Heart Prep:
Hoshea was an evil king in the long line of the evil kings of Israel. In
Hoshea’s ninth year as king, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, put Hoshea in prison, and moved all the Israelites to Assyria. The kingdom of Israel was officially destroyed. The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of the Israelites’ sin. God’s gracious patience lasted for years, but the people failed to repent and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Like Israel, we sin, and all sin deserves death. Those who fail to repent and trust in Christ will be separated from God forever. Yet, the unfailing love of the Lord has provided the way for people to be forgiven and live with God forever. Those who trust in Christ will escape God’s punishment of sin. They will not only find forgiveness but also receive the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live for God. Pray for boys and girls to see their need for Jesus.
Message:
King Hoshea was another evil king in the long line of evil kings of Israel. He would also be the last. In Hoshea’s ninth year as king, the king of Assyria captured Samaria in Israel, put King Hoshea in prison, and moved all the Israelites to Assyria. The kingdom of Israel was destroyed. This happened because of the sin of the Israelites. God brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, freeing them from slavery. He performed powerful miracles for them and took care of them. He gave them instructions, including a commandment to worship Him alone. But instead of worshiping God alone, they worshiped other gods. They acted like the people who once lived in the land the Lord gave them. They created altars to other gods and burned incense to them on every high hill and under every green tree. They did evil things, just like the nations who lived there before them. God warned His people over and over through prophets. He said, “Turn from your evil ways. Keep my commandments and the law sent to you through the prophets.” But the people did not listen. They were stubborn like their ancestors. They rejected God and the covenant He made with the people at Mount Sinai. They followed worthless idols. As the people ignored God’s warnings over and over, God became very angry. He rejected them, removed them from His presence, and handed them over to the nation of Assyria. The king of Assyria moved all the Israelites out of the land and brought in foreign people to live in Israel’s cities. The kingdom of Israel was destroyed. Only the tribe of Judah remained.
Main Point:
The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God’s presence.
Discussion:
What are the consequences of sin?
Guide kids to see that sin has consequences. When we make sinful choices, it still hurts us and those around us. The punishment of sin is eternal death and separation from God forever. Remind kids that Jesus took the punishment for sin when He died on the cross so that anyone who trusts in Him will be saved. Read 1 John 4:17-18 together.
What are ways we are unfaithful toward God?
Guide kids to see how we can put things like money, popularity, friends, or activities, before God in our lives. We sometimes love these things more than we love God. When we placeanything before God, it becomes an idol.
How does the Bible help us see our sin and repent of it?
Tell kids that the Bible is living and active. God uses His Word to reveal what is in our hearts and expose our sin. When we read Scripture, God’s true words help us see Him and His Son, Jesus, and how they are perfect. The more we see God’s perfection and holiness in Scripture, the more clearly we can see how we fall short of His glory. As we see our sin, we can repent of it, trusting God will forgive us through faith in Jesus. Read Hebrews 4:12 together.
