Berean Bible Church

The Prophets

Lesson VI

How God works to restore backsliders

February 7, 2010

Introduction

We stated that in the Book of Hosea there are at least three major subjects

1. Israel’s backslidings and unfaithfulness to God

2. God’s continued workings with Israel, for Israel, during their unfaithfulness.

3. How does God work to restore backsliders?

I Hosea 2:11 I will cause all their mirth to cease

In other words, He takes away their joy.

Psalm 51:12 David: “restore unto me the joy of thy salvation”

John 15:11 Jesus has given His Word that our joy might be full

Romans 15:13 there is no joy in unbelief

Galatians 5:22 the fruit of the Spirit is , love, joy

John 16:22 a joy , no man can take away, only God does that!

Proverbs 14:14 the backslider in heart…..

II Hosea 2:15 I will give..the Valley of Achor for a door of hope

Psalm 23:4 the valley of the shadow of death

Song of Solomon 2:1 He is the Lily of the valleys’

Joshua 7:19-25 Hosea refers to the valley of Achor

III Hosea 4:10 For they shall eat and not have enough

Does that not mean , they will never be satisfied?

That is the backsliders case. And that explains why most backsliders go very deep into sin.

When one has tasted of the good things of the Lord, he can no longer be satisfied with the world’s pig-pen!

IV Hosea 5:12 I will be as a moth

What an example of the Lord coming down to our level!

A moth works very gently, silently , and slowly, but it is destructive!

V Hosea 5:14 I will be to Ephraim as a lion I will tear and go away

What a contrast! The moth destroys slowly

The lion tears to pieces quickly and severely

Romans 11:22 in these symbols we not have the goodness and severity of God?

Hosea 5:15 I will go till they acknowledge their offence

Hosea 6:1 Come let us return for:

He hath torn and He will heal

He hath smitten, He will bind up. O the ways of God!

God tears for the purpose of healing!