Can God Fix This?

(Hosea 14:1-9)

Sin

Like a disease

The source of our temptation unto sin is internal, born of the desires of our flesh
(Matt. 15:19, Ro. 7: 14-20, Gal. 5:16-20, James 1:13-15)

Related to faithlessness

Repentance (Zeph. 3:5, Jer. 7:25, Acts 26:15-18)

Repentance (metanoias): a change of mind, a turning

in order to receive forgiveness and the gift of God’s Holy Spirit (the carrot)

Renounce false gods

Misplaced Trust

Those who feel self-sufficient cease depending on God

Those who rely on other people will be disappointed

Humbly return to God with sorrow (Ps. 51:17, Acts 2:37-38, James 4:10)

Distress sometimes leads to humility and prayer, which in turn invite

God’s grace (2 Chron. 33:12-13, Deut. 4:30-31, Jer. 31:18-20, Hosea 5:15,
Luke 15:14-24, Ps. 86:5)

The true condition of sinful man

As a helpless orphan, weak and in need

But no one is beyond hope (2 Pe. 3:9b, Isa. 30:17-18)

God took a murderer by the name of Moses, and turn him

into a great national and spiritual leader. He took a liar and
deceiver by the name of Jacob, and made him the
cornerstone of a nation. He took an adulterer and murderer
like David, and used him to write many of the Psalms to
strengthen and encourage the people of God.

Saul/Paul (Acts 9:10-19)

 John Newton, Former Slave Ship Captain, became
Abolitionist, wrote “Amazing Grace”.

Manassah spent most of his 55 years doing evil in the eyes

of the Lord. He worshipped idols, attempted to
communicate with the dead people through spiritual
mediums and he sacrificed his own sons as human
offerings to idols. Tradition tells us he had the prophet
Isaiah sawn in half. But after he was humbled and turned to
God, he spent the rest of his life attempting to lead his
people back to God. Likewise we should use the grace
shown us to the benefit of others (see also: Luke 22:31-32,
Peter)

Never stop praying for people, even up to the last instant (Luke
23:39-43, 1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Persistence demonstrates faith.

We must pray for others while we still can (Isa. 55:6)

Acknowledge our sin (Take personal responsibility for it!) (1 John 1:19)

Confess with words from the heart

Acknowledge guilt

Ask for forgiveness

Commit to change

God requires a whole-hearted commitment

Praise Him

God’s Response

Repentance removes wrath/suspends judgement

Draws near to us

Forgives & Forgets (2 Chron. 7:14)

To receive forgiveness requires faith (Mark 2:5)

Begins the purification, healing, restoration & renewal process in our lives (Ps.
51:2, Jer. 3:22, 33:8, John 3:5, Heb. 10:22, 1 Cor. 6:11, Titus 2:14, Isa. 1:18, 2
Cor. 5:17-6:2)

You must put your heart in His Hands because it takes a changed heart to
truly change behavior

God blesses us anew

Like the dew, fresh every morning (Lam. 3:22-23, Ps. 30:5, 86:15)

Lily = beauty & fertility

Cedars of Lebanon = a strong, stable, long term bond

Shade = protection

Grain = covenant blessing

Wine = joy and gladness