We are so glad that you joined us today at North Main Street Church of God. At North Main, we exist to develop completely committed followers of Christ who...

Know Christ intimately,

Grow in Christ continually, and

Go for Christ daily

The Cheated Prophet
(Hosea)
Yearly Theme: “Goodness is… Governing”
Series Title: “Goodness in G minor”
May 19th, 2024

Something to think about:

As we continue our series on the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, we come to the longest of the 12 minor prophets (14 chapters): Hosea. Hosea is a prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, more than likely from Samaria, who is called by GOD to prophesy against the northern kingdom for their continued idolatry and unfaithfulness to Him. In the process of calling Hosea to prophesy, GOD also tells him to go and marry a woman who has been sexually promiscuous. It must be noted here that this seems counter to the character of GOD, and at first glance it definitely is. However, as we consider the writings of Hosea, we see that Hosea is writing this part of the narrative in the past tense. Many scholars deduce from this that having married Gomer and gone through the difficulties of her unfaithfulness to him throughout his years married to her, he is, in hindsight, declaring GOD’s hand and guidance throughout his marriage to her.

When Hosea married Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, she became pregnant three times (to two sons and a daughter), and Hosea named them: Jezreel (“God plants/sows”), Lo-ruhamah (“Not loved”), and Lo-ammi (“Not my people”). We read in chapter 1 of Hosea that Gomer “bore him a son,” whereas the next two births indicate that Gomer became pregnant and “bore a daughter,” “bore a son,” thus suggesting that they were born of adulterous affairs. This whole narrative was an expression of GOD’s heart toward Israel (His beloved), and their continued unfaithfulness to Him as their GOD. The marriage union between Hosea and Gomer is intended to reflect the Spiritual marriage between GOD and His people Israel. Like Gomer, they have prostituted themselves to other so-called gods and have left the GOD who loves them and has provided for them since the beginning. But what is GOD to do with an adulterous bride?

Well, first there will be judgment and punishment for their unfaithfulness, but overtime, GOD’s love for them will ultimately override their unfaithfulness as He woos them back with an unfailing love for them. Consider these verses from the first chapter of Hosea:

Key Point: “GOD loves us even in our rebellion and works to draw us unto Himself.”

What are the issues that are causing GOD’s people to be at odds with Him, and what is GOD’s ultimate goal for their well-being? Let’s take a look:

· ______________.

Hosea 2:2-4
Hosea 4:1-19
Hosea 5:3-7
Hosea 9:1-4
Hosea 8:11-14
Hosea 13:4-6

· ____ of the _________ of GOD.

Hosea 2:8
Hosea 4:1, 6
Hosea 5:3-7
Hosea 6:6
Hosea 11:1-4

· GOD’s ____________.

Hosea 2:16-23
Hosea 11:1-11
Hosea 14:1-9

Something to take home:

Having continually broken the covenant agreement with GOD, GOD’s people needed a Savior, a Messiah, to come and make things right. So, at just the right time in human history, GOD stepped out of eternity and into time; He became a man (Jesus), and fulfilled the covenant agreement with GOD perfectly like no one else ever could. Once He did this, Jesus issued a new covenant agreement through His body and blood at the Last Supper indicating the death that He would die for the sins of the world. This is how much GOD loved us: “He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but receive eternal life.” It is by faith in Christ that we become one with GOD now. It is by faith that we are saved.

Key Point: “GOD loves us even in our rebellion and works to draw us unto Himself.”

In what ways does God's command to Hosea challenge our understanding of obedience? How do God's punishments serve to restore rather than destroy?

What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach about God's forgiveness and patience toward us, despite our shortcomings?

In what ways can we ensure that our personal relationship with God does not mirror the unfaithfulness portrayed by Israel?

How can we prevent ourselves from falling into the trap of attributing God's blessings to other sources?

In your personal life, how would you handle a situation where you feel you have been unfaithful to God? How can we ensure that we remain faithful to God amidst worldly distractions?

In your personal life, have you ever experienced a period of spiritual 'isolation' like the Israelites did? What brought you back?

What are the dangers of spiritual pride? What actions can we take to prevent spiritual pride in our personal lives?

OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 4:00pm

We will be closed 5/27 for Memorial Day.