How can we prepare ourselves to speak God's words to those who resist? Opening the Text: Ezekiel 3:11 “Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.” Seeing What God Expects • We are sent (“Go”). • We speak God’s exact message (“This is what the Lord GOD says”). • We accept mixed responses (“whether they listen or refuse”). Standing Under the Word Before Speaking It • Take in Scripture daily—soaked, not sampled (Colossians 3:16). • Memorize and meditate until conviction outweighs anxiety (Psalm 119:11). • Let God’s Word shape motives; we speak from overflow, not obligation (Luke 6:45). Relying on the Spirit’s Filling • Ezekiel was first lifted and filled by the Spirit (Ezekiel 3:14). We, too, wait for empowering (Acts 1:8). • Pray specifically for boldness, clarity, and love (Acts 4:29-31). • Trust the Spirit to give words at the right moment (Matthew 10:19-20). Embracing a Settled Resolve • God warned Ezekiel of hardened faces; He made the prophet’s forehead “like the hardest stone” (Ezekiel 3:8-9). • We put on the full armor of God, especially the “helmet of salvation” that guards the mind (Ephesians 6:10-17). • Opposition does not equal failure; faithfulness equals success (1 Corinthians 4:2). Cultivating Christlike Compassion • Ezekiel sat among the exiles seven days before speaking (Ezekiel 3:15). Presence builds credibility. • Weep before we warn—following Jeremiah’s pattern (Jeremiah 9:1). • Speak truth seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). Practicing Clear, Courageous Speech • Anchor every statement in Scripture: “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4). • Keep the message simple: God’s holiness, human sin, Christ’s provision, call to repent and believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Avoid quarrels; aim for gentle correction (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Preparing for Varied Responses • Some will oppose (John 15:18-20). • Some will repent (Acts 2:37-41). • Our task is proclamation; results belong to God (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Staying Encouraged in the Mission • Remember the coming reward for steadfast witnesses (2 Timothy 4:8). • Share testimonies with fellow believers; mutual courage grows (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep eternity in view; people’s souls matter more than present comfort (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). |
    |