Captivity

The Watchman: A Call to Accountability

Bible Passage: Ezekiel 33:21-33

Summary: In Ezekiel 33:21-33, God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman over Israel, emphasizing the responsibility of proclaiming God’s message and the consequences of ignoring it. This passage reveals the seriousness of spiritual accountability and the call to respond to God's warnings.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to actively listen to God's voice and take responsibility for their spiritual lives and the lives of those around them. It highlights the importance of being vigilant and acting as watchmen in our communities, advocating for justice and righteousness in a world that often turns away from God.

Teaching: The teaching from this passage emphasizes the concept of accountability, both to God and to each other. It teaches that as believers, we are entrusted with the task of sharing the truth of God's word, warning others of the consequences of sin and encouraging them to turn back to God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ is foreshadowed as the ultimate watchman who warns and calls people to repentance. Jesus fulfills the role of the one who not only communicates God’s truth but also embodies it, offering salvation and a way out of the impending judgment through His sacrifice.

Big Idea: We are called to be vigilant watchmen, faithfully proclaiming God’s message of hope and warning others against the dangers of sin, driven by our accountability to God and love for others.

Recommended Study: In your Logos library, you might explore commentaries on Ezekiel that address the historical context of Israel's exile and the significance of the watchman metaphor. Look into word studies on key terms like 'watchman' and 'blood' to understand their implications in ancient Israel. Additionally, consider comparing this passage with parallels in the New Testament regarding accountability, particularly in the teachings of Jesus.

1. Receiving the Revelation

Ezekiel 33:21-22

We must be ready and willing to listen to the messages God sends us, and have receptive hearts.

2. Assessing Assurance - in our complacency, assuming everything is okay

Ezekiel 33:23-26

Israel’s misplaced confidence in possessing the land without following God's commandments - spiritual presumption - leads to complacency and judgment. Critically assess areas in our lives where we are falsely assured.

How can we practically assess areas in our lives where we may be experiencing spiritual presumption?

What steps can we take to move from passive listening to active obedience in response to God's warnings?

3. Understanding Consequence - trouble with fear - based faith

Imagine a relationship with a person of authority, who is tasked with evaluating you. There might be a certain amount of fear. Imagine your relationship with authority. It can be a fear based, based on what they can do to you. It’s also fear based on what you do (or don’t do). That’s a fear based relationship, That’s usually appropriate, depending on the supervisor.

If the supervisor is righteous and compassionate, then you can trust that they will make a fair assessment of you, and decide accordingly. The care about you looking , but also for the entire organization. This is a faith based relationship. There is the fear of consequences, but trusting in the person who cares.

Ezekiel 33:27-29

God’s unequivocal message of judgment against those living in defiance. Ignoring God’s warnings leads to inevitable consequences. Christ who bears the judgment on our behalf, reminding us to heed God’s voice with urgency and humility.

4. Embracing Active Obedience - not reacting, proactive

Ezekiel 33:30-33

The answer is not to flinch. To live in fear of judgment