How can Ezekiel 23:36 guide us in confronting sin within the church? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 23 describes two adulterous sisters—Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem)—whose unfaithfulness pictures Israel’s and Judah’s idolatry. • In verse 36, God commands: “Then the LORD said to me: ‘Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Confront them with their abominations.’” • The prophet must speak plainly about sin so that God’s people recognize it, repent, and return to covenant faithfulness. Key Insight from Ezekiel 23:36 • “Will you judge…?”—God expects His servants to discern and declare the difference between holiness and sin (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:12–13). • “Confront them”—sin is not merely noted; it is addressed directly, yet with the goal of restoration (Galatians 6:1). • “Their abominations”—specific offenses are named; vague generalities never lead to genuine repentance. Principles for Confronting Sin Today • Authority comes from God’s Word, not personal opinion (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Confrontation is an act of obedience and love, never spite (Proverbs 27:5–6). • The local church must judge inside its own fellowship before critiquing the world (1 Peter 4:17; Matthew 7:3–5). • A failure to confront corrupts the witness of the whole body (Revelation 2:20). Practical Steps for the Church 1. Examine the standard – Regular exposition of Scripture keeps sin visible and holiness clear (Psalm 119:105). 2. Identify the issue – Gather facts; avoid gossip. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:16) 3. Approach privately first – “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately.” (Matthew 18:15) 4. Involve additional witnesses – If refusal persists, bring one or two others, following the Matthew 18 pattern. 5. Tell it to the church – Persistent, public sin eventually requires congregational awareness and action (Matthew 18:17). 6. Maintain a restorative aim – Even discipline seeks to “win your brother over” (Matthew 18:15) and “restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1). 7. Guard purity and unity – Remove unrepentant leaven so the whole lump is not defiled (1 Corinthians 5:6–7). 8. Reaffirm love upon repentance – Welcome back the repentant so they are “not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7). The Goal: Restoration, Not Ruin Ezekiel’s call to confront was severe, yet God’s purpose was always covenant renewal. Likewise, confronting sin in the church protects Christ’s honor, preserves the flock, and positions sinners to embrace mercy. As James 5:20 reminds us, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” |
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