How does Ezekiel 33:26 challenge us to examine our own righteousness today? Setting the Scene “ ‘You rely on your sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife. Should you then possess the land?’ ” (Ezekiel 33:26) Why God Exposes False Confidence • Israel presumed covenant privilege while practicing open sin. • Three charges summarize a life unsubmitted to God: — Violence: “You rely on your sword.” — Idolatry: “You commit abominations” (Deuteronomy 7:25 calls idols “abominations”). — Sexual immorality: “Each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife.” • The unanswered question—“Should you then possess the land?”—shows covenant blessings are never detached from covenant obedience (Leviticus 26:3 – 6). Piercing Parallels for Today • Trust in human strength: security systems, savings, political power—yet Psalm 20:7 warns, “Some trust in chariots…” • Cultural idolatry: careers, entertainment, self-image. 1 John 5:21 pleads, “Keep yourselves from idols.” • Normalized sexual sin: pornography, cohabitation, adultery; Hebrews 13:4 still calls marriage bed holy. • Assuming God’s favor because of heritage, tradition, or church attendance. Matthew 3:9 exposes that illusion. Marks of Genuine Righteousness • Humble faith in Christ alone (Romans 3:22). • Quick repentance when convicted (Psalm 51:17). • Obedience produced by the Spirit, not self-effort (Galatians 5:16 – 23). • Practical love for neighbor (James 2:15 – 17). • Persevering holiness, not momentary zeal (Matthew 24:13). Practical Steps for Honest Self-Examination • Invite the Word to search you (Hebrews 4:12). Read passages like Matthew 5 – 7 and note where attitudes misalign. • Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9), refusing to rationalize. • Seek accountability: “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). • Evaluate fruit: are love, joy, peace, and the rest of Galatians 5:22 – 23 increasing? • Serve sacrificially—good works prepared by God (Ephesians 2:10) expose self-centeredness and foster Christ-likeness. Living the Challenge Ezekiel 33:26 removes every refuge of self-made righteousness. True security lies not in swords, idols, or secret sins, but in a heart surrendered to the Lord who judges impartially and redeems completely through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:17 – 19). |
    |