The book of Hosea gives great insight to how God deals with His people. Hosea was the last of the prophets sent to the northern ten tribes of Israel. After the death of Solomon, Israel split into two different kingdoms and Jeroboam was crowned king over these ten northern tribes (I Kings 12). From this point onward, Israel constantly went astray and was ultimately carried off into Assyrian captivity, never to return. There were two tribes that remained faithful to Lord much longer, Judah and Benjamin. One lesson we learn from the book is that God's people can become so ingrained in what they want, they forsake the Lord, thinking they are right with God. Just like a disease, sin is contagious! Hosea gives us 7 steps that bring on the downfall of a nation or a person.
(1) Lack of knowledge. (4:6) We are speaking of something different that intelligence. Ignorance of God is what leads people into sinful actions. Their ignorance of God is passed from parent to child and as the next generation rises, they become more distant and ungodly even though they still worship God (4:7-10). God eventually punishes.
(2) Pride. (5:4-5) Pride is always built off of ignorance. People that are prideful get to a point of no return and God withdraws from such. We know from Scripture that God is opposed to the proud.
(3) Instability. (6:4) People many times are good starters but poor finishers. When people are unstable, up one day, down another, they need to realize they are not walking by faith but their instability withholds God from them (Jam. 1:7-8). How many people do you know that assemble for worship because of habit rather than loyalty and love?
(4) Worldliness. (7:8-11) People are slowly overcome by those around them, conforming to their standards. They turn to man for their comfort and strength (we see that in support groups) rather than flee and listen to God. Jeremiah said a person is cursed that makes man his strength and trusts in mankind (Jer. 17:5).
(5) Corruption. (9:9) Their corruption will bring a double guilt (10:10). God says he 'hated' them for what they are doing (9:15). It is hard to believe God hated but people become so corrupt that God cannot do anything for them. We are speaking about His people!
(6) Back sliding. (11:5-7) People at times seem bent to turn away from the Lord. No matter what, they will not listen and are determined to do things in their own thinking. They exalt themselves and their works. That is a back sliding heart!
(7) Idolatry. (13:2) Today we can be idolaters. People worship their smarts, their jobs or wealth. All of this is idolatry. People are taken captive through man's ideas and thinking, which is all idolatry.
How can we avoid such trappings? "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them." (Hosea 14:9)
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