What steps can we take to remain faithful, as warned in Ezekiel 20:27? Setting the Scene “Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: In this also your fathers blasphemed Me by their unfaithfulness against Me.’” (Ezekiel 20:27) God confronts Israel’s history of treachery so that His people—then and now—will heed the warning and stay loyal to Him. Recognize the Roots of Unfaithfulness • Forgetting what God has done (Psalm 106:7) • Tolerating compromise and idolatry (Exodus 20:3–5) • Ignoring the voice of the prophets and Scripture (Hebrews 2:1) Daily Practices That Anchor Faithfulness • Consistent time in the Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Saturate the mind with truth before the day crowds in. • Persistent prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – Invite the Spirit to expose any creeping disloyalty. • Obedient response – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Act on what God shows you, however small the step. Guarding the Heart Against Modern Idols • Identify competing loves – Careers, possessions, entertainment, relationships—anything can become an idol. • Practice regular repentance – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9) • Cultivate contentment – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” (Hebrews 13:5) Strengthening Covenant Loyalty • Remember God’s mighty acts – Review answered prayers and past deliverances; rehearse them with family (Deuteronomy 6:20–24). • Celebrate the Lord’s Table regularly – “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24) • Keep Sabbath rhythms – Set aside weekly time for worship and rest to realign affections (Exodus 20:8–11). Stay Connected to the Faith Community • Corporate worship – “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Mutual accountability – “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Serve together – Shared ministry cements hearts to God and one another (1 Peter 4:10). Watchfulness for a Lifetime • Ongoing self-examination – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Lean on God’s preserving grace – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6) • Finish well – Aim to echo Paul’s testimony: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) |
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