How can we ensure our actions honor God, avoiding Israel's mistakes in Ezekiel? Israel’s Lesson in Ezekiel 36:19 “I dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered through the countries. I judged them according to their ways and their deeds.” • Israel’s scattering was not random; it was righteous judgment. • Their “ways and deeds” profaned God’s name among the nations (36:20). • God’s holiness demanded that their conduct match their calling (Leviticus 20:26). Recognize the Call to Holiness • 1 Peter 1:15–16: “Be holy in all you do.” • Hebrews 12:14: without holiness no one will see the Lord. • Our first safeguard is a settled conviction that God’s standards are non-negotiable. Reject the Root Errors Israel Embraced • Idolatry—setting anything above God (Ezekiel 14:3). • Injustice—oppressing the weak (Ezekiel 22:29). • Hypocrisy—outward worship with inward rebellion (Ezekiel 33:31). Avoiding these begins with honest self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). Receive the New Heart God Promised • Ezekiel 36:26-27: “I will give you a new heart… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” • Titus 3:5: regeneration by the Spirit makes obedience possible. • Yield daily to the Spirit’s prompting; He supplies both desire and power (Philippians 2:13). Pursue Obedient Living Practical habits that keep our deeds honorable: – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2). – Regular confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). – Fellowship with believers who exhort toward godliness (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Stewardship of time, talent, and treasure for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). Guard God’s Reputation Among the Nations • Ezekiel 36:23: God acts “to sanctify My great name.” • Matthew 5:16: let your light shine so others “glorify your Father in heaven.” • 1 Peter 2:12: live honorably so observers “glorify God on the day He visits.” Live as Testimonies of Grace, Not Warnings of Judgment • Romans 12:1-2: present your bodies as living sacrifices, transformed by renewed minds. • James 1:22: be doers of the word, not hearers only. • When our conduct matches our confession, we showcase God’s restoring power rather than repeat Israel’s exile-inducing failures. |
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