Stick with Jesus: The outcome is not in question.
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SERMON NOTES:
Joel 2:28-3:21
Stick with Jesus: The outcome is not in question.
The future Day of the Lord will bring…
…exceptional closeness with God. (2:28-29)
…unique signs and wonders. (2:30-31)
…salvation for all who follow Yahweh. (2:32)
…divine judgment for all enemies of Israel. (3:1-17)
…the ultimate restoration of Israel. (3:18-21)
study questions:
Note: This section in Joel describes the future “Day of the Lord”. This “Day” is not a literal day or single event, but rather a time-period including the 7-year Great Tribulation, the Millennium and The Eternal Kingdom (New Heaven and Earth). This period of time will include both great blessings and terrible judgments.
1. Read verses 2:28-32. What blessings will be experienced when the future “Day of the Lord” comes (see verses 28-29, 32)? Who will experience these blessings? In context, who does “all flesh” include? Just Israel (Jewish people) or all people who turn to God? Why? What events will be evident at this time (verses 30-31)? How is verse 32 used by Paul in Romans 10:11-13, and to whom does Paul apply these verse?
2. Read verses 3:1-8. Joel 3:1-8 announces the judgment of nations that have come against Israel. What sticks out to you about God’s announcement through Joel? How would you describe the tone of this announcement? What do you learn about God?
3. Read verses 3:9-17. Joel 3:9-17 describes the judgment of nations, and in verses 12-13 Joel uses agricultural illustrations to describe God’s judgment. What do you learn about God’s judgment from these illustrations? What is the voice of the Lord like according to verse 16? How should Israel respond to the voice of the Lord according to verses 16-17? How should we respond?
4. Read verses 3:18-21. These verses describe blessings that Israel will receive during the Millennium (literal 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth). What are these blessings? How are they described? Take some time to imagine and discuss what it will be like for those who get to experience these blessings. What happens to the enemies of Israel while God’s people are being blessed?
So what. What have you learned or been reminded about God, and how does this apply to your life? What have you learned about the future that encourages you in the present?