Week 6 • Deceit, Discipline & Remembering Our Beginnings  (Hosea 12)

Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105-106

In each reading assignment look for a . . .

Sin to Confess • Promise to Claim • Attitude to Change • Command to Obey • Example to Follow

Psalm 119:81-88 Personal Study Notes:

Psalm 119:89-96 Personal Study Notes:

Proverbs 6 Personal Study Notes:

Hosea 11 Personal Study Notes:

Hosea 12 Personal Study Notes:

Accountability Question

  • Did everyone read all five assignments?

  • What application points did you find?

Group Participation

  • Where are we on our ministry project?

  • Have someone take requests and lead prayer.

  • Have someone tell the story or paraphrase.

  • Have someone read the Bible passage.

  • Have someone facilitate the Bible study using the weekly discussion questions.

Weekly Discussion Questions  

Hosea 12 confronts us with the issues of social injustice, a lack of personal integrity, the absence of spiritual discipline. As Hosea called upon the people of his day so we are called today to remember our vows to God, to return to the way of faithful devotion, and be the people God has called us to be.

  • Spiritual Adultery: What does "Ephraim surrounds Me with lies" (v. 2) and "feeding on wind" (v. 1) signify about Israel's spiritual state and the futility of idolatry?

  • Jacob & Esau: How does God's reference to Jacob wrestling with Him (v. 4) and His controversy with Esau (v. 2-3) highlight themes of struggle, divine intervention, and the importance of humility?

  • Discipline: Why does God discipline Israel, and how does this discipline (like returning to tents in Egypt) serve as a re-education rather than just punishment?

  • Modern Idolatry: What are modern equivalents to Israel's deceit and reliance on wealth/strength (v. 8), and how can we avoid these traps?

  • Repentance: How does Hosea 12 call us to a deeper, consistent repentance (like Jacob's plea to be blessed) rather than superficial change, and what practical steps can we take?  

Prayer: Father forgive us for our waywardness.  Forgive us our failure to walk in your ways and our sins against others.  Restore to us a spiritual discipline rooted in your commandments.