Hosea | A HOPE TO COME SERIES | 8.10.25

Follow Along with the Message

Read Hosea 1:1-2

• What stands out to you?
• Explore how you would feel if you were in Hosea’s shoes
• God is saying to Hosea that he has entered into a covenant (not a contract) with Israel?

o   A contract says “what do I get?”; a covenant says “what can I give?”

o   A contract is about fairness and self-protection;  a covenant is about faithfulness and self-giving love (like Christ’s love for the church)

o   A contract says “I’ll hold up my end if you hold up yours”;  a covenant says “I’m committed to you, even when it’s hard – even if you don’t hold up your end”

o   How is your own love for God?  More of a covenant or a contract? What barriers hinder a full covenant with God?

Read Hosea 1:3-9

• Recall the names of their children and their meanings:

o   Jezreel – “God scatters”

o   Lo-Ruhamah – “Not my loved one”

o   Lo-Ammi – “Not my people”

• Each name carries a painful message of judgment and broken relationship
• God understands the full weight of abandonment, rebellion, and betrayal.  He chooses to love completely, fully, and without reservation.

o   Read Hosea 2:22-23

o   How does it affect your life if you live like God in this way?

Phil challenged us with some reflection questions.

• Allow time to discuss and share anything the Holy Spirit stirred within you
• What places in your heart make it difficult to trust God’s goodness and love for you?
• Do you experience the deep love of God in your life in a way that creates rest, security, and confidence?
• Are you hiding sin and brokenness in the shadows instead of entrusting God to forgive and heal you?
• How do you want your love for God to grow?