Didaskalos Ministries Studying Through Hosea

These Sermon outlines were written and submitted by: Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Biloxi, Mississippi 39532. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite.

Teaching Through Hosea

Thirteen Sermon/Teaching Outlines
by Pastor Joseph M. Willmouth
Trinity Bible Church, Biloxi Mississippi, in the Book of Hosea

"Life-Cycles Of The Unfaithful "
Hosea 9:1-17

Introduction: Chapter 9 of Hosea is not only full of the rebuke of the Lord against the sinning and wayward people, but it also gives the definite features of their coming catastrophic judgment. These same features can also be seen in many churches today who also have rejected God's Word and Messengers.

I. A Misguided Joy (vv.1-2)

1. They found their joy in worldly things and not God (v.1a).
2. They left God's ways for the world's ways (v.1b).
3. Their joy would leave them when the material blessings stopped (v.2).

Application: The feasts of the ancient Israelites were times of joy (much like our holidays). The autumn feast (Sukkoth) was a time of rich harvest that called for a jubilant celebration and thanksgiving, which often ended in orgies because of their unfaithfulness. The Israelites were giving thanks to Baal for the blessings that God had sent. Their misguided joy would end when God withdrew His blessings. Job tells us that the joy of the wicked is short lived (Job 20:5), this is exactly what Israel's joy would be. True joy is found in the Lord and His Word (Psa.19:8; 28:7; 33:21). What kind of joy do you have? Is it temporary or is it a lasting joy; the answer is found in it's source.

II. A Lack Of Spiritual Discernment (vv.7-8)

1. They failed to recognize God's messengers (v.7).
2. They were hostile to God's message (v.8).

Application: Israel refused to admit that they had done anything wrong, let alone repent. God had sent His prophets and Word, but their only response was an intense animosity. Jesus said that those who are living in sin do not come near the Word because the light exposes their sins (John 3:20). This was the reaction that Israel had to God's Word. When people turn to sin they have to turn away from God. When God's people reject His Word, then you can be sure that they are not walking with God, but running away from Him.

III. God's Judgment Will Come (vv.3-6, 9-17).

1. Their sins would be judged (v.9).
2. A Declining Birth Rate (vv.10-16).
A. They were no longer a source of delight (v.10).
B. Their unfaithfulness led to infertility (vv.11-16).
3. A Dispersed People (vv.3-6, 17).
A. They would not remain in God's land because of their unfaithfulness (vv.3-6).
B. God would cast them out in judgment (v.17).

Application: Israel could no longer call Jehovah their God, and had rejected Him and His prophets. The only thing left for God to do was to judge their sin and send them into captivity. Believers must never think that they are beyond God's judgment. There are many Churches and Christians today who fallen into the same trap that Israel fell into, and yet they wonder why they are not growing and even dying. God still disciplines those He loves (Heb.12:6-7), and He still can remove the candle sticks from churches whose flames has long been extinguished (Rev.2:5, 16, 21-23; 3:3, 19).

On Your Own: Review this chapter at a later time and ask yourself the following questions to see if there are other applications for us to apply in our walk with the Lord. Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there a promise for me to claim? Is there a difficulty here for me to explore (more research needed)? Is there something in this passage that I should pray about today? What does this passage teach me about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit?

"Fallow Heart Disease "
Hosea 10:1-15

Introduction: Chapter 10 concludes a section on the punishment awaiting Israel.

I. Symptoms Of Fallow Heart Disease (vv.1-8)

1. A heart for material prosperity (vv.1-2).
A. The more they prospered, the more they turned away from God (v.1).
B. They had turned away from God and would pay the price (v.2).

Application: The economy was good, employment was at a all time high, so it didn't matter that there was moral decay all around them! Sound familiar? When we put our trust on material wealth and prosperity, and fail to recognize God's hand in it, then we are in danger worshiping creation rather then the Creator.

2. A prideful heart (vv.3-4).
A. They didn't see any need for God or a king (v.3).
B. Their boastful words were meaningless and empty (v.4a).
C. God's judgment would cover the land like poisonous hemlock (v.4b)

Application: They were experiencing peace and prosperity, so no one was worried about politics or God. You could almost hear the words; "So what if you don't keep your word! As long as you could feel good about yourself and have self-esteem, that's all that matters." Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Israel's prideful heart was leading them to their destruction.

3. A adulterous heart (vv.5-8).
A. They put their trust in golden calves and idols instead of God (v.5).
B. Their false gods would be destroyed and carried off , and the people would cry out in fear of God's judgment (vv.6-8).

Application: Israel was unfaithful to her Husband both spiritually and physically, and she failed to see the sin of this. Proverbs 30:20, "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'" (NIV). When we allow other people or things to become the most important things in our lives, other than God, then we commit spiritual adultery. Israel replaced her first love with anything that gave them pleasure.

4. A hypocritical heart (vv.9-10).
A. Israel had one stood together to judge the sin of Benjamin at Gibeah (Judg.20), but now had become just as sinful and didn't rightly judge themselves (v.9).
B. God would use the nations of the world to judge Israel (v.10).

Application: Job 20:5, "That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?" (KJV). Israel had God's Law, but yet they ignored it. They thought themselves to be above God's Law because they were His chosen people. Their attitude was hypocritical, and everyone knew it but them. When we ignore God's Word and tell everyone that we are "Christians" then we are hypocrites and the joys of our sins will be short lived.

5. A lazy heart (v.11).
A. Israel was like the heifer who enjoyed the light work of threshing and the benefits of their easy labor - free grain (v.11a).
B. God would put an end to their laziness, and put the heavy yoke of captivity on them (v.11b).

Application: It wasn't convenient for Israel to obey God's commands, they took the easy route of the world. Believers should never take the short cuts that this world offers, they never lead you closer to God, but further away. And sometimes its twice as hard to get back to were God wants you.

II. The Great Physician's Prescription For Fallow Heart Disease (vv.12-15)

1. Prevention (v.12)
A. Israel only needed to heed the advise of their Great Physician and swallow their pill of pride.
B. God wanted them to confess their sin, and repent so they could be forgiven.
1) They needed to seek the Lord by cultivating righteousness (justice), and they would reap His unfailing love
2) Their hardened hearts needed the "breaking up" with the plow of repentance.

2. Open Heart Surgery (vv.13-15).
A. Since they would not repent, God would have to resort to radical surgery to give them good hearts (v.13).
B. God would destroy their sources of false confidence (vv.14-15).
1) Their land would be plunged into war (v.14a).
2) Their fortresses would be plundered, and their land and people would be destroyed (v.14b).
3) Their king would be destroyed (v.15).

Application: If Israel would have followed their "Doctor's" orders they could have prevented the drastic surgery that had to take place. Psalm 62:8, "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." How many times have you ignored God's Word only to find yourself deeper in trouble than if you would have just followed His advice to begin with?