Ask that the Lord strengthen you to fight temptation and stand firm in your faith.
Read Scripture and Paraphrase:
James 4:8
Matthew 28:20
John 14:26
John 16:7
Consider the last time you felt alone. Why did you feel alone?
How do you live out this promise from God in your life?
Fire represents God often in the Bible. Fire gives us a beautiful image of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God’s presence is seen as fire in the Bible (ex: Burning Bush). The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us. God’s purifying work in our lives is also seen as a fire in the Bible, and the Spirit of God works to purify, to sanctify us in His Truth through the Word and the Spirit.
ACTION: Light a tea-light candle to remind yourself of God’s presence in your life, and to declare that you will try to be more aware of His presence.
Read Scripture and Paraphrase:
John 3:16
1 Peter 1:3-5
1 John 5:11-13
Revelation 21:2-3
Consider these great promises of Eternal Life and a New Heaven and New Earth. Thank God!
List 3 reasons why this promise is amazing?
Who are you excited to see again soon?
How do you live out this promise from God in your life?
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Week 12 – Revival
[Malachi]
Malachi means “My Messenger.”
In Need of Reviving Relationship with God
Defiled/Defective Animal Sacrifices (1:6:14)
“I wish one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle a useless fire on my altar” (v. 10).
Corrupt Priests (2:1-9)
“You… have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction” (v. 8)
“I will spread animal waste over your faces” (v. 3).
Mixed Marriages (2:10-12)
“Acted treacherously”… “A detestable act”… “married the daughter of a foreign god”
Divorces (2:13-16)
Lack of Tithe (3:8-10)
Robbing God (v. 8-9)
Bring the FULL TENTH to the storehouse (v. 10) – TEST ME!
Psalm 85:6 – Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? [ESV]
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. [ESV]
REVIVAL BEGINS WITH PRAYER
PRAY FOR CHANGE
CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU!
Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. [NIV]
Revive means making alive, keeping alive, and giving more life.
1) Read Psalm 119:25.
What does it mean to revive “according to Your Word”?
How can we live this out?
2) Read Psalm 119:37.
What does it mean to revive “in Your ways”?
How can we live this out?
3) Read Psalm 119:40.
What does it mean to revive “through Your righteousness”?
How can we live this out?
4) Read Psalm 119:88.
What does it mean to revive “with Your faithful love”?
How can we live this out?
Tania Gutekunst 