Daniel 4-Hosea 12: August 31: Daniel 4-6 1. What major lesson did Nebuchadnezzar learn about Jehovah God in chapter 4? See vv. 3, 17, 25, 32, 34-35. According to v. 35, is there anything God cannot do, or any divine purpose that man can frustrate? 2. How does chapter 5 illustrate the theological truths of the first 4 chapters? What realities about God do you see in this account? What does this mean for you today? 3. Daniel 6 is perhaps the most famous chapter in the book. How does this narrative advance the theme of divine sovereignty and resulting human faithfulness? September 1: Daniel 7-9 1. Chapter 7 begins the second half of the book, a series of visions regarding the future Each of the animals represent an empire in world history, while the horns represent kings or rulers. Who ultimately takes the rulership of the kingdoms of man in 7:13-14? 2. Chapter 8 carries forward the revelation put forward in ch. 7. Here, the two-horned ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire (hence, two horns). The goat coming from the west is the Greek Empire of Alexander the Great (“conspicuous horn”). The “little horn” of v. 9 is Antiochus Epiphenes, the great persecutor of the Jews. How could Daniel have accurately predicted world history with such precision? 3. What stands out to you from Daniel’s prayer in chapter 9? What do you think about Daniel confessing the sins of previous generations (vv. 5-14)? On what basis does Daniel request pardon, vv. 18-19? September 2: Daniel 10-12 1. In these chapters, God reveals the historical events (future to Daniel) that occurred during the inter-testamental period. 11:21 describes the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He would desecrate the temple and demand an end of the worship of Jehovah. In response, the Maccabees, a group of Jewish nationalists, revolted (11:32-35), ultimately throwing off Seleucid rule and brining in a period of Jewish independence. 2. In 11:36-39, Daniel begins to discuss a new character, one who is prefigured by Antiochus, but far wickeder. Take a look at 2 Thess. 2:4 and Rev. 13:5, 6. To Paul and John (writing hundreds of years after the time of the Maccabees), the appearance of this figure was (and is) still future. This individual’s coming will occur before Christ returns (2 Thess. 2:3). 3. What promise does God give in 12:2-3? How would this motivate faithfulness in the midst of fierce persecution? What kind of person will stand firm in the face of hostility, 11:32? Are you such a person? How could you become one? Introduction to Hosea: Author/Date: Hosea is the first of the “Minor Prophets,” a series of twelve books. Hosea’s name means “salvation.” According to 1:1, Hosea prophesied from roughly 750-715 BC. While Hosea ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel, Isaiah and Micah ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah. Hosea famously married an unfaithful spouse to portray Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. The book is a warning of judgment and a call to repentance. Background: Hosea’s ministry covered the final tumultuous years of the northern kingdom’s existence. His prophetic ministry began during a time of great economic prosperity under Jeroboam II and ended around the time of Israel’s defeat at the hands of Assyria in 722 BC. At this point in Israel’s history, idolatry, injustice, and immorality were firmly entrenched in the national life. For these sins, God promised to bring destruction upon them. Themes: The great theme of Hosea is God’s love for His people in spite of their unfaithfulness to Him. This is powerfully dramatized in Hosea’s gut-wrenching relationship with his unfaithful spouse, Gomer. God’s love for His people is a pursing, passionate love. It is a love that demands loyalty. Just as Hosea’s love for Gomer led him to pursue her in spite of her unfaithfulness, so God’s love for His people is demonstrated “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8). Outline: In the first three chapters, Hosea performs an enacted message, his marriage to unfaithful Gomer. Even after Gomer leaves him, Hosea is commanded to pursue Gomer and redeem her from some form of slavery. The marriage, of course, represents God’s love for Israel. Chapters 4-14 present Hosea’s message. Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s faithfulness are emphasized. The book closes with a final call to repentance (ch. 14). I. Hosea’s Marriage (1-3). II. Hosea’s Message (4-14). Tuesday, September 3: Hosea 1-3 1. 2:1-13 describes God’s loving pursuit of His unfaithful people. How have you experienced God’s pursuing grace in your own life? 2. In chapter 3, Hosea is commanded to renew his love for Gomer and to buy her back (suggesting she is enslaved in some way). She is then to be permanently faithful to him. How do you see the gospel portrayed in all this? September 4: Hosea 4-6 1. Hosea 4 uses the language of the courtroom as God brings formal charges against Israel. What are the charges, vv. 1-2? Why do they receive judgment, v. 6? 2. Chapter 5 now gives the verdict for the case presented in ch. 4. What’s the main reason they are revolting against God, v. 4? How does God respond to their hard-heartedness, v. 15? 3. 6:1-3 expresses repentance…that is not genuine or lasting (v. 4). Have you ever gone through the motions of a false repentance before? What is God really after, v. 6? September 5: Hosea 7-9 1. Chapter 7 demonstrates Israel’s utter refusal to turn to God. Due to their refusal to turn to God, they embrace pagan mourning rituals (7:14). How does unrepentance bring grief? 2. In 8:2, Israel goes through the motions of calling out to to God, but they have, in reality, rejected God (8:3-4, 14). What characteristics mark true repentance, 2 Corinthians 7:9-11? September 6: Hosea 10-12 1. Chapter 10 contains a series of metaphors describing Israel’s rebellion against God. What are they supposed to do, 10:12-13? 2. 11:1 is quoted in Matthew 2:14-15. Who does it seem to point to in its original context? In its ultimate fulfillment? .