Discovering God's Heart in the Minor Prophets
Summary
The book of Hosea, and the twelve books known as the Minor Prophets, often go unread and unstudied by many believers. Yet, these books are not “minor” in importance—only in length. They are essential for understanding the nature of God, His righteous anger, His mercy, and His relentless pursuit of His people. Over the coming weeks, we will journey through these prophetic books, discovering how they reveal God’s character and point us to Jesus Christ. The Minor Prophets are not just historical curiosities; they are living words that speak to our present struggles, our need for repentance, and the hope of restoration.
Many Christians feel insecure about their knowledge of Scripture, especially when it comes to the less familiar books. But our faith is not based on perfect knowledge or the ability to quickly find Hosea in our Bibles. Our salvation rests in Jesus alone—His work on the cross, His resurrection, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Still, growing in our understanding of Scripture strengthens our faith and equips us for every good work. The more we see how the Old and New Testaments connect, the more we recognize God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ.
Jesus Himself taught that all of Scripture—the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms—points to Him. When He opened the minds of His disciples after the resurrection, He showed them how the Old Testament spoke of His suffering, death, and resurrection. The Minor Prophets, then, are not just about ancient Israel; they are about God’s plan for redemption, the coming of the Messiah, and the promise of a new creation. They call us to return to God, to recognize the seriousness of sin, and to trust in His covenant love.
Prophets were not simply fortune-tellers; they were people through whom God’s message “bubbled up” and overflowed. Their words were often difficult, calling out idolatry, injustice, and spiritual adultery. Yet, they also proclaimed hope: the promise of a righteous King, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the ultimate victory over sin and death. The issues they addressed—division, idolatry, injustice—are still with us today. As we study these books, we are invited to see ourselves in their stories and to respond to God’s call to return, repent, and be restored.
This summer, as we “major in the minors,” let’s open our Bibles, open our hearts, and allow God to open our minds to His truth. The struggles we face are not minor, but God’s grace is greater still. Jesus has come, and the day of His return is nearer than ever. Let’s journey together, discovering the depth of God’s love and the certainty of His promises.
Key Takeaways
- The so-called “Minor Prophets” are not minor in significance; they reveal the heart and character of God, His righteous anger against sin, and His relentless mercy toward His people. Engaging with these books helps us see the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Testament to the New, and how every part of Scripture points us to Jesus Christ. [33:25]
- Biblical literacy is not about having all the answers or never feeling lost in the pages of Scripture. Rather, it is about a willingness to grow, to ask questions, and to let God’s Word shape us. Our security is not in our knowledge, but in Christ, yet knowing the story of God deepens our faith and equips us to serve. [33:25]
- Jesus is present throughout the Old Testament, including the Minor Prophets. When He spoke of the Scriptures being fulfilled, He was referring to these very books. Recognizing Christ in the Old Testament not only enriches our understanding but also grounds our hope in the faithfulness of God’s promises. [36:10]
- True prophecy always points to God’s plans, purposes, and character, culminating in Jesus. While spiritual encouragement is vital, biblical prophecy is not about personal gain or manipulation, but about aligning with God’s revealed will and calling His people back to Himself. Discernment is needed to distinguish between encouragement and genuine prophetic witness. [42:47]
- The struggles, sins, and divisions addressed by the Minor Prophets are not relics of the past—they are present realities. God’s call to repentance, restoration, and covenant relationship is as urgent now as it was then. As we read, we are reminded that God’s faithfulness endures, and He desires steadfast love and knowledge of Him above all else. [53:22]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to the Minor Prophets
[03:45] - Why Study the Minor Prophets?
[06:30] - The Danger of Biblical Illiteracy
[09:15] - Jesus in the Old Testament
[13:00] - The Purpose of Prophecy
[16:20] - Are There Still Prophets Today?
[20:05] - The Context of the Minor Prophets
[24:30] - Israel’s Divided Kingdom
[28:10] - The Message of the Prophets
[32:00] - God’s Covenant and Faithfulness
[36:40] - The Relevance for Today
[41:00] - Preparing for the Series
[45:20] - Encouragement to Read Hosea
[49:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Major in the Minors – Introduction to the Minor Prophets
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### Bible Reading
- Hosea 6:6
"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
- Luke 24:44-47
"Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'"
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
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### Observation Questions
1. In Hosea 6:6, what does God say He desires more than sacrifice or burnt offerings?
2. According to Luke 24:44-47, what did Jesus say about the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms? What did He do for His disciples after the resurrection?
3. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose and value of all Scripture?
4. The sermon mentioned that the Minor Prophets address issues like idolatry, injustice, and spiritual adultery. What are some examples from the sermon of how these issues showed up in Israel’s history? [42:47]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does God value “steadfast love” and “knowledge of Him” over religious rituals, according to Hosea 6:6? How does this challenge the way people sometimes approach faith?
2. When Jesus says that all Scripture points to Him (Luke 24:44-47), what does that mean for how we read the Old Testament, especially the Minor Prophets? [36:10]
3. The sermon said that biblical literacy is not about having all the answers, but about a willingness to grow and let God’s Word shape us. How might this perspective change someone’s attitude toward reading unfamiliar parts of the Bible? [33:25]
4. The Minor Prophets often called out the sins of God’s people and called them to repentance. Why do you think God used prophets to deliver these hard messages instead of just letting people figure it out on their own? [42:47]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon encouraged everyone to read through Hosea before next week, even if it feels unfamiliar or challenging. What is one practical step you can take this week to open your Bible and start reading a Minor Prophet? What might get in the way, and how can you overcome it? [53:22]
2. Many Christians feel insecure about their knowledge of the Bible, especially the less familiar books. Have you ever felt this way? How does knowing that your security is in Christ, not your Bible knowledge, help you move forward? [33:25]
3. Hosea 6:6 says God desires steadfast love and knowledge of Him. What is one way you can pursue a deeper relationship with God this week, rather than just “going through the motions” of religious activity?
4. The Minor Prophets spoke out against things like idolatry, injustice, and division. Are there any “modern idols” or injustices in your own life or community that God might be calling you to notice or address? What would repentance look like in those areas? [42:47]
5. The sermon said that all of Scripture points to Jesus and that the Old and New Testaments are connected. How might seeing Jesus in the Minor Prophets change the way you read the Old Testament? Is there a specific promise or hope you need to remember this week? [36:10]
6. The pastor mentioned that God’s call to repentance and restoration is as urgent now as it was then. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to return to Him or be restored? What is one step you can take in response?
7. The sermon talked about the importance of spiritual encouragement and discernment when it comes to prophecy and speaking God’s truth. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement or a reminder of God’s promises? How can you be that encouragement this week? [42:47]
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Closing Thought:
As we “major in the minors” this summer, let’s not be afraid of what we don’t know. Instead, let’s open our Bibles, open our hearts, and trust that God will open our minds to His truth and His love.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is Found Throughout All of Scripture
The story of Jesus is not limited to the New Testament; rather, He is present throughout the entire Bible, including the Old Testament, as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the centerpiece of God’s redemptive plan. When Jesus spoke to His disciples after His resurrection, He made it clear that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. This means that even in the most obscure or overlooked books, like the Minor Prophets, we can discover God’s plan for salvation and the need for a Savior. As you read the Bible, look for the ways in which all of Scripture points to Jesus and deepens your understanding of God’s love and purpose for you. [36:00]
Luke 24:44-49 (ESV)
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Reflection: As you read the Old Testament this week, where do you see hints or promises of Jesus, and how does this change the way you approach these ancient texts?
Day 2: Scripture Equips Us for Every Good Work
All of Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, and training us in righteousness so that we may be fully equipped for every good work. The Bible is not just a collection of stories or rules; it is God-breathed and actively shapes us as we read and apply it. By engaging with even the less familiar parts of the Bible, like the Minor Prophets, we allow God to build us up in faith, correct our misunderstandings, and prepare us to serve others with confidence, knowing that His promises are true and His Spirit is at work in us. [38:30]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God’s Word to teach, correct, or train you today, and how can you intentionally open yourself to that shaping?
Day 3: Prophecy Points to God’s Plans and Purposes
True biblical prophecy is always centered on God’s plans, purposes, and character, not on personal gain or manipulation. Prophets in the Bible were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak God’s message, often calling people back to faithfulness and pointing forward to what God would do through Jesus. Even today, God continues to encourage and guide His people through His Word and by His Spirit, always in alignment with what He has already revealed in Jesus. We are called to discern and value encouragement that points us back to God’s promises and His redemptive work. [41:00]
2 Peter 1:21 (ESV)
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: When you receive encouragement or hear someone claim to speak for God, do you test it against Scripture and the character of Jesus? How can you grow in discernment this week?
Day 4: God’s Faithfulness Despite Our Unfaithfulness
God’s heart is to continually call His people back to Himself, offering restoration, forgiveness, and hope even when we have turned away. The story of Hosea, and the message of the Minor Prophets, reveal a God who is faithful to an unfaithful people, longing for relationship rather than empty rituals. No matter how far we stray, God’s love pursues us, inviting us to return and experience His steadfast mercy and grace. [47:30]
Hosea 6:6 (ESV)
For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been relying on outward actions rather than genuine relationship with God? What would it look like to return to Him with your heart today?
Day 5: Engage Scripture to Combat Spiritual Illiteracy
Knowing your way around the Bible is not about earning God’s favor, but about growing in understanding of who He is and how He has worked throughout history. The enemy delights when believers remain unfamiliar with God’s Word, but as you open the Bible—even the challenging or lesser-known books—you are equipped to recognize God’s voice, see His promises, and stand firm in faith. Make it a priority to read, reflect, and discuss Scripture, trusting that God will open your mind and heart to His truth. [33:25]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Reflection: What practical step can you take this week to become more familiar with a part of the Bible you’ve often overlooked, and who can you invite to join you in this journey?
Quotes
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