The Preaching of God’s Word Trivialized

Sermon Text: Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NIV)

 30“As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ 31My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

 33“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

I.         Introduction:

II.       The Preaching Of The Message May Be Welcomed: Excited Conversations

A.      Talking Together About The Messenger

B.      Inviting Others To Hear The Message

III.     The Practice Of The Message Is Rejected: Conflicting Lifestyles

A.      The Preaching Of God’s Word Attended In Person: Listening Eagerly

B.      The Preaching Of God’s Word Ignored In Practice: Living Hypocritically

IV.    The Significance Of The Message Is Downplayed: Insulting Identification

A.      Regarding The Message As Entertainment: A Spectator Environment

B.      Rejecting The Message As Authoritative: A Selective Menu

V.      The Attitude Toward The Message Will Be Regretted: Belated Remorse

A.      When The God Given Message Of Truth Is Realized

B.      When The God Given Ministry Of The Prophet Is Realized

VI.    Conclusion: