After a brief hiatus this past week looking at Galatians, I return to my study of Hosea where I left off this past Monday, and my focus this morning is Hosea 7-10, where God continues to describe Israel's unfaithfulness and His plan for her discipline (including exile to Assyria). See also OverviewBible.com's survey of this book. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: 7:2 reminds us that God knows all (omniscient) and no sin is hidden from God and He remembers all sin (see also this post on the books to be opened on Judgement Day). While the new covenant based on Christ's shed blood gives us freedom from the law (see also Galatians 4:8-5:12), we do not have license to continue sinning but instead Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit and as we abide in Him, He abides in us and we bear fruit and He molds us into more of His image (see also John 15:1-10). God wants us to know, love, serve and glorify Him - this is why we exist. Israel, unfortunately, lost its way on this during Hosea's time - readers of today are no different except that now we have Christ who saves us. Hosea also shares God's plans to discipline Israel, including 7:12, 8:5, 7-8, 14, 9:3, 7, 17, 10:2, 10:10, and 10:13-15. At the same time, God is slow to anger and abounding in love - offering mercy and forgiveness for those who repent and turn to Him.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Over these four chapters, much is said that describes Israel's sin and unfaithfulness. Israel forgot God, they worshiped idols, and they claimed to love God with their words and actions but not with a pure heart. Believers of today can just as easily do the same. God encourages us to create fertile ground for Him, and for His Word to take root and bear fruit. See Hosea 10:12.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid worshiping God with an empty heart that is performative vs a contrite heart that genuinely seeks Him. Claim the promise that God will "rain righteousness upon you" if you seek the Lord. Follow the example of Paul, the prodigal son and so many others who repented of their sin. Confess your sins, accept Jesus as your Savior, and seek Him with all of your heart (and you will find Him - Jeremiah 29:13).
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your rich mercy, patience, and for saving me despite my unfaithfulness. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
