Amos 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations… The text practically applies to all nominal and professing Christians. I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THOSE WHO ARE AT EASE IN ZION? Lazy Christians. Christianity is more than profession, it is even something more than faith. It is carrying into practice the truths we profess. The soul that is at ease sits down very contentedly on his mere profession, and mistakes earth for heaven. II. WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BEING AT EASE IN ZION? 1. There is ignorance of the nature of Christian life. Christianity is not ease, but labour. It is a daily struggle against unbelief and sin. The man at ease does his religion by deputy, or trusts entirely to the "mercy" of God, or relies on outward service and participation in form and ceremonies. 2. There is a dislike of the duties to be undertaken. Self-denial is not congenial to the natural heart. Labour is hateful, conflict repulsive, and therefore men sit down and dream away their opportunities. 3. Self-confidence. Disaster seems so unlikely. We fancy we are so secure that nothing can move us. Our prosperity, our privileges, our apparent tranquillity deceive the heart and lure the soul to sleep. III. THE RESULT OF BEING AT EASE IN ZION. 1. It generates sin. 2. It merits the displeasure of God. 3. It will end in entire destruction. (G. Wood, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! |
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