Sermon Discussion Questions
Read Hosea 14:1-9
1. Read vs. 1. What is the significance of the pronouns used in this verse?
2. In vs. 2, Hosea instructs the Israelites to “take with you words and return to him (God)”.
Why were they told to bring words in their return to the Lord?
3. In our worship services there is a time for corporate and private confession of sins. Why do you
think that is a part of our worship? Do you find that meaningful?
4. Do you think audible confession of sin is helpful? According to James 5:16, what is the value of
confession of sins? In Nehemiah 9 the people prayed in confession for 3 hours. Consider a time
group prayer, reading in unison the prayer provided below.
5. The Jewish people of Hosea’s day practiced a form of syncretism (the blending of religious,
cultural or philosophical beliefs). Do you see that occurring in your life? Take a few minutes to
discuss what areas of your life are affected by this problem. How have we allowed culture to
creep into our belief system?
6. Read verses 4-8. Notice the similes using plant life. What are these repeated “like” references
pointing to? What do you think are the present and future implications? Compare with John
15.
7. Read vs. 9. Notice the use of the word “stumble” in this verse and in verse 1. What might be
the significance of that? What is to be the means of staying on track in our spiritual lives? What
other Bible passages does this bring to mind?
Prayer of Confession
Abba Is Changing Us. Let’s Cooperate.
‘If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness’ (1Jn.1:8-9).’
Heavenly Father, for your steadfast love, we bless you. For your patience and kindness,
we praise you. For your daily mercies, we trust you. Hallelujah… you’ve already declared us righteous in Christ, and now you’re at work to make us as beautiful as Jesus. Here are some of the areas of heart and life for which we need grace and the Spirit’s work—clear manifestations we’re not as Christ-like as you intend.
•We confess thinking of ourselves too much and marveling at Jesus too little.
•We confess it’s easier for us to rush to judgment than linger in your presence.
•We confess over-believing our fears and under-resting in the Gospel.
•We confess scheduling ourselves into bad attitudes and diminishing health.
•We confess indulging a critical spirit more than we seek your Spirit’s filling.
•We confess being more upset by the news than at peace through your Word.
•We confess making more of other’s sins and weaknesses than our own.
Father, thank you for the full forgiveness we already have in Christ, and the sure hope of being like Jesus one Day. We look to you for strength to repent quicker when you convict us of these and other sins. Humble us. Change us. Heal us. Free us. Thank you… and So Very Amen (Scotty Smith).