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Notes from 9-13-2009 Sermon – Idolatry

Hosea 2:8-13

Idolatry's Punishment

== Israel's Sin ==

- (v. 8a) Deepest ingratitude: (They do not know.) God had lavished wealth on Israel, but their hearts were so hardened in sin, they did not recognize that it was God. (cf. Hebrews 3:13, 2 Cor 4:4) Wealth is dangerous, but poverty is not a virtue. The issue is your heart. (v. 13) "She forgot me."

- (v. 8b) Most offensive use: They turned their unmerited blessings and used them openly in betrayal. Idolatry is in the heart. 'Do you misuse blessings by looking TO them for your joy, rather than looking THROUGH them for your joy?' (cf. Prov 22:2)

- It is the converted heart that causes genuine worship. It can not be codified through extra-biblical rules and laws.

== God's Response ==

- (v. 9, 12) He will remove their blessings to get their attention.

- (v. 10) He will bring public humiliation to demonstrate his power and the impotence of their false gods. Not all humbling is a response to sin. Occasionally it is to bring about maturity.

- (v. 11) He destroys false worship. Why do you go to church? (cf. Amos 8:5)

- (v. 13) Imagery (not meant to be legalistically interpreted) of a wife dressing up erotically for an affair, rather than for her husband. (cf. Ezekiel 16:10-13)

Christ has adorned us with grace. We are married into royalty. Repent of spiritual adultery.

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