How does Ezekiel 22:2 challenge us to confront sin in our community? The setting of Ezekiel 22:2 “Now you, son of man, will you judge the city of bloodshed? Yes, confront her with all her abominations.” • Ezekiel receives a direct commission to expose Jerusalem’s sins. • The Lord speaks in the imperative; refusing to confront is not an option. • The phrase “city of bloodshed” underscores that unchecked sin breeds violence and corruption. The direct challenge • God calls His servant to name sin publicly, not merely to lament it privately. • Judgment here means a clear, righteous appraisal measured against God’s revealed standard, not human opinion. • Confrontation is framed as obedience to God’s word rather than personal crusading. Principles for confronting sin today • Sin must be defined by Scripture, not culture (Isaiah 5:20). • Silence in the face of evil becomes complicity (Proverbs 24:11-12). • Confrontation aims at restoration, never humiliation (Galatians 6:1). • Personal holiness gives credibility; Ezekiel first stands before God, then before the people (Ezekiel 2:1-7). Practical steps in our community 1. Examine personal life first (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), combining clarity with compassion. 3. Use biblical process: • Private approach (Matthew 18:15) • Small-group confirmation (Matthew 18:16) • Wider church involvement if necessary (Matthew 18:17) 4. Address systemic wrongs—violence, injustice, exploitation—just as Ezekiel listed specific “abominations” (Ezekiel 22:6-12). 5. Offer the gospel as the remedy; confrontation without redemption breeds despair (1 John 1:9). Scriptural reinforcement • 1 Corinthians 5:12-13—believers judge those inside the church, removing unrepentant wickedness. • James 5:19-20—turning a sinner from error saves a soul from death. • Titus 2:15—“Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” Encouragement and hope • God confronts because He longs to cleanse (Ezekiel 22:15-16). • A remnant always survives when truth is upheld (Ezekiel 11:17-20). • Faithful confrontation prepares the way for revival; repentance is the doorway to restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14). |
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