Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
What’s one of your favorite books (besides the Bible), whose story or information has stayed with you long after you read it?
The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel:
When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.– Hosea 1:1-3
Who the Word Happens To
In the sermon, we learned that while God’s word “came” or was received by most Hebrew prophets, the word of God happened to Hosea. Meaning that:
- God wanted Hosea to become a message before he could proclaim a message.
- Hosea had to live the word and become the word, before those around him could receive the word.
What did God’s message arriving in and being expressed through Hosea’s own experience reveal about God’s own nature and character?
How do people listen differently to someone living God’s message instead of simply translating God’s message?
Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” How can what happens to us in life help us hear God more clearly?
When have your circumstances helped you know and understand God better?
Why the Word Happens
Hosea’s message embodied God’s reaction and response to the sins of the people and the sins of its king, namely their pursuit of sexual worship of Baal, love of money, and lust for power.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12
God’s word often exposes the idols we have chosen to trust in his place. Why do you think humanity gravitates so often toward finding comfort and security in relationships, money, and power instead of trusting in God?
What passages of scripture or truths from God’s word do you lean on in challenging moments?
How do you incorporate reading God’s word in your daily life?
Who is the Word
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
– Hebrews 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
– John 1:1-3
The gospel shows us Jesus as the greater Hosea, the Word made flesh, who came into the world he made to expose every idol and end the tyranny of sin.
How can our obedience to the teachings of Jesus help us embody God’s love in the world?
Who has God put in your life to love as he has loved you? How does loving that person help you know and love God even more?
Closing Thought
The world and the news are very loud and very heavy currently. In your final moments together, take three to five minutes to sit silently together and simply be with God. Have each person find a comfortable position in their chair and choose one word to hold at the center of their mind during this time (ie. hope, peace, Jesus, etc). During the silence, return to that word when other thoughts pop up or wander into their minds. May the quiet presence of God meet you and comfort you.