Man's Destruction and God's Restoration
T. B. Baker. Hosea 13:9 O Israel, you have destroyed yourself; but in me is your help. I. CONSIDER THE DESTRUCTION OF SIN. 1. Adam ruined himself and all his children by sin (Romans 5:19, 21). 2. We have destroyed ourselves by actual transgression (Romans 3:23). 3. The intellect or understanding is ruined (Jeremiah 8:7). 4. The will is become a rebellious faculty (Romans 8:7). 5. The conscience is rendered past feeling (1 Timothy 4:2, 6). 6. The passions and affections of the soul are equally defiled (1 John 2:16). 7. He is destroyed both in body and soul, but for Christ (Psalm 9:17). II. CHRIST IS OUR SALVATION AND HELP. 1. Christ is the true light (Malachi 4:2). 2. He shines in our hearts and understandings (Psalm 36:9). 3. He restores to us an enlightened conscience (Hebrews 10:22). 4. The soul is now sensible of the least transgression (2 Corinthians 1:12). 5. He strengthens our memories to retain Divine things (John 14:26). 6. He rectifies and restores all our affections (Psalm 73:25). 7. Provision is made for the everlasting life of the Church (John 6:37). 8. He is our help in delivering us from the wrath to come (John 14:3). III. THE IMPROVEMENT. 1. This help is omnipotent in its energy (1 Corinthians 1:24). 2. It is prompt in its manifestation (Isaiah 59:19). 3. It is always successful in its undertakings (Colossians 2:15). 4. It will not admit of any co-operation in the work (Ephesians 2:8, 9). 5. It is unceasing in its application (Isaiah 41:17). (T. B. Baker.) Parallel Verses KJV: O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help. WEB: You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your help.