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"Take words with you, and return to the LORD"

Text: Hosea 14:2

RETURNING TO THE LORD SUCCESSFULLY

Hosea taught Israel how they may return to the LORD successfully. His advice was of significance.

“Take words with you,
And return to the LORD.
Say to Him,
‘Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.'”
Hosea 14:2

1. “Take words with you, and return to the LORD”

a) Returning to the LORD:

i) There must be genuineness.

ii) There must be true repentance.

iii) There must be grief over sins committed against God.

b) The words to say to the LORD:

i) Words are not unimportant.

ii) The right words must be found.

iii) They must express the true state of the heart.

2. The things that must be said to the LORD

a) “Take away all iniquity”

i) There is recognition of iniquity (evil).

ii) There is confession of iniquity too.

iii) There must be a plea for removal of iniquity.

iv) More than forgiveness must be sought.

b) “Receive us graciously”

i) The need for the grace of God is acknowledged.

ii) There is humility in making this plea.

iii) Nothing is taken for granted.

iv) The Lord’s reception of prayer is sought earnestly.

c) “For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips”

i) This is a reference to worship.

ii) In this worship the sacrifice to be offered would be sincere prayer and praise.

iii) The nation must reject idolatry and return to the true worship of the LORD their God.