Restoring the Fallen is a Bible study on the ministry that God inspired through Hosea. The main goal of the prophet was to change the behavior and mindset of the Israelites in both the northern and southern kingdoms. Hosea was speaking to God’s people to alter their actions and deeds. Prelude to Restoring is a four-part series as a foundation and setup for the book, “Restoring the Fallen”.
1} In the first chapter of Hosea some kings were listed to put a timeframe for His ministry. The ideal situation was for Judges to dispatch God’s justice while the Lord remained their King. The idea for a human King was not in God’s plan but things changed due to a disruption of leadership. What event happened to cause the people to be distressed?
1 Samuel 8:1-3
2} Who came to Samuel and demanded a change in the ruling system and what was their reasoning and example?
1 Samuel 8:4-5
3} Often people envy other’s possessions and position. The desire is to be like them, even if it’s to their detriment. In what ways can a church or person look at another organization and desire to be like them even if it goes against the standards that God has instituted?
4} What was God’s response to the people’s behavior?
1 Samuel 8:6-9
5} What warning was given in regard to the human Kings they desired? What was the community’s response?
1 Samuel 8:10-22
6} Incidents can happen in our lives that will cause or incite us to demand change. Sometimes this can happen and the results are good. For example, equality for all people and religious freedoms or example of changes that benefited society. However, there are instances when a group can mandate change that will be in opposition to God’s plan. List a few ways that we as society and church can demand change from God that would be in opposition to His plan.
