What God Really Wants
Introduction
In Hosea 6, Pastor Kevin reminds us that God doesn’t want empty words or ritual checklists—He wants our hearts. When tragedy and darkness surround us, it’s easy to offer quick prayers or surface-level faith. But true relationship with God is built on faithful love, not convenience. This message challenges us to move past “going through the motions” and instead pursue an authentic walk with Christ, one rooted in trust, humility, and covenant love.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. The Right Words. Hosea 6:1-3
· People live however they want because they don’t take God seriously.
II. The Wrong Heart. Hosea 6:4
· Ungodly behavior is really paganistic behavior or atheistic behavior wrapped up in a Christian suit.
III. The True Relationship. Hosea 6:6-11
· God isn’t after empty religion. He wants covenant love rooted in relationships.
Study Questions
1. Have you ever had a time when you said the “right words” to get out of trouble, but your heart really wasn’t in it? What happened?
2. How does the image of loyalty being like “the morning mist” (Hosea 6:4) describe Israel’s devotion? Where do you see that danger in today’s church culture?
3. Read Matthew 7:16–20. How does Jesus’ teaching about fruit connect to Hosea’s warning about shallow devotion? How does this connect to accountability?
4. Last week pastor Keven said, “Ungodly behavior is really paganistic behavior or atheistic behavior wrapped up in a Christian suit.” What does this mean? Where do you see this kind of hypocrisy today?
5. Read Hosea 6:6. Why does God desire “faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings”? What does this tell us about His priorities?
6. Where in your own faith journey have you been tempted to reduce relationship with God to a religious checklist? What practical steps can help you change your mindset to focus on relationship building instead?