TURN TOWARD LIFE

TURN TOWARD LIFE!
Ezekiel 33

Introduction: After studying through the deserved horrors of God’s judgment, it is refreshing to hear of God’s desire for man’s repentance. This truth provides the balance needed to understand God’s justice. Ezekiel again probes the hearts of God’s people to identify the sins that make repentance difficult. After exposing both our sinfulness and God’s desire that we walk closely with Him. The prophet directs us to think on the importance of being "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22).

I. MOTIVATIONS FOR REPENTANCE (VV.1-20)

A. The Warning Of The Watchman (vv.1-9)

· This sounds like a repetition of Ezk.3:16-21.

· This watchman’s role was not a warning about eternal life or death. Instead this was a warning to obey God or face the physical death He promised for disobedience.

· The principle of this passage applies to believers today. According to (Heb 3:13) "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Just as Ezekiel accepted his role in Israel , we must accept our role of exhortation in each others lives. We have a responsibility to assist each other in growth.

· Prayer is important, but exhortation and rebuke are also essential (Heb 10:25) "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." When we see other believers disobey the clear teachings of the Bible, we must help them understand their error. A careful study of God’s Word and a loving application of it may help a brother or sister find the right path again. We are to minister to others in the Body of Christ to help them grow.

· God gave Ezekiel a responsibility that was limited. He was to speak and warn he was not responsible for how they responded. We take on more responsibility than God intended us to have if we attempt to control a person’s response. We must remain faithful to the responsibility that God assigned us. Each must respond to God’s Word and reap the consequences of his choice.

B. The Pleasure Of God (vv.10-11)

· Repeatedly Ezekiel had warned the sinful people of the consequences of their choices and the judgment that was to come. Some were considering the implications of the prophet’s words. The watchman’s warning had turned their hearts. They did not want to face God’s judgment. Their only hope was to turn from their sins.

· Three times God commanded them to “turn” (v.11). The physical motion of turning pictures the mental choice necessary for repentance. When people “turn” their minds away from sin, they decide that sin is wrong and that they want to do right.

· They did not have to die – they could please the Lord! God’s Word had shown them their sin. Now they knew the reason for judgment and the path of restoration and righteousness. They could pleas the Lord by repentance.

· Our reason for living righteously according to Biblical faith is different from other world religions (it’s not do…it’s done). We want to please the One Who gave His Son for us (1 John 4:19) "We love him, because he first loved us." God takes the initiative to meet the sinner’s needs. All that remains is for the sinner to respond.

C. The Judgment Of Works (vv12-20)

· The Lord promised a judgment of Judah ’s works. He also promised blessings if they obeyed God’s Word.

· God requires righteousness. If a righteous person turns his back on righteousness and begins to sin, he will be judged. His past obedience cannot offset the changes in his heart (vv.12-13). On the other hand, those living un-righteously but repent and begin to live according to God’s Word will be rewarded (vv.14-16).

· Again, the “life” and “death” in this chapter refers to physical life and death. The covenant between God and Israel was specific. (Deu 30:19-20) "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: {20} That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." Judah should have known the requirements of blessings. They were written in the Law of God.

· In this chapter we fin another example of God’s grace. He lovingly reminded Judah of His requirements. He expected obedience, but He went to great lengths to guide her into it (vv.17-20). No charge of partiality could be laid against God.

The judgment of works is a powerful motivation for right living. It pushes us to think clearly and make choices that have eternal value.

II. BARRIERS TO REPENTANCE (VV.21-33)

Ezekiel has offered three motivations to “turn and live.” We may become more decisive when we know what we’re turning from. Ezekiel addresses the barriers of repentance on the day that news comes that Jerusalem has fallen.

A. The Sin Of Pride (vv.21-29)

· The pride of religious tradition (v.21-25) Abraham possessed the Land by his faith. Their disobedience demonstrated their lack of faith.

· The pride of self-reliance (v.26)

B. The Sin Of Hypocrisy (vv.30-33)

· Their show of religion was hypocritical (vv.30-31). They seemed to enjoy the religious experience, but ignored the truth that Ezekiel spoke.

· Their reverence was hypocritical (v.32). The people heard the word but did not do it.

· James 1:22;25 We like the children of Israel , can manifest the hypocrisy that destroys true religion.

Conclusion: God’s judgment was certain. After it came, the truth of Ezekiel’s words, and the vindication of his ministry were public fact. When God offers the opportunity to repent, along with the motivation of what we learn in this chapter, who could possibly want to remain far from Him? Turn your life over to God fully and He will accomplish His purposes for you in your life as he develops you as He sees fit.