022705

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.)

022005

GOD’S TOUGH LOVE
DOES GOD WANT ME BACK?

Hosea 11:1-2, 5-7 (Monday)
Hosea 11:1-2 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.” Hosea 11:5-7 “Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent? Swords will flash in their cities, will destroy the bars of their gates and put an end to their plans. My people are determined to turn from me. Even if they call to the Most High, he will by no means exalt them.” (NIV)
1) Reading these verses, what do you think is the major emotion running through God’s heart?
2) Read Hebrews 12:6. With this in mind, what is God’s motive for scattering His children, sending war and allowing a pagan nation to rule over them?
3) How do you think it makes God feel when we don’t truly honor Him?
4) Do you see any evidence that God has given up on His children? Explain.
Hosea 11:3-4 (Tuesday)
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” (NIV)
1) Have any of you seen the movie, “A Place in the Heart,” starring Sally Field? (You can view this movie free on Comcast on Demand.) Anyway, a blind man comes into destitute family’s life and over a period of time they come up with a very unique way for him to step outside of the four walls that imprison him. They devised a series of ropes for him to hold onto and follow. These ropes allowed him to venture into a world that was beyond his ability to otherwise reach. I was picturing this scene while reading today’s verses. Those ropes provided this man’s with the gifts of freedom and security. True, there were still places he could not go and if he let go of the rope, he was sure to become disoriented and lost—the ropes served as a safety net that kept him away from any obstacles that might have been in his way, but most importantly, the ropes led him straight to the family—the people who loved and cared about him. (Although, in this movie, this particular man did not start out being very lovable—much like us!) Anyway, in these passages we see God leading His children in much the same way. He was leading them with His great hand—with the ropes of kindness and love. Do you think God can show us real love without putting up “ropes” that set safe boundaries?
2) Has God set some ropes (or boundaries) in your own life? How do you respond to these ropes—as a type of bondage or as the tender compassion and mercy of God? Be ready to share.
3) Do you ever feel compelled to let go of the rope—or are you holding fast? What is the usual result?
4) Just where does God intend for our “ropes” to lead us?
5) What does God say was Israel’s response to His love?
6) People who need to be led are blind. What does John 9:39-41 have to say about blindness? What type of blindness was Jesus referring to?
7) Another reason that people need to be led is that they wander, like sheep. What does Isaiah 53:6 say about this subject? How have we gone astray? What was God’s “rope” in this passage?
Hosea 11:8-11 (Wednesday)
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man-- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath. They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. They will come trembling like birds from Egypt, like doves from Assyria. I will settle them in their homes," declares the LORD.” (NIV)
1) In verse 9 God tells His children (that includes us!) that He will not punish them as they justly deserve—that instead, He is moved by His compassion for them. How do you want to face Jesus and have Him judge you—according to your iniquity (sin) or according to His unfailing love? (See Psalms 103:10)
2) Yet, God will discipline! Why is discipline necessary? What is the motive behind discipline—punishment or correction? Anger or love? Okay, re-read Hebrews 12:6!
3) Again, in verse 11 we see the compassion of God in His dealings with His children. What was the heart of God’s motive for discipline?
4) Israel was like the worse teenager of all time! Sinning over and over again—not listening—going their own way—ignoring the very One who loved them! (Sound like anyone you know?) Yet, can you find one instance where God withdrew His love? How should that speak to our own wayward hearts?
5) Have you ever felt that you have finally blown it with God? According to these verses, is that ever possible?
6) Read Joshua 1:5. Too often we doubt God’s love and faithfulness. Or, we are so concerned that we will fail God. Isn’t it wonderful to know that it is HE that WILL NOT fail us! Isn’t that the most freeing message you have ever heard! Let’s give God a great big Hallelujah!
Psalms 103:8-12 (Thursday)
“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
1) These are not just words on a page. The psalmist David spoke these words out of experience. God had revealed Himself to David in how He responded to different events and yes, sins in his life. Share some ways God has revealed Himself to you.
2) David was not the first one to use these descriptive words about God—they were first spoken about God by God Himself! (See Exodus 34:6) Now, earlier Moses had asked to see God’s glory, but God wanted to make sure that Moses knew what was in His heart! No wonder every knee shall bow! Glory!
3) Tough love—justice tempered with grace! I’m sure we’ve all had a dose of that! Fortunately for us, God found a way to bring an unholy people into His holy family. What made it possible for God to send our sins as far as the east is to the west? (See Romans 3:21-26) Again, what was His motivation?
4) Remember our study of Gomer and how she ended up on a slave block? Did she do anything worthy of Hosea loving her and buying back her freedom? What was his motivation?
5) Have you ever doubted God’s love or worse, like Gomer, refused to respond to it?
6) What was God trying to show Israel in having His prophet show this kind of unfailing love to his wayward wife? Read 1 John 4:19.
Luke 7:40-47 (Friday)
“Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (NIV)
1) The man Simon was a Pharisee. Considering the fact that the Pharisees were strongly opposed to Jesus’ coming and messing with their “religion” and “rules” it was actually quite bold for Simon to open his home to Jesus. So, this shows there was some hope for him. On the other hand, Jewish custom demanded that when a guest entered your home, your lowest servant washed his feet (remember, we’re talking dirt roads here) you personally anointed the head of your guest with oil and offered him the kiss of friendship. Simon had done none of these things for Jesus. Why do you think he failed to show Jesus these well established customs?
2) What steps have you taken in your own life to welcome Christ into the home of your heart?
3) Go back to 7:36—how this sinner woman makes her way into this Pharisee’s house is nothing short of a miracle! She would definitely be considered “unclean” and therefore, unfit to enter the home of such a “righteous” man as Simon. But, clearly, nothing and I mean nothing was going to keep her from Jesus. She “washes” His feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair and never stops kissing them! I’m sure this was quite a scene! In many eyes, her loving display was the epitome of bad taste and judgment—further disgracing her in society—perhaps forever. Jesus says she went away forgiven because she loved much. Why do you suppose she loved Jesus so much?
4) Are you this free in your expression of love for Christ? Why or why not?
5) Suppose we all grew up in a loving Christian family and lived fairly godly lives. Is it a “given” that we only love God “a little?” Is it possible to “love much?” Explain.

021305

GOD'S TOUGH LOVE
HOW MUCH DOES SIN COST?

Hosea 4:1b-3
“"There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land mourns, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the fish of the sea are dying.” (NIV)
1) God has entered the book of Hosea as Israel’s Judge and accuses Israel of 3 major sins. What are they? God points out the progression to their sin. What is it?
2) How does our relationship or faithfulness to God spill over into our relationship with our fellowman?
3) Have you noticed areas in your own life that started out as a “little thing” but lead to further and even greater sin(s)?
4) What does God mean by the comment that there is “no knowledge of God?”
5) Can you name any sins that might result in the suffering of our environment? even to animal life? Why do you think this also grieves God’s heart?
Hosea 4:4-9
“But let no man bring a charge, let no man accuse another, for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest. You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother-- my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. The more the priests increased, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their Glory for something disgraceful. They feed on the sins of my people and relish their wickedness. And it will be: Like people, like priests. I will punish both of them for their ways and repay them for their deeds.” (NIV)
1) The priests were suppose to lead the nation into a right relationship with God--rightfully interpreting God’s truth in His law, intercession, service. Here we find God voicing His righteous anger against them. Yet, what does verse 7 tells us was taking place during this period in Israel’s history? Why do you think this was so? Was this a sign of greater spirituality or moral decay? Explain.
2) Spiritual leadership carries a heavy responsibility (James 3:1.) Why do you think leaders are held to a higher accountability with God?
3) What sins does God say the priests were guilty of?
4) Hosea 4:6 in the NIV is translated as, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” The KJV says, “my people perish.” Is it possible to have an abundance of godly knowledge, yet still not “know” God? It’s interesting to note that when Jesus came to earth some 700 years after Hosea, He accused the Pharisees and Scribes of this same sin. He called them hypocrites! See Matthew 15:1-9.
Hosea 5:13-15
“When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah his sores, then Ephraim turned to Assyria, and sent to the great king for help. But he is not able to cure you, not able to heal your sores. For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them. Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me.” (NIV)
1) Here we finally see the divided nations of Israel and Judah acknowledging the sickness of their souls. But, where do they go to for healing? They turn to a great world power—politics and treaties—with a pagan nation no less! What is this act further evidence of?
2) In the midst of God’s anger we again witness to His great mercy! What is the promise given to these wayward nations in verse 15?
James 4:1-10
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (NIV)
1) James gets right to the source of our sins—our own desires! What sins does James mention that are the direct result of our selfish desires. Sin is again shown as being progressive. What is the root sin?
2) Desires are not wrong! That is not the message here. God has promised to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalms 37:4). James clearly indicates in verse 2 that we don’t have our desires because we don’t ask God for them and when we do we ask with wrong motives. So, will we receive everything we want? How is God’s promise fulfilled in our lives?
3) No wonder people were fighting and quarreling! They had their eyes on things! How can things make us adulterers? Is this idolatry?
4) How do we resist the devil? (See Matthew 4:1-11)
5) List some ways we can draw closer to God.
6) What promises do we have from God in acknowledging our sin and humbling ourselves before Him? See verses 8 and 10.

020605

GOD’S TOUGH LOVE
IF GOD REALLY LOVES ME

Hosea 1:1-10, 2:1; Hosea 3:1-5 and 2 Timothy 2:11-13

Sunday's lesson teaches us about God's loving discipline and also, what our immediate response should be to his instruction. In these passages we find Hosea being asked by God to do something that seems so strange and outrageous to us. What really sticks out to me is Hosea's faithfulness and obedience. That's what it comes down to. Will we obey? Too often we chose to offer up penance, gifts, tithes or good works--God doesn't need any of these! He wants our obedience! Christ obeyed and it led Him all the way to the cross! Romans 12:1 tells us to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices." I think that's what Hosea did--nothing held back--even though it must have caused him great pain and made him of no reputation among the people. A perfect picture of our Risen Lord!

Once again, we find the Hebrew children in rebellion against a living and jealous God--practicing a religious mix of Jewish rituals and pagan idolatry. There was great prosperity in the land, but God showed Hosea that the nation and the people were rotting--from the inside out. Government was corrupt, there was no pure religion, no godly homes, no personal integrity. Murder, idolatry and immorality were rampant! God was crying out to His children, but no one was listening! God was forced to resort to using a "picture sermon" to get their attention.

1. What was the prophet Hosea asked to do? What was God trying to show the people through this bizarre union? God has often called upon his prophets (or spokespersons) to behave in rather unusual ways. Read Ezekiel 5:1; 24:15-18; Jeremiah 27:1-2 and Isaiah 20:2-3.
2. Think of a situation where God used or allowed difficult circumstances (perhaps as the result of your own actions) to draw you back to Himself. When were you able to recognize this situation as God working in your life--immediately? If this is not too painful, please be ready to share.
3. From these passages in Hosea, would you say that God ignores personal or national rebellion or sin? Does God always immediately respond? Explain.
4. Using the 10 Commandments as a guideline, God has clearly set "boundaries" for His people. Consider your reasoning in setting boundaries for yourself or your family--are these boundaries just "unreasonable restrictions" or are they based on wisdom, sound judgment and love--sometimes tough love?
5. God clearly outlines how His people had stepped out of bounds. See Hosea 4. What does He say is their sins?
6. Carefully read verses from Chapter 1:3, 6, 8. Would you say that all these children were Hosea's? What is your reason for your response?
7. Jezreel-(Means God Sows) Here He sows judgment and violence!
Lo-Ruhamah--Not Loved - Israel's enemies would prevail because God's children would not repent!
Lo-Ammi--Not my people - God would reject them because they had rejected Him!
Tough names for Gomer's children. As Gomer's adultery progresses--so does God's judgment!
8. God clearly sees Himself as "married" to Israel. This is the same illustration Christ uses in calling the church His "bride." Since God is all knowing--He, like Hosea, "married" His bride "knowing" she would be unfaithful. While God will judge, 1:10-2:1 speak of God's unfailing love and offers hope to His wayward "bride." What are God's promises to His children? Do you see Israel having any part or taking any action in this promise? Can you see this being fulfilled in Israel today?
9. Chapter 3:1-5 finds Gomer standing on a slave auction block waiting to be sold to the highest bidder! Hosea is told to buy back--redeem, his wife. Fast forward to today. How can we relate to Gomer. Who is Hosea a picture of for us today? At what price are we or were we "brought back?" (Take time to read Isaiah 53 to see what it cost Christ!)
10. Do you see any signs of any repentance or remorse in Gomer? Anything to warrant Hosea's belief that she would be faithful? Was she perfect when he purchased her freedom? What does that tell you about God's love for you personally?
11. Do you think Gomer was grateful? How do you express your gratitude to God for all He has done for you?
12. Hosea 1:10-2:1 tells us there will come a time when God's children will be given new names:
Jezreel--(God Sows) God will again plant his people in His land!
Ammi--My People!
Ruhamah--The ones I love!

Talk about God's mercy and grace!
13. Hosea 3:3-5 tells Israel that they will be a long time without a king, prince--without sacrifices, temple, priests or even idols. Can you see this being fulfilled in Israel today? What does verse 5 promise and how will this be fulfilled?
14. I love 2 Timothy 2:13! "If we are not faithful, He remains Faithful, because He cannot be false to Himself." I have made many promises to God, yet I have not always been faithful--still, He loves and forgives me! God, though His Word, has made many promises to me and not one of them has failed, not one! How do these verses reassure you that God is trustworthy and that your salvation is sure and safe? Glory!
15. What a beautiful picture God is giving us in story of Hosea's marriage to Gomer! Know that God never sends judgment without first warning His children and He always gives ample room for them to repent and turn back to Him. The same is true today. We, too, commit spiritual adultery. Are we immune to God's judgment and/or discipline in this great period of mercy and grace? Remember, God disciplines those He loves! What might be some examples of this happening today?