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GOD’S TOUGH LOVE
CAN GOD FIX THIS?

Hosea 14:1-2
“Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” (NIV)
1) In these verses we find God giving Israel the remedy of their sin. Read their approach in Hosea 6:1-3. Sounds pretty sincere, doesn’t it? Actually, this shows a further decline of their sin. Here we see the sin of presumption. Remember, they were honoring God with their lips, yet bowing down and offering sacrifices to the false god, Baal. Read Genesis 17 and 22. God makes a wonderful promise to Abraham and his descendents. What was it? What was Abraham’s immediate response to God’s word?
2) What was God’s promise to the Israelites in Leviticus 26:12?
i) Webster’s Dictionary defines presumption as: assumption; having an attitude or belief dictated by probability; audacity! Presumption is taking a portion of God’s word, but failing to apply its full truth and application in our lives—presuming on God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness. Israel had the promise that they were God’s chosen people. They assumed that because of this truth God would remain faithful to His word even though they had failed to live up to what God required of them—love, obedience and having a heart full of thankfulness and praise!
3) Another example of presumption is given to us in Numbers 13:2; 13:17-33; and Numbers 14. Why did God not honor their own attempt to take the land that God had promised He would give them?
4) What are some ways we presume upon God’s grace today?
5) Read 1 Samuel 15:22. Why is obedience better than sacrifice?
6) According to Psalms 51:17 and 2 Corinthians 7:10, what is true heart of repentance?
7) What type of sacrifice does God say is pleasing? (verse 2; Psalms 34:1; Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 13:15)
Hosea 14:3
“Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount war-horses. We will never again say `Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.” (NIV)
1) Assyria represents the world system—idols are worthless—even our own strength is powerless to save! Why are these forces useless in our struggles? What is necessary for us to be more than conquerors? (See Zechariah 4:6)
2) Read Exodus 20:1-6. How does God describe Himself? Why do you think he chooses this description? What is His motive or better, what is His heart?
3) How are we orphans?
4) What is God’s remedy? (See Ephesians 1:4-6)
Hosea 14:4-8
“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. Men will dwell again in his shade. He will flourish like the grain. He will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon. O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me.” (NIV)
1) These verses remind me of Genesis 2:9 and Genesis 3. Scripture clearly tells us that both the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil were in the garden. I believe the tree of life must have been very similar to God’s description of Himself in these verses. Adam and Eve could, at any time, have eaten of this tree and lived forever! Yet, man chose knowledge and self-glorification over God! What is at the heart of this choice—t he greatest of satan’s deceptions?
2) What method does God chose to win back His people, His most precious, albeit wayward, of possessions?
3) Read 1 Corinthians 13:4 that describes God’s “agape” love. It’s perfect! How do you respond to God’s unfailing, unchanging love?
4) On our own, are we able to obtain to God’s standard of love? Where does this type of love come from? (See Galatians 5:22) Hosea 14:8 tells us the same thing!
Hosea 14:9
“Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (NIV)
1) In these verses God instructs those that listen to his message to carefully consider what they hear. Jesus made this same statement to his followers (See Luke 14:28-33.) Jesus was telling them that following Him carries a cost—a cost that should be carefully weighed! Have you ever had to pay a price as a follower of Christ? What was the price? (See Matthew 16:24-25)
2) What causes many to stumble at this saying? (See Proverbs 4:19.)
3) What keeps God’s children on the true and right path? (See Proverbs 4:11-12.)
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)
1) Come! What is God freely offering His people in Isaiah 55:1-2? What is the cost? Who pays it? (See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 1 Peter 1:18-19.)
2) What is it the rest our hearts long for? (Exodus 31:17; Hebrews 4:1; 4:9)
3) Does this mean that we are free to just sit back and twiddle our thumbs? (See Ephesians 2:10.)
4) Learn from Christ. What was the example Christ set for us? (See Philippians 2:5-8) Back to obedience! Jesus’ obedience was motivated by love—love for the Father and love for us! It is strange, but it is in our faith, love and, yes, obedience that true freedom is found--not in useless sacrifices or self-effort! (See 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Galatians 5:1-6) Again, learn from Christ—and do God’s will!
5) Circumcision of the flesh, or depending on our own effort or strength, will do us no heavenly good. What kind of circumcision is God looking for? (Deuteronomy 10:16 and Romans 2:29.) Let’s cut away (circumcise) the things that come forth from the heart! (See Matthew 15:19-20.)
6) How are we able to circumcise our hearts? (See Romans 12:2.)