How can we apply God's adornment in Ezekiel 16:11 to our lives today? Setting the Scene—Ezekiel 16:11 “ ‘I adorned you with jewelry and put bracelets on your wrists and a necklace around your neck.’ ” Why the Lord Adorns His People • To affirm worth: He rescues, then dignifies (Isaiah 43:4). • To showcase His covenant love (Hosea 2:19–20). • To display His glory through us (Matthew 5:16). What the Adornments Point To Today • Salvation’s robe—Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8. • Righteous character—Galatians 5:22-23. • Spiritual gifts for ministry—1 Corinthians 12:4-7. • Honor of sonship—Romans 8:15-17. • Grace-empowered good works—Ephesians 2:10. Practical Ways to Wear God’s Adornment 1. Receive it gratefully – Stop trying to earn what is freely given (Ephesians 2:8-9). 2. Cultivate inner beauty – Daily choose “the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). 3. Steward spiritual gifts – Identify, develop, and deploy them for the body’s good (1 Peter 4:10-11). 4. Dress in Christlike virtues – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12-14). 5. Reflect His glory publicly – Words seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). – Works that point to the Father (Matthew 5:16). 6. Guard the adornment – Reject idols competing for loyalty (1 John 5:21). – Keep a repentant heart when blemished by sin (1 John 1:9). Guarding Against Israel’s Mistake • They traded divine beauty for self-indulgence (Ezekiel 16:15). • We guard against pride by remembering: – Origin of our adornment: pure grace. – Purpose of our adornment: His glory, not ours. Staying Adorned for the Long Haul • Keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). • Remain in the Word—“He will be like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3). • Fellowship with believers who spur love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Anticipate the wedding supper of the Lamb, when every jewel will shine forever (Revelation 19:7). |
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