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

"Final Words To The Wise"
Hosea 13 & 14

I. Sinful Attitudes (13:1-6)

1. The Arrogance of Ephraim (vv.1-3)
A. When Ephraim served the living God, God exalted him, but when he began the worship of Baal, he died (v.1).
1) In the early years Ephraim was one of the most respected of the 12 tribes.
2) Pride led Ephraim to sin and when the kingdom broke up in 931 B.C., they embraced a form of Baal worship as a means for maintaining the unity in the Northern Kingdom (1 Kings 12:25-33).
B. Israel turned from the Creator to created (v.2).
C. Israel's coming ruin (v.3).
1) Israel's beginnings were like the morning cloud and early dew were in itself good, but temporary as time passes.
2) Israel's prosperity was like chaff and smoke which was worthless from the start.

2. The Ingratitude of Israel (vv.4-6)
A. Israel had forgotten who God was and what He had done for them (vv.4-5).
B. Instead of being grateful for the blessings that God gave them, they turned away from the One who was responsible for their well-being (v.6).

Application: Any society faces danger when it proudly looks to its own wisdom rather than to the truths that come from the worship of the true God. Many sins begin with the feeling that we have a knowledge above our Creator's.

II. The Time For Discipline (13:7-16).

1. The fierceness of the discipline (vv.7-11).
A. Like a vicious and powerful wild beast the Lord would attack His people (vv.7-8).
B. Ironically the Helper of Israel would become her Destroyer because she was against Him (vv.9-11).
2. Descriptions of discipline (vv.12-16).
A. The foolishness of Ephraim (vv.12-13).
1) Ephraim's sin was bound up and kept for the day of judgment (v.12).
2) When the sudden pains God's judgment came upon Ephraim, he still refused to repent (v.13).
B. The completeness of their discipline (vv.14-16)?
1) Threat or Promise (v.14)?
A) Some view this verse a threat, in the form of rhetorical questions which expect a
negative answer.
B) Some view this verse is teaching that things which can be corrupted on earth also can be changed (as the apostle Paul referenced this verse in 1 Cor.15:55).
2) With the Lord's compassion removed, Israel's prosperity would end quickly (vv.15-16).

Application: Rebellion against God, in the end always leads to judgment. People like to blame someone else for their problems, but Israel brought God's judgment upon themselves because of their open rebellion and rejection of God. Where there is not repentance, there is only room for judgment.

III. God's Requirements For Repentance (14:1-3).

1. First requirement: Repentance (v.1).
2. Second requirement: Confession (v.2).
3. Third requirement: Trust God only (v.3).

Application: God has always and is always ready and willing to forgive those who will accept the responsibility for their sins, and ask Him to forgive them, and to remake them in accordance with His will.

IV. The Promise Of Hope (14:4-9).

1. God's final words of hope (vv.5-8)
A. He will restore them (v.4).
1) They will be spiritually healed.
2) They will be freely loved again.
3) They will no longer feel God's anger.
B. He will revive them (vv.5-8)
1) They will blossom and thrive once more as a nation (vv.5-7).
2) They will be a blessing to other nations (v.8).

2. A Word to the wise (v.9).
A. God's ways (covenental demands) are right.
B. The righteous walk in (obey) God's ways and experience the blessings of loyalty.
C. Stumbling over God's ways is a direct result of disobedience.

Application: Despite Israel's great sin, God still loved His people and wanted more than anything for them to return to Him.

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?

Bibliography

Amos, Hosea, Jonah: Bible Book Study Commentary, by Harry Hunt, Vol.13, Number 4, Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, January-February-March 1992

Be Amazed: Restoring an Attitude of Wonder and Worship, by Warren W. Wiersbe, Chariot Victor Publishing, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1996

Believer's Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville Tennessee, 1995

The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books, Wheaton, Illinois, 1985

God's Masterwork Bible Study Guide: Hosea through Malachi, by Charles R. Swindoll, Vol. 3, Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas, 1996

Hosea & Joel, by J. Vernon McGee, Vol.27, Thru The Bible Books, Pasadena, California, 1983

Hosea: Prophet of reconciliation, by Fred M. Wood, Convention Press, Nashville, Tennessee, January Bible Study 1975

Interpreting Hosea for Teaching and Preaching, by Cecil P. Staton, Jr., Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Macon, Georgia, 1993

Layman's Bible Book Commentary: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, by Billy K. Smith, Vol.13, Broadman Press, Nashville, Tennessee, 1983

Review Questions From: How To Give Away Your Faith, by Paul E. Little, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL., pp.126-27, 1980