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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