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. 5:1-3 – the appearance of
loyalty did not fool God. Even though they approached Him to sacrifice –
it would not be accepted. God would punish them for their unfaithfulness. What
God desired from them is what He desires from us today! God desires man respond
to Him from the heart with steadfast love & warmth of heart. If we fail to
realize this principle…we will be hopelessly lost.
I. Our
understanding of God can be flawed.
A.
6:1-3 – Israel treated God as a machine.
1.
They wanted God to act according to their expectations, but they
weren’t willing to act according to His.
2.
God was looking for a change of heart & got “lip service.”
B.
We must not treat God the same way.
1.
We cannot expect salvation while not fully surrendering self.
2.
God expects a relationship with us not just ritualistic
involvement.
3.
He wants us to praise Him by a sanctified relationship with Him.
a)
Our life is to be the evidence!
b)
Rom. 12:1-2 – we offer God ourselves for use for His
purposes.
II. Religion is not an obligation to be fulfilled, but as a relationship
with the living God.
A.
We can be highly critical of Israelites, but we can be guilty of
the same.
B.
Do we just halfway listen/consider what is being said in prayer?
1.
What did _________ pray about in the opening prayer?
2.
Do we focus on the words we sing? (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) What
hymns did we sing? What were they about?
3.
Do we discern the Lord’s body as we partake of the Lord’s Supper?
(1 Cor. 11:28)
4.
Do we plan ahead as to what we’re going to give or as we fumbling
for change at last minute? (1 Cor 16:1-2)
III. God desires an emotional connection with our religion.
A.
For far too long…we’ve found ourselves afraid to express any
emotion in our religion…to our detriment.
1.
We don’t want to appear charismatic.
2.
We don’t want to appear to have let emotions go out of control.
B.
We are emotional beings! Who won’t be emotional standing face-to-face
w/Jesus on judgment?
C.
John 4:23-24
1.
Worship in truth? Certainly! That involves commandments; following
the pattern.
2.
But…in spirit. In other words, our heart needs to be in it!
Heart the dwelling place of our emotions.
IV. There should be an emotional attachment with our salvation.
A.
God is always loving & merciful even if it causes Him pain.
A.
Rom. 12:1 – living sacrifices.
B.
Be enthusiastic about your Christianity! God has given us a new
lease on life!
Conclusion:
A.
Give yourself to Him! Hosea 2:19-20