GOING DEEPER: QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND APPLICATION FOR WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 21, 2021

SERMON TITLE: GOD’S CHARGES AGAINST THE LAND, HOSEA 4

  1. As God laid out his charges against Ephraim and Judah, He identified virtues that were absent and vices that were present, Hosea 4:1-2. One could reason that the cause for the presence of the vices was as a result of the absence of the virtues. Or on the other hand, one could think that the reason for the absent virtues was due to the present vices. Read James 3:10-12. What is the possibility of virtues and vices (iniquity and righteousness) coexisting in an individual or in the land?

 

  1. From the teachings of Jesus we are made aware that adultery can be committed without any physical sexual contact, Matthew 5:28. We also learn that murder occurs when an individual hates another person, 1 John 3:15. What concerns do these teachings cause you? And what safeguards can you put in place to help you from engaging in such sins of the mind and spirit?

 

  1. Hosea states that the sinful practices of the people were causing negative environmental effects, Hos. 4:3. What are some existing environmental conditions that can be traced to sinful practices in the land? What are some redemptive steps that you can recommend for the church to take?

 

 

  1. “Yet let no one find fault, and let no one offer reproof…”, Hos. 4:4. What does this statement say to you about the attitude of the people in those times? How are we like the people of Hosea’s days? How are we different?

 

  1. Read through all of Hosea 4. Identify the various consequences of the sinful practices that are mentioned in that chapter. Listen to the Holy Spirit as He instructs you as to how you should respond to what you have discovered. Be prepared to share what the Holy Spirit has laid on your heart with your group and with other fellow believers.