Hosea 6:6 – I Delight in Loyalty Rather Than Sacrifice

Introduction:

Israel was a land full of ungodliness & people who turned their heart away from God. (4:1b-2a) They are corrupt, filled w/idolatry, all while still maintaining outward appearance of worship. The appearance of loyalty did not fool God. (5:1-3) In 6:1-3, Israel tried to tell God of their sorrow. On surface, it sounded good. But it was empty – as God speaks in 6:4-5. Now read 6:6. What is there in 6:6 that is important for us? God desires man respond to Him from the heart with steadfast love & warmth of heart.

I. Our understanding of God can be flawed.

A. 6:1-3 – Israel treated God as a machine.

1. God was looking for a change of heart & got “lip service.”

B. Do we treat God the same way?

1. We expect salvation while not fully surrendering self.

C. God expects a relationship with us not just ritualistic involvement.

1. Our life is to be the evidence! Rom. 12:1-2

II. Religion must not be viewed as an obligation to be fulfilled, but as a relationship with the living God.

A. Come to worship; meet basic requirements, then..get back to life.

1. Are we guilty of just coming together to meet a listing of commandments?

B. Do we just halfway listen/consider what is being said in prayer?

1. Do we focus on the words we sing? (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)

2. Do we discern the Lord’s body as we partake of the Lord’s Supper? (1 Cor. 11:28)

3. Do we plan ahead as to what we’re going to give? (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

4. Do we complain if preacher cuts into “my time” by preaching too long?

C. Do you approach baptism as automatically entitling you to heaven?

III. God desires an emotional connection with our religion.

A. We often find ourselves afraid to express any emotion in our religion.

1. We don’t want to appear charismatic.

2. We don’t want to appear to have let emotions go out of control.

3. We are emotional beings!

B. John 4:23-24

1. Worship in truth. Involves commandments; following the pattern.

2. But…in spirit. Our heart needs to be in it!

IV. There should be an emotional attachment with our salvation.

A. Been in a situation where you’ve been caught red handed?

1. Plead for mercy & hope your accuser has it in His heart to forgive you.

B. Hosea knew about this from experience. (Hosea 3)

1. God is always loving & merciful even if it causes Him pain.

C. Where were you headed w/o God? Rom. 6:23-24

1. We can’t help but be emotionally attached to God!

D. Rom. 12:1 – living sacrifices. We must serve Him w/o a 2^nd thought.

E. Be enthusiastic about your Christianity! God has given us a new lease on life!

Conclusion:

A. Give yourself to Him! Hosea 2:19-20 Do you have an intimate relationship with God?



Introduction: Israel was a land full of ungodliness & people who turned their heart away from God. (4:1b-2a) They are corrupt, filled w/idolatry, all while still maintaining outward appearance of worship. The appearance of loyalty did not fool God. (5:1-3) In 6:1-3, Israel tried to tell God of their sorrow. On surface, it sounded good. But it was empty – as God speaks in 6:4-5. Now read 6:6. What is there in 6:6 that is important for us? God desires man respond to Him from the heart with steadfast love & warmth of heart. I. Our understanding of God can be flawed. A. 6:1-3 – Israel treated God as a machine. 1. God was looking for a change of heart & got “lip service.” B. Do we treat God the same way? 1. We expect salvation while not fully surrendering self. C. God expects a relationship with us not just ritualistic involvement. 1. Our life is to be the evidence! Rom. 12:1-2 II. Religion must not be viewed as an obligation to be fulfilled, but as a relationship with the living God. A. Come to worship; meet basic requirements, then..get back to life. 1. Are we guilty of just coming together to meet a listing of commandments? B. Do we just halfway listen/consider what is being said in prayer? 1. Do we focus on the words we sing? (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) 2. Do we discern the Lord’s body as we partake of the Lord’s Supper? (1 Cor. 11:28) 3. Do we plan ahead as to what we’re going to give? (1 Cor. 16:1-2) 4. Do we complain if preacher cuts into “my time” by preaching too long? C. Do you approach baptism as automatically entitling you to heaven? III. God desires an emotional connection with our religion. A. We often find ourselves afraid to express any emotion in our religion. 1. We don’t want to appear charismatic. 2. We don’t want to appear to have let emotions go out of control. 3. We are emotional beings! B. John 4:23-24 1. Worship in truth. Involves commandments; following the pattern. 2. But…in spirit. Our heart needs to be in it! IV. There should be an emotional attachment with our salvation. A. Been in a situation where you’ve been caught red handed? 1. Plead for mercy & hope your accuser has it in His heart to forgive you. B. Hosea knew about this from experience. (Hosea 3) 1. God is always loving & merciful even if it causes Him pain. C. Where were you headed w/o God? Rom. 6:23-24 1. We can’t help but be emotionally attached to God! D. Rom. 12:1 – living sacrifices. We must serve Him w/o a 2^nd thought. E. Be enthusiastic about your Christianity! God has given us a new lease on life! Conclusion: A. Give yourself to Him! Hosea 2:19-20 Do you have an intimate relationship with God?