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I desire mercy and the knowledge of God

Text: Hosea 6:4-11
21 October 2007

(I) SUBSTITUTES FOR THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

1. Sacrifice as a substitute for knowledge

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

2. The Religious Feasts of Israel

“I will also cause all her mirth to cease,Her feast days, Her New Moons, Her Sabbaths- All her appointed feasts.” Hosea 2:11

(II) WHAT SACRIFICES CANNOT RESOLVE

1. The problem of transgression of the Covenant

“But like men they transgressed the covenant…” Hosea 6:7

2. The problem of evil

“Gilead is a city of evildoers And defiled with blood.As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man,So the company of priests murder on the way to Shechem…” Hosea 6:8-9

3. The problem of pride

“And the pride of Israel testifies to his face,But they do not return to the LORD their God, Nor seek Him for all this.” Hosea 7:10

4. The problem of foolishness

“Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense-They call to Egypt, They go to Assyria.” Hosea 7:11

(III) MERCY AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

1. A solemn Charge from the Lord

“Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel,For the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land:‘There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land.By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery,They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed.’ ” Hosea 4:1-2

2. Things that are tied together

a) Truth, Mercy and Knowledge are tied together

b) Profanity, destruction and evil are tied together

3. Ramifications of True knowledge of God

“I will betroth you to Me forever;Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice,In lovingkindness and mercy;I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness,And you shall know the LORD.” Hosea 2:19-20

a) Righteousness

b) Justice

c) Lovingkindness

d) Mercy

e) Faithfulness