What lessons can we learn from "acted more depraved" in our spiritual walk? Key verse Ezekiel 23:11: “Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she became even more depraved than her sister.” Setting the scene • The two symbolic sisters, Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem), picture the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. • Both had fallen into idolatry, but Jerusalem “saw” Samaria’s downfall and still plunged even deeper into sin. • God exposes the shocking progression: seeing, ignoring the warning, then acting more depraved. What the verse reveals • Sin left unchecked does not stay static; it intensifies. • Knowledge of another’s failure is no safeguard if the heart remains rebellious. • God keeps record of generational choices—each generation is accountable for how it responds to previous examples (cf. Judges 2:19; Jeremiah 16:12). • Lust and spiritual infidelity go hand in hand; outward idolatry reflects inward desires (James 1:14-15). Lessons for our spiritual walk • Recognize the warning signs: when we justify “small” compromises, we sow seeds for greater depravity. • Learn from others’ mistakes instead of repeating them (1 Corinthians 10:6-11). • Seeing truth without obeying it hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Spiritual adultery begins when love for God cools (Revelation 2:4-5). Guard first love fervently. • Depravity grows in secrecy; expose sin to the light through confession (1 John 1:7-9). • Accountability matters: surround yourself with believers who can confront and restore you gently (Galatians 6:1-2). • Regular repentance refreshes fellowship with God and prevents the downward spiral (Psalm 139:23-24). Practical steps to stay spiritually healthy • Stay in Scripture daily; let God’s voice out-shout worldly allurements (Psalm 119:11). • Pray for a sensitive conscience—quick to feel conviction, quick to repent. • Cultivate holy habits: weekly worship, fellowship, serving others. • Set up “guardrails” (filtered media, wise friendships) that make it hard to wander. • Remember consequences: meditate on past judgments recorded in Scripture so the fear of the Lord keeps you from sin (Proverbs 14:27). By heeding these lessons, we avoid the tragic pattern of seeing, ignoring, and acting even more depraved, and instead walk in ever-deepening faithfulness to our Lord. |
    |