The Book of Hosea - An Introduction

Sermon Outline:

Introduction (1:1)

a. The Context and Background of the Prophecy
• Two Kingdoms – Judah (Southern Kingdom) (1 Kings 11:29-32); Israel (Northern Kingdom) with 10 Tribes (1 Kings 12)
• Worship of Golden Calves Instituted – the Sanctuary of Jehovah changed to a Sanctuary of the King (1 Kings 12:26-30; Amos 7:13); and Baal worship embraced (Hosea 2:13, 16)

b. The Consequences of Idolatry –
• Chastisement (2 Kings 10:32-33; 13:3); Mercy (2 Kings 13:22-25; 14:26-27); became Fools (Romans 1:22)
• Love toward God neglected means the disintegration of love toward others (Hosea Chapter 4ff)
• Political turmoil; Social immorality and corruption; Religious idolatry and corruption
• Don’t know the God of the Bible

c. The relevance of Hosea to Today’s Religious Climate
• Idolatry Defined (Heidelberg Catechism 95)
• Idolatry Today – Two Popes – Jesus Christ not Necessary for Salvation; Many Protestant Christians – Christianity is One Path of Many Paths – Contradict Jesus and the Apostles (John 14:6; 3:18; Acts 4:12); Heidelberg Catechism 30
• The “New Normal”

I. The Spiritual Adultery of Israel & mercy of God Illustrated (1:2 – Ch. 3)

II. The Spiritual adultery of Israel and mercy of God Stipulated (Chs. 4-13)

III. God’s call to repentance to Israel and promise of blessing (Ch. 14)

Conclusion/Application
• The World will not Change, Unless God’s Changes the heart of Sinners through the Gospel Message – Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19-20)
• Stand Firm Against False Teachings (1 Peter 3:15)
• By Faith Test All Things with the Word of Truth, the Bible – Our Only Standard for Faith and Practice