This video discusses the significance of the Lord's Supper as a weekly remembrance of Jesus Christ and explores the Book of Hosea, drawing parallels between ancient Israel's idolatry and modern-day forms of worship that distract from God. Pastors Rob and Dave emphasize God's judgment on sin and idolatry but also highlight His unwavering promise of restoration and redemption. The message encourages believers to identify personal idols, repent, and offer the sacrifice of their lips in worship.
I. Introduction: The Lord's Supper and Hosea A. The importance of weekly remembrance of Jesus Christ through the Lord's Supper. B. Personal reflections on approaching communion with varying spiritual states and the power of God's presence. C. Introduction to the Book of Hosea and its thematic relevance.
II. Historical Context: Israel's Worship and Downfall (Hosea 13:1-3) A. Setting the scene: The political and spiritual state of Israel and Judah during Hosea's ministry. 1. Judah under King Ahaz ("total wreck"). 2. Israel under King Hoshea (not righteous). B. The trajectory of the Israelite kingdom: 1. Unity under Saul, David, and Solomon. 2. Division under Rehoboam due to oppressive taxation. 3. Jeroboam's establishment of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) with a foundation of idolatry. C. The origin and pervasiveness of idolatry in Israel: 1. Jeroboam's golden calves as a re-enactment of the Sinai event. 2. The normalization and acceptance of corporate idolatry. D. The enduring nature of sin and its consequences: 1. Jehu's purge of Baal but failure to remove the golden calves. 2. The lasting impact of idolatry (referenced in Hosea 13:2). 3. The people's continued devotion to idols ("kiss the calves").
III. The Message of Judgment: Israel's Self-Destruction (Hosea 13:9) A. The universal sinfulness of the kings of Israel and Judah. B. God's pronouncement of judgment through Hosea. C. The concept of self-destruction resulting from continuous idolatry.
IV. Modern Relevance: Identifying Idols Today A. Recognizing contemporary forms of idolatry: 1. Material comforts, wealth, and financial security. 2. Social acceptance and validation. 3. Political or social causes. 4. Media consumption (social media). 5. Elevating children or family above God. B. The spiritual danger posed by these modern idols.
V. The Promise of Restoration and Hope (Hosea 13:9b, 14) A. God's declaration: "But in thee is thine help. I will be thy king." B. God's inherent capacity and willingness to heal and restore His people. C. The ultimate redemption from death and the grave through God's ransom (Hosea 13:14).
VI. The Call to Repentance and True Worship (Hosea 14:1-2) A. The imperative to "return unto the Lord thy God." B. The continuous nature of repentance in the Christian life. C. What to bring back to God: 1. The offering of words, not material sacrifices. 2. Confessing iniquity: "Take away all iniquity..." 3. Fulfilling the vow: "So will we render the calves of our lips." (Hosea 14:2) D. The desired sacrifice: the "fruits of our lips."
VII. Conclusion: Living Free from Idolatry A. The prophetic vision of Ephraim's future declaration: "What have I to do any more with idols?" (Hosea 14:8) B. The source of liberation from idolatry: obedience and attentiveness to God and Christ. C. A charge to the present generation: 1. Leadership roles of men in the home. 2. Responsibility to avoid introducing destructive elements. 3. The importance of upholding truth and appreciating one's spiritual inheritance. D. Final exhortation to reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness.
I. Introduction: The Lord's Supper and the Book of Hosea A. The practice of weekly remembrance of Jesus Christ through the Lord's Supper. B. Personal anecdotes of engaging with communion, highlighting God's ability to revive faith. C. Introduction to the Book of Hosea and its pertinent message.
II. Historical Context: Israel's Idolatry and Downfall (Hosea 13:1-3) A. The socio-political climate during Hosea's time: 1. King Ahaz of Judah: Described as deeply flawed. 2. King Hoshea of Israel: Not depicted as righteous. B. The historical narrative of the Israelite kingdom: 1. Initial unity under Saul, David, and Solomon. 2. The division following Rehoboam's reign due to heavy taxation. 3. Jeroboam's establishment of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and its incorporation of idolatry. C. The genesis and spread of idolatry in Israel: 1. Jeroboam's introduction of golden calves, echoing the incident with Moses. 2. The normalization of corporate idolatry among the people. D. The persistent nature of sin and its ramifications: 1. The incomplete reform under Jehu (Baal worship removed, but calves remained). 2. The enduring influence of these idols across generations (Hosea 13:2). 3. The people's continued devotion to idols, symbolized by "kissing the calves."
III. The Message of Judgment: "Israel, Thou Hast Destroyed Thyself" (Hosea 13:9) A. The shared sinfulness of the rulers in both Israel and Judah. B. God's communication of judgment through the prophet Hosea. C. The consequence of persistent idolatry: self-inflicted destruction.
IV. Modern Application: Identifying Idolatry in Contemporary Life A. Recognizing personal idols in the modern context: 1. Material possessions, financial security, and comforts. 2. Social status and the need for affirmation. 3. Political ideologies or activism. 4. Digital platforms and social media. 5. Placing family or children as the primary focus, surpassing God. B. The inherent spiritual dangers associated with these modern idols.
V. The Hope of Restoration: God's Unfailing Promise (Hosea 13:9b, 14) A. God's provision of help and His role as King: "But in thee is thine help. I will be thy king." B. God's inherent power and willingness to bring healing and restoration. C. The ultimate redemption from death and the grave through God's act of ransom and deliverance (Hosea 13:14).
VI. The Call to Action: Repentance and the Sacrifice of Lips (Hosea 14:1-2) A. The direct command: "Oh Israel, return unto the Lord thy God." B. The ongoing nature of repentance as a cornerstone of the Christian walk. C. The appropriate offering when returning to God: 1. Not material sacrifices, but the offering of one's words. 2. Confession of iniquity: "Take away all iniquity..." 3. The fulfillment of vows: "So will we render the calves of our lips." (Hosea 14:2) D. The sacrifice God truly desires: the "fruits of our lips."
VII. Conclusion: Embracing a Life Free from Idols A. The prophetic vision of Ephraim's future declaration of independence from idols: "What have I to do any more with idols?" (Hosea 14:8) B. The essential means of freedom from idolatry: actively listening to and obeying God and Jesus Christ. C. A specific exhortation to the current generation: 1. The role of men (fathers, husbands, grandfathers, uncles) in leading their homes. 2. A warning against introducing elements that lead to future destruction. 3. The imperative of standing for truth and cherishing one's spiritual heritage. D. Concluding encouragement: To remember and appreciate God's goodness and His promises.
I. Introduction: The Lord's Supper and the Book of Hosea A. The practice of weekly remembrance of Jesus Christ through the Lord's Supper. B. Personal anecdotes of engaging with communion, highlighting God's ability to revive faith. C. Introduction to the Book of Hosea and its pertinent message.
II. Historical Context: Israel's Idolatry and Downfall (Hosea 13:1-3) A. The socio-political climate during Hosea's time: 1. King Ahaz of Judah: Described as deeply flawed. 2. King Hoshea of Israel: Not depicted as righteous. B. The historical narrative of the Israelite kingdom: 1. Initial unity under Saul, David, and Solomon. 2. The division following Rehoboam's reign due to heavy taxation. 3. Jeroboam's establishment of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and its incorporation of idolatry. C. The genesis and spread of idolatry in Israel: 1. Jeroboam's introduction of golden calves, echoing the incident with Moses. 2. The normalization of corporate idolatry among the people. D. The persistent nature of sin and its ramifications: 1. The incomplete reform under Jehu (Baal worship removed, but calves remained). 2. The enduring influence of these idols across generations (Hosea 13:2). 3. The people's continued devotion to idols, symbolized by "kissing the calves."
III. The Message of Judgment: "Israel, Thou Hast Destroyed Thyself" (Hosea 13:9) A. The shared sinfulness of the rulers in both Israel and Judah. B. God's communication of judgment through the prophet Hosea. C. The consequence of persistent idolatry: self-inflicted destruction.
IV. Modern Application: Identifying Idolatry in Contemporary Life A. Recognizing personal idols in the modern context: 1. Material possessions, financial security, and comforts. 2. Social status and the need for affirmation. 3. Political ideologies or activism. 4. Digital platforms and social media. 5. Placing family or children as the primary focus, surpassing God. B. The inherent spiritual dangers associated with these modern idols.
V. The Hope of Restoration: God's Unfailing Promise (Hosea 13:9b, 14) A. God's provision of help and His role as King: "But in thee is thine help. I will be thy king." B. God's inherent power and willingness to bring healing and restoration. C. The ultimate redemption from death and the grave through God's act of ransom and deliverance (Hosea 13:14).
VI. The Call to Action: Repentance and the Sacrifice of Lips (Hosea 14:1-2) A. The direct command: "Oh Israel, return unto the Lord thy God." B. The ongoing nature of repentance as a cornerstone of the Christian walk. C. The appropriate offering when returning to God: 1. Not material sacrifices, but the offering of one's words. 2. Confession of iniquity: "Take away all iniquity..." 3. The fulfillment of vows: "So will we render the calves of our lips." (Hosea 14:2) D. The sacrifice God truly desires: the "fruits of our lips."
VII. Conclusion: Embracing a Life Free from Idols A. The prophetic vision of Ephraim's future declaration of independence from idols: "What have I to do any more with idols?" (Hosea 14:8) B. The essential means of freedom from idolatry: actively listening to and obeying God and Jesus Christ. C. A specific exhortation to the current generation: 1. The role of men (fathers, husbands, grandfathers, uncles) in leading their homes. 2. A warning against introducing elements that lead to future destruction. 3. The imperative of standing for truth and cherishing one's spiritual heritage. D. Concluding encouragement: To remember and appreciate God's goodness and His promises.
