Africa Study Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 53
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part of the blessing of God in life, while other Christians see it as negative. Hosea
focussed on the abuse of wealth with four warnings: (1) wealth must not be acquired
fraudulently (Hosea 12:7-8); (2) wealth must not be used for wrong purposes (Hosea
2:8; 8:4; 13:2), including turning away from God (Hosea 2:13; 12:8); (3) the pursuit of
wealth must not become our major goal in life (Hosea 10:12; 12:1); and (4) the abuse
of wealth will bring judgement from God (Hosea 2:8-13; 9:9).
• God has strong warnings for leaders in church (Hosea 4:4-9) and society (Hosea 5:110). God hates corruption, deceit, and indifference (see Micah 3:9-11). Leaders are
called to show people the right path of love, unity, and justice (Hosea 12:6).
• We serve a personal and passionate God. God desires love over sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
He desires sincere repentance and worship (Hosea 7:19; 9:1). He also desires a loving
relationship with his people, a relationship that is broken by our rebellion (Hosea
11:8-9).
Outline and Rhythm
Hosea and God as the loving but rejected husbands (1:1–3:5)
Hosea and God marry unfaithful mates (1:1–2:1)
Gomer and Israel continue to be unfaithful (2:2-23)
Hosea and God offer redemption (3:1-5)
God as the loving but rejected husband (4:1–10:16)
The people are unfaithful (4:1-19)
The leaders are unfaithful (5:1-15)
The call to repentance (6:1-11)
The rejection of that call (7:1-16)
The results of that rejection (8:1–10:16)
God as the loving but rejected Father (11:1–13:16)
God as the loving Father (11:1-12)
Example of Jacob (12:1-14)
Example of Ephraim (13:1-16)
God as the forgiving and loving Lord (14:1-9)