Chasing Lovers - Return & Restoration

Sermon Outline:

Introduction
• Modern Theologians: Old Testament God vs. New Testament God – A false Distinction
• God is a Just God and a Merciful God – But NOT at the Expense of His Justice

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

A. Chasing Lovers - Rebellion/Rejection (1:2-9; 2:2-13)

B. Chasing Lovers – Return/Restoration (1:10-2:1; 2:14-3:5)
• “Not-My-People” – Sons of the Living God (Cannot be numbered or Measured) (v. 10)
• Extends beyond the Jews (Romans 9:24-25; Ephesians 2:11-22; John 1:12-13)

1. Return – “Not-My-People” Repent (2:14-17)
   • Speaks Comfort in the Wilderness
   • The Lord works Repentance in heart of Adulterous Woman – the Unregenerate Person (2:17)
2. Restoration – “Not-My-People” become “My People,” Adulterous Woman to Faithful Wife (1:11-2:1; 2:18-3:5)
   • Reconciliation is Obtained and the Covenant Relationship Restored (vs. 2:18-22; cf. Galatians 5:22-23)
   • Great “Day of Jezreel” (1:11; 2:23; 1 Peter 2:10)
   • The Adulterous Woman Purchased (3:1-5)
   • The Adulterous Woman implanted with the Love of God, giving her heart wholly Devoted to her Husband (2:5)

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

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

Conclusion/Application
• The Unregenerate Person wanders in a Wilderness; But there is Good News.
• We were “Not-His-People” but through Christ, all Who Come Christ by True Faith in True Repentance are “His People” – Able to say to your Brethren in Christ, “My People, and to Your Sisters, ‘Mercy is Shown’” (2:1)