For Want Of love

For Want Of love

Hosea 6:4-6 (NIV)

4“What can I do with you, Ephraim?

What can I do with you, Judah?

Your love is like the morning mist,

like the early dew that disappears.

5Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,

I killed you with the words of my mouth;

my judgments flashed like lightning upon you.

6For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

        I.            Introduction:

      II.            The Problem of Shallow Devotion

a.       The Problem of Passing Love

b.      The Problem of What to Do

    III.            The Need  For Extreme Discipline

a.       The Prophets of God Warn

b.      The Judgments of God Come

    IV.            The Desire For Sincere Devotion

a.       God Detests The  Mere Formality of Religion

b.      God Desires The Inner Reality of Religion

      V.            Conclusion: