Prophets and Kings: "God Pursues His Bride"

Prophets and Kings: God Pursues His Bride       

Hosea 2:14-20

I. The Groom pursues His Bride.     1:2-9

II. The Groom loves His Bride.   2:2-23

Victor Hugo, Les Misérables   “The ultimate happiness in life is the conviction that one is loved; loved for oneself—better still, loved in spite of oneself.”

1. True enticement. (vs. 14)

2. True hope. (vs. 15) 

3. True joy. (vs. 15) 

4. True intimacy. (vs. 16) 

5. True identity. (vs. 17) 

6. True peace. (vs. 18) 

7. True righteousness. (vs. 19)

III. The Groom redeems His Bride. (vs. 3:1-5)

Matthew 12:28-29 – “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²⁹ Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.”

 Faith Sheet for Friends and Family this Week

 1. What’s the most vivid memory you have of your wedding, or someone close to you, and why is it memorable?

2. Why was it not sufficient for Hosea to deliver God’s message with words alone? (Read also Ephesians 2:8-10 and 1 John 3:18-19)

3. How would Hosea’s specific life experiences influence the way he spoke God’s word to those in need of the Lord?

4. Which of God’s promises in Hosea 2:14-23 stand out to you? Why?

5. Why is it important to daily know that God will not withdraw His love from His Bride like we do in many relationships today? Read about the Bride of Christ and how these truths apply to our daily lives. (Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2 & 9-11, 22:17, Top of FormEphesians 5:25-27 & 32, Isaiah 54:5, 62:1-10, 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, John 3:29, Mark 2:19-20, Ezekiel 16:8, Jeremiah 31:3, 32:31-34, Psalm 45:14-15 and John 14:1-3)