Sermons
Sermons
THE MINOR PROPHETS
- Joel –
Note: Joel’s teaching-method involves using a recent locust plague
in Judah to illustrate the coming ‘Day of the Lord’ (judgment)
“WHEN was Joel Written?”
- no references in the book, but scholarship places Joel’s ministry in the
historical context of Ahaziah, Athaliah, & Joash (841-796 B.C.)
- Biblical Setting = 2 Kings 12:1-21, 2 Chronicles 23:1-27
“WHY did Joel Speak?”
- to warn the people of Judah of the ‘Day of the Lord’, and call them
to repentance Joel 2:12-17
- to reveal God’s desire to give salvation and bless those who trust in
Him Joel 2:18-32, 3:18-21
- Key Words = ‘Day of the Lord’ …in Retrospect and in Prospect
- Key Thought: Joel 2:12 – “It’s still not too late!” (paraphrase)
Overview of Joel
A. Looking Back on a Day of Calamity Joel 1:1-20
- Reality of Locusts 2-4, Drought 10-12, Fire 19-20
- Reality of Judah’s Indifference and Insensitivity 5- drunken stupor
- Reality of “Wake Up!” call: wail 5; mourn 8; despair, wail, grieve 11
- Repentance Needed 13-18
- Response of the Prophet Joel 19-20
POINT: A Proper Response to an ‘Act of God’
B. Looking Ahead to a Day that is Coming Ch. 2-3
1. Vision of an Army Invasion Joel 2:1-11
2. Call for Repentance _condition of Blessing Joel 2:12-27
= blessing spiritually, and to the land è vs.27
3. Events before the Day of the Lord
- Pouring out of the Holy Spirit 28-29 cf. Acts 2:16-21
- signs in the heavens and on earth 30-32 cf. Matt. 24:29
POINT = “Now” it is time Joel 2:12 _REPENTANCE
-God is Passionate (Joel 2:18) for Jews & Gentiles (32) cf. Rom 10:12, 13
2
4. Events of the Terrible ‘Day of the Lord’ Joel 3:1-21
- Judgment on the Gentiles Joel 3:1-16
- Restoration of Judah Joel 3:17-21 _blessings of God’s Kingdom
…Summary = vs.1, 2a, 16
“What Does Joel’s Prophecy Teach US?”
A. The ‘Day of the Lord’ IS Coming
= the Main Concern Joel 1:15; 2:11, 31
- Consistent with other Scriptures: Isa. 2:12, 17-20; 3:7-18; 4:1-2;
13:6-9; Jer. 46:10; Ezek. 13:5; 30:3; Amos 5:18; Zeph. 1:7, 14;
Malachi 4:5; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Thes.5:2
- Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21) as a fulfilment of Joel 12:28-32
affirms that God’s promise can be trusted
- 2 Thes.2:2 & 2 Pet.3:3-10 tells us that this Day was still seen
as future in the New Testament
B. God is Sovereign
- over nature and nations _controls the course of history Joel 3:17
- 2 Peter 3:8, 9 = sovereign timing for a reason
- our need for sensitivity to events in our lives _“God speaking?”
- God is intentional, passionate (Joel 2:18), focused (Joel 2:27)
C. Prepare for the ‘Day of the Lord’
- Turn to the Lord NOW Joel 2:12-14a, 32
- Walk with the Lord NOW 2 Peter 3:11-14
…value of the Lord’s Warning, Patience, Gift of Repentance
(Rom.2:4; 2 Tim.2:25)
- the TIME is NOW Hosea 10:12; 2 Cor. 6:2; 7:10
