Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#22]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM WATCHING
Ezekiel 3:16
Introduction:
I use to watch a lot of news; but since the 2016 Elections, I have stopped. I became tired of trying to figure out what is truth and what is lies. I have also noticed, that I can watch what is going on and see the truths based upon a Scriptural view.
For many weeks, we have been hearing about the consequences and pain that come from sin. Today, is going in a different direction. Today, is a sermon for Christians that want to grow up and mature in their spiritual lives.
Ezekiel 3:16-17 (NIV)
“At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.”
There is hope in…
1. The Word of God.
Without God’s Word, we wouldn’t have a clue to what His plan is for our lives. Christians, you cannot grow without the Word of God. I challenge each of you to not just read the Word; but to apply it to every situation you encounter. As you are watching all that happens around you, how does it match up to the Word of God?
There is hope in…
2. The work of God.
God made Ezekiel a watchman for Israel. Notice, God didn’t ask him if he wanted to be a watchman. God told him. This reminds me of what Jesus told the Disciples as He went into the Garden of Gethsemane.
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
As Christians, we are all commanded to watch and pray. In biblical times, though a city had strong walls and double gates, security was not complete without watchmen in their places, announcing anything they saw that was out of the ordinary. Their job was to warn the people of impending danger. They would pay with their lives if they failed to inform the city of an enemy's approach. If the watchmen were not alert, cities could fall, territories could be lost and many people could be slaughtered or forced into captivity.
I believe that this is one of the greatest problems that our Nation faces. Parents should be watchmen over their children. Husbands should be watchmen over their family. Pastors should be watchmen over their congregation. Christians should be watchmen over their cities. No one seems to be watching the walls. No one seems to be warning others of the enemy’s attack.
There is hope in…
3. The warning of God.
God has given us many warnings over the last several years and our country is not listening very well. God is warning us what will happen if we do not change. Through the Word of God, prayer, circumstances, dreams, visions, and other believers; God is warning us to turn to Him.
Conclusion:
Christians, we need to be watching and praying. It’s not optional. It’s time to start paying attention to what God is doing through us and we need to start warning those who are not being obedient.
