Going Deeper: Questions for Reflection and Application for

Sermon Topic: God’s Indictment of those who Have Forgotten Him, Hosea 4:1-10

1. Describe a lawsuit that was either filed against you or one that you filed against someone. What was the outcome?
2. In a court of law, there are attorneys who are for the accused and against the accused. We are informed that Satan is the accuser of the brethren, (Zech. 3:1; Revelation 12:9-11). That being the case, Satan is never on the side of the believer. How do you reconcile the idea that the LORD who has the suit against you is for you?
3. One of the kings of Judah in whose reign Hosea prophesied was Jotham, (2Chro. 27:1-9). Two important things are mentioned about Jotham: 1. “He did right in the sight of the Lord…” and “…he ordered his ways before the Lord his God”, 2Chro. 27:2,6).
   1. As you decide to do what is right in the sight of God, what do you think it is going to cost you?
   2. What does the idea of “ordered” suggest to you and what do “ordered ways” look like to you?
4. The Lord accused the people of Israel by stating that there was no faithfulness, kindness nor knowledge of God in the land. Since God knows everything, He is never going to be wrong about what He sees or says. What does God see in you and your household as he makes that indictment? If God challenges you to point out your faithfulness, your kindness and your knowledge of Him, what would you bring to His attention?
5. The LORD used different images to describe Judah’s and Israel’s unfaithfulness: He stated that their loyalty was like the dew, Hos. 6:4; He saw them as a cake that was baked on one side, 7:8, they were like a deceitful bow, 7:16, to mention a few. If this was the way God describes you, what effect would it have on you? What action would it cause you to take?
6. Think of one area that you are going to ask God to help you to be faithful. Begin to practice faithfulness in that area. Do the same with kindness and with the knowledge of the Lord. For example: think and practice behaviors that will strengthen your intimacy with God; and look for opportunities to demonstrate kindness to specific individuals. Share your experiences with your group.