Sermon Discussion Questions
READ Hosea 12:2-14
- When you were a child, did you have an idea of what you would be when you grew up? Did you grow up to be like that or are you in some ways, like you or others expected?
- Both Ephraim (the northern kingdom) and Judah [the southern kingdom] are still resisting the loving kindness of God which He showed them again in chapter 11. They are counting on the glories of their ancestors. List the characteristics God sees from Jacob in the nation of Judah [vv. 2-6].
- In what ways does this list include items from Jacob’s story which showed that resisted God’s grace and had to make a name for himself?
- Looking back at your own history, can you see times when you rested on your prior accomplishments or gifts and so moved away from resting on the grace of God to you?
- In what way does Hosea use the list of characteristics from Canaan’s story [vv.7-9] to show Israel [Ephraim] that she could not count on her wealth or her accomplishments to save her?
- Jesus told the Pharisees in John 9 that placing their faith in their supposed descent from Abraham would not save them. If our background, illustrious past or family connections, don’t save us, what will?
- Reflect on verse 14. If Ephraim and Judah cannot pay for the debt of sin they owe to a holy God, who will pay that debt to rescue His people? Read Isaiah 53:5-6 and spend time praising the God of all grace.