Week 7 • Return to the Lord  (Hosea 14)

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 119:97-104 Personal Study Notes:

Psalm 119:105-112 Personal Study Notes:

Proverbs 7 Personal Study Notes:

Hosea 13 Personal Study Notes:

Hosea 14 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  

Key questions this week involve applying the call to return, understanding God's generous forgiveness, identifying practical steps for spiritual growth, and recognizing the lasting fruit of following God's path. 

  • What does it mean to "return" to the LORD in Hosea 14:1, and what specific words of repentance are suggested (vs. 2)?

  • How does acknowledging "iniquity" help in genuine repentance, and how can we "repay with the fruit of our lips" (vs. 2)?

  • How does this call to return challenge reliance on self or other alliances instead of God? 

  • What does God's anger turning away (vs. 4) reveal about His character, and how does His "freely given love" contrast with human ways?

  • How can God's promise to be like "dew" (vs. 5) refresh your spiritual life, and how do you cultivate roots like the cedars of Lebanon?

  • How do the images of flourishing like a lily, grain, and vine (vs. 7) symbolize the restoration you desire in your faith? 

  • What does the phrase "from me comes your fruit" (vs. 8) teach about the source of spiritual productivity and growth?

  • How does this promise of fruitfulness encourage you to live out your faith more boldly? 

  • How does Hosea 14:9 contrast the wise person who understands the LORD's ways with the one who stumbles through rebellion?

  • Where do you see the "ways of the LORD" vs. paths of rebellion playing out in today's world? 

  • Reflect on a time you felt spiritually dry; how did God's presence act as "dew" to refresh you?

  • What practical steps can you take to ensure your repentance leads to lasting change and a deeper relationship with God? 

Prayer: Father, help us to remember the message from the prophet Hosea.  As it was your word to the people of his day so it is your word to us today.  May we be faithful and true to your Word and walk worthy of our calling in this dark world.