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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...