Amos 6:1-7

"Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria" (v1).

The prophet Amos declares a warning to the nation of Israel that in his day has become "at ease" and "secure". He is concerned not with their comfort but rather with the deeper issue of whom they are trusting. Amos reveals four areas in which Israel has misplaced her trust. Let me suggest that today's church struggles with the same four areas.

#1 Position (v1). We tend to think that we are the best of the best and that everyone wants to be just like us. We have the mistaken belief that we are somehow God's favorites and that God owes us his blessing. We are seriously overplaying our position!

#2 Perception (v2-3). Our comparisons with those around us who may be struggling has led us to the mistaken belief that we are somehow better than they are. Rather than humbly giving thanks to God--we believe that we have earned the blessing.

#3 Prosperity (v4). God's blessing has led us to the mistaken conclusion that we are safe and secure and need not fear His hand of judgment. We are like spoiled children who refuse to obey the very parent who has blessed with every good thing.

#4 Passion (v5-6). We have mistakenly taken our selfish passions to somehow be spiritual exercises. We have denied ourselves nothing and have become oblivious to the real state of things.

The result of our misplaced comfort and security will be exile--the loss of position and the loss of prosperity! (v7).