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  Opening question Go to  nrich – pattern snake and try and solve the number pattern problem. Once you have an answer check the solution tab on the page. Study Why did Paul write 1 Timothy? Consider the following verses to help answer this: 1 Timothy 1:3-7 1 Timothy 3:14-15 1 Timothy 4:6-16 Bible interpretation Some helpful things to consider when interpreting difficult passages in the Bible from "How to read the Bible for all its worth" by Gordon Fee: What is the purpose of the writing and why was it written? What is the point of a particular section and how does it fit in the overall narrative? Is what you are reading a repeatable pattern in the Bible (repeatable patterns help us see that it is an eternal command rather than a cultural one). What is incidental in the text must not become primary. Other helpful things: Ask what it meant before you ask what does it mean (author unknown). God doesn't contradict himself so does it meet the "Principle of harmony"...

For more tips in marriage consider listening to a podcast: MarriageToday Opening question Did anything resonate with you from the video about men and women and the way they do friendship? Study Read Genesis Ephesians 5:22-33. What do you learn about the purpose of marriage from the passage? Marriage is a covenant . How would you explain the importance of the marriage covenant to someone? What good things does a covenant give to help make a marriage successful? How should wives submit to their husbands? How does this help us understand the nature of God and his church? (Eph 5: 22-24, 32-33) How should husbands love their wives? How does this help us understand the nature of God and his church? (Eph 5:23, 25-31) (If you are married) When have you faced problems or difficulties in your marriage? How did you deal with the problems? If single, consider/discuss how you saw your parents deal with problems in their marriage. Friendship is of vital importance in a marriage. Share some ideas...

    …the most natural implication of God’s decision to bring Adam onto the scene ahead of Eve is that Adam is called to bear the responsibility of headship. That fact is validated by the New Testament when Paul uses the fact that “Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Tim 2:13), to draw a conclusion about male leadership in the church. 50 crucial questions: An overview of central concerns about manhood and womanhood , John Piper and Wayne Grudem, 2016 Opening question When have you encountered a snake? What happened? Study Read Genesis 3:1-13. In what ways was Eve deceived (Genesis 3: 1-6, 13)? What do you think of Adam’s participation in the sin and then his response to the Lord? Do you think it is significant that Satan (the serpent) approached Eve not Adam? Explain why. Read Genesis 3:14-19. What are the consequences for the sin of both Eve and Adam? God says that Adam “listened to the voice of his wife” instead of obeying the Lord. How can we prevent other voices from leadi...

For more information on this video please scroll to the bottom. Opening question How would you describe what it means to be a man or woman? Study Read Genesis 1:26 – 28, 2:5-9, 15-24. What are the similarities and differences between the creation of man and the creation of woman? Make a list with 2 columns for similar/different, considering things like: their being (Genesis 1:26-28) the method (Genesis 2:7, 2:21-23) order of creation their purpose/role (Genesis 1:28, 2:15, 18-20, 23, 24)  instructions from God (Genesis 2:16-17). It can be tempting to think about the differences between man and woman as superior/inferior or lesser/greater. How does God promote equality and diversity in the different sexes? Genesis 2:18 says that God made Eve as a helper for Adam. What do you think this means?  Read the following passages to see the same Hebrew/Greek word for “helper” used throughout the Bible. What does each example teach us about what it means to be a helper and what it ...

Opening question Share with the group what you like to grow in the garden and any success stories you've had with your garden. If you really don't like gardening, then share with the group what you would rather be creating, building or growing. Study Read Hosea 13:1-16. When you look back over Hosea, there is no doubt that God is patient, willing to heal, relent from disaster and turn from wrath. What do we learn from the following verses about why judgement is finally coming to Israel (Hosea 13:1, 2, 6, 9-10, 12-13, 16)? What do we learn from the following verses about what the wrath of God will be like for Israel (Hosea 13:3, 4, 7-11, 15)? God's justice is always right and good. Why does the Bible encourage us not to take justice into our own hands and leave vengeance to God? When do you find this most difficult? Read Hosea 14:1-9 God's final word in Hosea is one of repentance, restoration, hope, beauty, righteousness and relationship. Which vs in chapter 14 causes ...

Opening question Have you ever created something new from something old, recycled or discarded? What was it? Briefly describe the process you went through. Study In this chapter, Hosea refers to the life of Jacob. Read some key moments from Jacob's life: Genesis 25:24-27 Genesis 27:15-23 Genesis 32: 9-12 Genesis 32:22-28 Hosea 12:1-5 What are some of the transformations that took place in Jacob's life? When Jacob wrestles with God, God blesses him and gives him a new name. How would this have impacted Jacob? The theme of new identity is all throughout scripture. What life experiences with God have shaped your identity? Read Hosea 12:6-8 Hosea uses Jacob's fervour and pursuit of God to encourage Israel to do the same. He gives a process to follow: Return, hold fast, wait continually. In your Christian life, how do you hold fast to love and justice: in your workplace? with your money? When you feel like waiting for Jesus to return or God to answer prayer is taking to long, ...

Opening question Imagine you were a judge on a panel for "Father of the Year". What would you be looking for (your criteria)? Study Read Hosea 11:1-11. What can we learn about God as a father and what he is like from this passage? What distorted/incorrect images of God as father might we have, possibly learnt from our own earthly fathers? When would a father experience joy and delight? When would a father experience pain and sorrow? After all Hosea has said so far and God has experienced with his evil children, his compassion still grows warm. What are some of your happiest memories of someone showing you compassion? Why can compassion and forgiveness be so hard for us to give? Are there things you can/need to forgive people in your own family (for example, parents, siblings or children) or ways you can show compassion because your heavenly father has shown you compassion? Pray for children and families. Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

Opening question When have you been in danger? What happened and how did safety come? Study Divide your study group into 3 groups and allocate 1 chapter to each group from Hosea 8, 9 and 10. In your groups, read through your allocated chapter and make 2 lists: List 1:  The sins/evil done. List 2:  The warnings of judgement to come and what will happen (i.e. the consequences, any warning signs). Share/discuss with the whole group your group's 2 lists. Read and consider the following New Testament parallels: Ephesians 5:11-12 1 Thessalonians 4:6 Galatians 6:8 Revelation 6:16 Hebrews 12:18-29 How does God warn our generation today based on these NT passages? If you were creating a billboard size sign to hang inside your church building, what are 5 important statements you would want to write on it? Consider making a poster to represent this and put it up in your own house. What does it look like to live your life reverently and in awe before God (Hebrews 12:28)? When you get to...

Opening question Have you ever had something stolen? Share with the group what happened. Study Read 2 Kings 15:8-31 which details some of lives of the rulers of Israel at the time of Hosea. Pay particular attention to how each king died. What are some things that stood out to you as you read? If you lived during this time and were asked to give a speech to the nation, what are some things you would say? Read Hosea 6:7 - 7:16 List the sins of Israel and Judah. What does Hosea 7:1,13,14,15 reveal about how God treats and desires to treat Israel? Read Jude 1:17-23 In what ways can the church today be like Israel? What does it look like practically to build yourself up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit and keep yourselves in the love of God? Who (general or specific) comes to mind that needs saving and snatching out of the fire? What do you find difficult about evangelism conversations or conversations involving rebuking a brother/sister in love? Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

Opening question Share a story about when you were in great need. Who helped, what happened? Study Read Hosea 5:15 - 6:6. Starting with vs 4-6, how does God pursue his people? What response does God want from his people? What is the difference between knowing God/steadfast love and sacrifices/burnt offerings in vs 6? Read Isaiah 1:12-17 and make a list of the things that are religious and those that illustrate true love? Jesus quote Hosea 6:6 in Matthew 9:9-13 and Matthew 12:1-8. Read both passages. The pharisees multiplied regulations and preferred ritual before love. Why is Hosea 6 particularly relevant in these 2 situations? Make a list of the needs that you have noticed in your life/community/family. Who can you show mercy to this week out of a response to God's covenant love to you? Pray for each other that you would have the courage and compassion to reach out to those in need. Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

‘His anger is that of love, not hate’ Derek Kidner,  The message of Hosea,  1976 Opening question Share with the group a positive relationship experience you had with your child/ren or one you had with your own dad that you remember. Study Read Hosea 5:1–7. Where in the passage can you see elements of religion not relationship? Why does Hosea call Israel a harlot/prostitute/adulterer? Read James 4:4–7 and 2 Timothy 3:1–5. What does it mean to be a “friend of the world” in our current generation? The Bible indicates that there are true believers, those who have an appearance of belief, as well as those who are upfront about denying faith. How do Paul and James help us know how to deal with the different types of people? Discuss. When have you felt about others the way God "yearns and is jealous" after us?  Read Hosea 5:8–14. Is God's love incompatible with the idea of his wrath? Explain. Imagine someone said to you: “How can you believe in a God who is so angry and judge...

Opening question When have you tried to solve a problem that you thought would be simple, only to have it turn into a very complex situation? Study Read Hosea 4:1-19. How many sins can you find listed in this chapter? (Make a list) What special mention does Hosea make of the priests (vs 4-8) and the men (vs 14)? What is the lesson in this for us? How will God judge his people? What similarities can you see between Hosea's generation and our current generation? Read Acts 17:16-31. Why is the only solution repentance? In your current relationship or walk with God, what warning stands out to you in the passage? Pray for each other to remain firm and in relationship with God during difficult times. Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

  ‘The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.’ Timothy Keller Opening activity This activity is constructed from  The four horseman of Divorce  (The Gottman Institute). Criticism An attack rather than a complaint. Is the following sentence an attack or complaint? You never think about how your behavior is affecting other people. I don’t believe you are that forgetful, you’re just selfish. You never think of others or me. Show answer Answer: Attack Is the following sentence an attack or complaint? I was scared when you were running late and didn’t call me. I thought we had agreed that we would do that for each other. Show answer Answer: Complaint Contempt Being truly mean, disrespectful, mocking, sarcastic, ridiculing, eye-rolling and scoffing. Taking moral superiority over them. Defensiveness A response to criticism. When unjustly accused we fish for excuses and...

Opening question What are some things you and your spouse enjoyed doing together in your early relationship years? What do you enjoy doing together now? Study Read Hosea 2:1-13. Why is something like adultery so devastating in a marriage? In what ways has Israel committed adultery against God? What is God's warning? Read Hosea 2:14-23. God seems to have changed his mind. What are the qualities of God's love for his people that you see here? Read Romans 9:22-26. How would you describe the relationship between God's wrath, God's mercy and God's patience? (Hint: consider his patience) Vs 19/20 in Hosea gives 5 relationship qualities. Pick one and talk about its impact on your Christian life. When have you found it difficult to love like God, to give mercy when mercy wasn't deserved? Artwork  © Alison Gilmour

  One of the things Hosea does for us is give us God's side. A husband whose wife has left him, and a father whose children are like strangers in his own house and are fast destroying themselves. The message of Hosea, Derek Kidner, 1976 Opening question When you first got together with your spouse, what were you looking for in a partner and what did you find in them? Study Read Hosea 1:1-11. What instructions does the Lord give Hosea in this chapter? Describe the emotions Hosea may have felt during these first years with Gomer and the chidren. Imagine you were Gomer. What do you think your life was like both before and after you met Hosea? Hosea and Gomer's relationship points to the same relationship between God and his people. In chapter 1, how does God currently feel about his people/bride? (hint: consider the children's names) Read the following. What can we learn about Israel? Hosea 4:1-3 Hosea 5:4-5 Hosea 7:7-8 Hosea 10:13 Vs 10/11 points to a great change. Read Joh...