FHBC Sermon Notes

Scripture: Hosea 1:1-2:1 - Listen
Sermon Audio: Click to Listen
Jim begins a great series from a book not often preached. Some might think this book too graphic and difficult, but I think this is a great study for our time when we have so many idols tempting for our time.  I look forward to this challenge from God through Jim.
We need God's Word. We study as the Word show us, not from the position of our need first.  When we look at scripture this way, then God can speak more clearly, because we are listening more clearly.


Introduction
Hosea had a difficult and strained family relationship. But through this God used his life to demonstrate His will and word.

1. God indites a a disobedient people. (1:1-2)
• The indictment Here starts with God's Word coming through Hosea and against those who heard it.
• Post Solomon's reign, under his son Rehoboam, the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms: Israel (the 10 northern tribes) and Judah (the tribes of Judah and Benjamin).  Hosea prophecies 200 years after than in a time in which Jeroboam reigned. A time called the "Golden Age" for the prosperity of the country. (Isn't this like us...)  Though economically prosperous, they were spiritually depraved. However, God loved His people and so did not ignore their state, but sent them a prophet (Hosea). Hosea's proclamation is not just a spoken one, but he must live that proclamation in his life.  
• Jim mentions it wasn't against the law to marry a prostitute, but it would have been socially unreal and unacceptable. This is an interesting thought to think about as it relates to forgiveness in relationships today for the sinful past that many bring into their marriages and how we must forgive and heal from that. 
• In a demonstration of the state of Israel's relationship to God, Hosea, marries a prostitute. 
• Let us understand God's bride.
• He could have chosen anyone, any people at all.
• His requirement for His wife was that she be exclusive to Him and be obedient to Him.
• In this time Israel had turned from God their husband and begun living as a prostitute. With Baal, they both figuratively and literally prostituted themselves with. The people were prostituting in their sacrifices and with the temple prostitutes themselves. (Is the use of pornography in our day any different?)
• We also are spiritual prostitutes. This is the indictment. This is the charge against us.
• This makes me ask myself this hard question. What would I be like if God had left me alone, and just left me to a life of prostituting myself to world. What type of man would I be if God had not placed his grace on me? God help me to remember you are the maker, let me never be left to my own devices.
2. God rejects disobedient people. (1:3-9)
• So what are the consquences of disobedience?  We are rejected. 
• The Names of Hosea's Children:
• Jezreel: it is a furtile valley, yet is also means to scatter, like the scattering of chaff. 2 Kings 9-10.
• No Mercy: The verse does not mention the father of this child. It is perhaps not Hosea's child at all. It means no compassion, no mercy, no love.
• Not My People:  Again no father.  Both a literal and allegorical name.  The phrase means "I am not, I am."  It is a declaration.  
• So is there any hope??  YES YES!
3. God restores disobedient people. (1:10-2:1)
• There is mercy, compassion and hope. We are not to be scattered just to die, but to be scattered and gathered together again in harvest. There will be a reaping, and the harvest will be great.
• This is the good news. Even though we prostituted ourselves, and in turn have been rejected, God will restore us.
• He gave his Son to accomplish this. (We are saved not from the apparent consequences own evil deeds alone, but from the complete judgement that comes from God for our disobedience.)  1 Peter 2:9-10
• So how are we to be restored?  We must repent. We must have faith.  We must live with the faith that God will provide for all our needs. We will trust in Him alone. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how we are tempted by the promises of our former lovers. God will provide!