 |
Taking Every Thought Captive |
 Got Life? Our Ministry Our Beliefs Our Staff Articles Contact Us Resources Bookstore Search Links
|
Overcoming Inward Spiritual Decay in the Midst of
Outward Physical Prosperity, Hosea
11-14 by Massimo Lorenzini INTRODUCTION “It was the best of times, it
was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of
foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it
was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,” wrote Charles Dickens
in his Tale of Two Cities. Dickens’ immortal words depicted Paris during
the French Revolution. They could also be used to depict Israel in the eighth
century B.C. And on further thought, they could even be used to describe the
United States today. Would you say that right now
America is experiencing tremendous peace and prosperity?[1] I
think most Americans would agree with that.
All in all, it seems
Americans are experiencing tremendous prosperity, especially in comparison with
other societies of the past and around the world today Yet, in spite of all this
physical prosperity, it seems that true biblical faith and spirituality is on a
downward spiral. Take a look at your own life. Are you sharing in any of the
benefits of the current physical prosperity in America? Now ask yourself this,
what effect has this had on your spiritual life? It seems that the more we
experience physical prosperity, the more difficult it is to live a truly
spirit-filled life. Physical prosperity tends to draw us away from reliance on
God and makes us stagnate in our faith. We become more earthly-minded rather
than spiritually-minded. We begin to build our own kingdoms rather than the
kingdom of God. But how can we overcome inward spiritual decay in the midst of
outward physical prosperity? Well, the OT book of Hosea
provides us with some answers to that question. You see, the setting for the
book of Hosea is during a time in Israel’s history when they were experiencing
peace and prosperity. Yet, spiritually, they were not doing so good. They had
abandoned the Lord and had become completely sold out to selfishness and even
serving false gods. God sent the prophet Hosea to
declare God’s message to the people of Israel, a message of rebuke as well as
hope of restoration. 1. The theme of the book of
Hosea is "God's Redeeming Love." 2. The outline of the book of
Hosea is: Chapters 1-3 – God’s Relationship
with Israel. Chapters 4-7 – God’s Indictment
of Israel. Chapters 8-10 – God’s Punishment
for Israel. Chapters 11-14 – God’s
Restoration of Israel. 3. Summary of the book: In the first three chapters, Hosea's experience with Gomer serves as an analogy of God's experience with Israel.
. . a.
Following the adultery there was a period of separation b.
Following the separation there was the ultimate restoration —Therefore Israel would be restored, but only after a
period of separation. In chapters 4-14 we see. . . a. God is holy (which is why He must indict Israel
for her sins) – Hos. 4-7 b. God is just (which is why Israel must be
punished for her sins) – Hos. 8-10 c. God is love (which is why He will restore
Israel) – Hos. 11-14 —So having declared the
holiness and justice of God, Hosea now proclaims His great love for His people
in chapters 11-14. As we look at ancient
Israel’s situation, let’s try to draw parallels to our own lives and find our
way off of the path to spiritual decay and on to the path to spiritual blessing
and prosperity. I.
THE CASE A. Their sin 1. Deceit 11:12a – any areas of deception in
your dealings with others or God? 2.
Ungodly alliances 12:1-2 – do you trust in any ungodly schemes for your prosperity
rather than obey and trust God? 3. Dishonesty 12:7 – any areas of greed or
dishonest gain? 4.
Boasting 12:8 – do you boast in your wealth, possessions, position, or accomplishments? 5.
Pride 13:6 – are your thoughts consumed with yourself and your satisfaction rather
than God and His lordship over you? 6.
Idolatry 13:1-2 – do you give your attention, affections, and assets to things other
than God? B. Their Suffering 1. Poverty 12:9-13 – God may bring poverty to
those of us who wander. 2.
Physical death for some 12:14; 13:7-16 – God’s wrath may lead to death for some
of us. 3.
Exile for the rest 11:5-7; 13:3 – God may send some of us into unknown and hostile
places for our persistent sinning. II.
THE INVITATION A.
Realize your helplessness 14:3 – Don’t
trust in anything but God for your prosperity and happiness. B.
Confess and forsake your sin 14:1-2,
8-9 – Be willing to admit any sin you are guilty of and turn away from it. C. Return to God 12:6
– act upon your renewed commitment to God. III.
THE LOVE A.
In the past 11:1-4; 12:3-5; 13:4-5
– Think about how God has shown His love to you in the past. Write down a
list of things God has done for you as a demonstration of His love. B. At the present 11:8-9 – Even when God chastens or punishes us because of our sin, He
never completely abandons His children because of His great love and compassion
for us. C. In the future 11:10-11; 14:4-7 – In spite of all our times of wandering and
backsliding, God will eventually bless us and cause us to infinitely prosper
more than we can ever hope or imagine. In order to overcome inward
spiritual decay in the midst of outward physical prosperity, set your
affections on the God you loves the way no one else can. Only God is worthy of
our affections. The things of this world pale in comparison to God’s
incomprehensible love. Allow that truth to draw you closer to Him, even in a
world full of passing distractions and snares. |
