003 Hosea 1:2-3

We were created to worship. Every day we wake up and worship something. Even “good” things can become idols. Spend some time discussing with one another what you idolize in your life. What are the most important things to you? How can and do those things take priority over God?

God is jealous of our attention and affections. He will take us wherever he needs to win us back to himself. God will set up our lives, every circumstance, every relationship, to do this. He uses everything. Spend some time discussing with one another where you have seen this evident in your lives. What is your attitude towards suffering? Do you see it producing faith or bitterness? Do you try to avoid it all together?

Does it comfort you to know that just like Hosea, God allows things he hates to happen in your life to create a genuineness in your heart for him and the people around you? Why or why not?

Lastly, the sermon talked about our relationship with God and the idea that we want to be with him, but aren’t actually in love with him. We show up to church, we read our bibles, we participate in small groups, but we aren’t actually in love. Looking at not only your relationship with God but also at the relationships in your daily life, what does love actually mean to you? How do you show your love? Are you more in love with yourself than you are with God and the community he has placed you in?