How can we avoid behaviors condemned in Ezekiel 22:9 in our community? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 22 records God’s indictment of Jerusalem. Verse 9 highlights three sins that destroy covenant life—slander that leads to bloodshed, idolatrous feasting on high places, and depravity practiced in public. These warnings remain binding because Scripture speaks with enduring authority. Identifying the Behaviors Ezekiel Names • Slander that stirs violence • Participation in any form of idolatry (“those who eat at the mountain shrines”) • Lewd or immoral acts carried out in the community Guarding Our Words from Slander • Proverbs 10:18 – “Whoever spreads slander is a fool.” • James 3:9-10 – Blessing God and cursing people should never coexist. • Ephesians 4:29 – Speak only what builds others up. Practical helps: – Commit to truth-filled, edifying speech. – Verify facts before forwarding or posting. – Pursue Matthew 18 reconciliation instead of gossip. – Foster an atmosphere of face-to-face encouragement and correction. Rejecting All Forms of Violence • Genesis 9:6 upholds the sanctity of life. • Matthew 5:21-22 equates unrighteous anger with murder. Practical helps: – Repent of anger swiftly (Ephesians 4:26-27). – Champion peacemaking and restorative justice. – Support life-valuing ministries. – Remove entertainment that glorifies brutality. Steering Clear of Idolatry • 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Flee from idolatry.” • Colossians 3:5 – Greed and lust are modern idols. Practical helps: – Regularly examine heart priorities. – Anchor affection in worship disciplines. – Resist cultural pressure to bow to success or pleasure. – Partake of the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully to realign allegiance. Cultivating Purity Instead of Depravity • 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – God’s will is sexual purity. • Titus 2:11-12 – Grace trains us to live upright lives. Practical helps: – Keep clear relational boundaries; honor marriage (Hebrews 13:4). – Filter media by Philippians 4:8. – Use accountability partnerships (James 5:16). – Teach children God’s design early. Community Accountability Steps • Encourage confession and forgiveness rather than secrecy. • Form Scripture-centered small groups. • Train leaders for gentle, biblical correction (Galatians 6:1). • Serve neighbors together to strengthen unity. • Share testimonies of transformation to celebrate God’s power. Living Out the Hope of Holiness Titus 2:14 declares Jesus “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people who are His very own, zealous for good works.” Relying on Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s power, the community can sidestep the pitfalls of Ezekiel 22:9 and become a living witness of God’s grace. |
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