When we get a grip on God’s justness, we more fully embrace God’s grace.
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SERMON NOTES:
Joel 2:1-27
When we get a grip on God’s justness, we more fully embrace God’s grace.
Our just God in action. (1-11)
Our just God provides a way to experience His loyal love. (12-17)
Our gracious God in action. (18-27)
study questions:
1. Read verses 1-11. According to verses 1-2, what does Joel command the people to do, and why does he give this command? Take some time to list all the different ways Joel describes “the great and powerful people” in verses 2-10. Why do you think Joel goes to such great lengths to describe this army of people? According to verse 11, who sends this army against the people of Israel? Why is this important?
2. Read verses 12-13. What is Joel calling the people to do in these verses? What does it mean to “rend your hearts and not your garments” in verse 13? List the different words used here to describe God. Does the description of God in verse 13 seem consistent with the picture of God we get in verses 1-11? Why or why not?
3. Read verses 14-17. In what ways does Joel describe how to “return to God” in verses 14-17? How would you summarize these verses in your own words?
4. Read verses 18-27. List the different ways that God responds to His people authentically returning to Him. List also the different ways, in verses 21-26, the people should respond to God as He forgives and blesses them.
So what? How has your view of God been impacted by your study in Joel? How does this affect your relationship with God? Do you have an attitude that seeks to “rend your hearts and not your garments” (vs. 13a) in response to your sin and in your relationship with God?