The Problem of Ego
Introduction
Ego: The Slow Drift that Blinds, Misleads, and Rots
In Hosea 5, God confronts Israel’s deepest issue — not just idolatry, but ego. Pride blinded them to their sin, misled them into chasing worthless things, and slowly rotted their spiritual foundation.
We face the same danger today. When pride drives our choices, we drift from God without even realizing it. This message is a call to humble ourselves, return to God’s Word, and find the freedom and restoration only He can give.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Ego Blinds. Hosea 5:1-7
· Ego makes us spiritual blind to what God is trying to do in and around us.
II. Ego Misleads. Hosea 5:8-11
· When we allow ego to have authority in our lives, it will mislead us. It will take us into places and to decisions that hurt rather than help.
III. Ego Rots. Hosea 5:12-15
· Drifting away from God slowly destroys you spiritually, and turning back to God will necessitate serious spiritual healing.
Study Questions
1. Can you think of a time when pride or stubbornness got you into trouble, even in something small or funny?
2. Read Hosea 5:5. What does it mean that “Israel’s arrogance testifies against them”? How does ego blind us from seeing the truth about ourselves?
3. What does this mean that the root of all sin is pride? Why do you think it’s easier to notice pride and ego in others than it is in ourselves?
4. Read Hosea 5:11. How does ego follow worthless commands instead of God’s Word? Read Proverbs 14:12 and Galatians 1:10. What warnings do these passages add?
5. Read Hosea 5:15. How does this verse show us the importance of recognizing guilt, turning back to God, and trusting Him to restore us? How have you see this in your own life?
6. Last week, Pastor Keven said, “We need to ruthlessly eliminate ego wherever we find it.” What does this mean for our personal lives? What does this mean for the church?
7. CALL TO ACTION: Memorize the second part of James 4:6. Share with someone a place in your life that you are struggling to let go of because of pride. Take a step of humility this week, either through confession, submission, or restoration.