Scripture Text: Ezekiel 18:1-21:32
Memory Verse: “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” Ezekiel 18:21
Introduction:
Excuses. When bad things befall us, it seems we always want to put the blame for it on someone or something else. We hear things like, “If it wasn’t for my parents, I would have turned out better,” or “If it wasn’t for our government, we’d be able to prosper so much better,” or “If the school I attended had been better, I’d be able to get a higher-paying job.” Some of the worst we hear are, “I could be a better Christian, if it wasn’t for the people who attend my church,” or “If we had a better pastor and more capable elders, our church would be growing.”
While our excuses may have some seeds of truth in them, the real problem seems to be that we just don’t want to assume responsibility or be accountable for our situation in life. In fact, we so easily point the finger at anyone or anything else to justify our own poor choices, that we sometimes point the finger at God. “Why isn’t God blessing us?” “Why isn’t God answering our prayers?” “Why doesn’t the Lord reward us better for our good actions?” Yes, rather than take personal responsibility, we will often blame even the Lord. He’s able to do anything, right? So why doesn’t He do something to bless us?
Ezekiel 18-21 focuses upon the perfect justice of God. He knows and sees all—He knows the complete truth. He judges each individual on the basis of their own thoughts and actions. The righteous man is rewarded for his rightness, and the wicked for their failures. The Apostle Paul wrote this truth concerning God’s absolute justice in Galatians 6:7-9: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What was Ezekiel trying to explain in telling the story of the three men in the same family? (Ezekiel 18:5-18)
- Describe Ezekiel’s response to the accusation that God was being unfair and unjust to His people. (Ezekiel 18:19-32)
- What illustrations did Ezekiel use to depict Judah’s horrible leadership failures? (Ezekiel 19:1-14)
- How did Israel conduct themselves toward God in Egypt, at Mt. Sinai, and in the wilderness? (Ezekiel 20:1-26)
- How did Israel conduct themselves toward God after they entered the promised land? (Ezekiel 20:27-30)
- How were the exiles conducting themselves in Babylon? (Ezekiel 20:31-32)
- What does Ezekiel reveal about Israel’s future through God’s “I will” statements? (Ezekiel 20:33-44)
- What is the terrible news that Ezekiel conveys to the exiles by groaning like a man in pain, and by smiting is thigh and clapping his hands? (Ezekiel 21:1-17)
- What is the one word of hope that Ezekiel shares in this doom message? (Ezekiel 21:27)