The document discusses the importance of reading and teaching God's word based on the examples of Ezekiel and Ezra. It makes three key points:
1. Prophets like Ezekiel and Ezra were given the responsibility to warn others and teach God's word, just as believers today have a duty to spread the gospel message.
2. God communicates with believers today through his written word in scripture, not through direct revelation, so it is essential that Christians study the Bible.
3. In order to effectively teach others, one must first consume God's word for themselves, meditating on it and ensuring their message is rooted in scripture rather than their own opinions. Personal obedience to the Bible is necessary
2. 2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this
treasure in earthen
vessels (jars of clay),
so that the
surpassing greatness
of the power will be
of God and not from
ourselves.
3. OBJECTIVE OF LESSON
• The written inspired word is a blessing
from God.
• To show the necessity of reading the word
of God.
• To show the necessity of teaching the
word of God.
4. EZEKIEL
• Ezekiel prophesied in
Babylon for approximately
22 years between 593
and 571bc and he
received numerous
visions.
• God appointed him as a
watchman (heb. Tsph)
and his duty was to warn
them of the coming
destruction of Jerusalem.
(Ezek. 3:17; 33:2, 6-7)
5. EZEKIEL 2:1-3
• God spoke to Ezekiel directly but, he speaks to us
today through His Son.
• Hebrews 1:1-2 God who at various times and in
various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the
prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by HIS
SON, whom He appointed heir of all things, through
whom also He made the world.
6. DOES JESUS DIRECTLY
COMMUNICATE WITH US?
• No, we do not see Jesus encouraging His disciples
to seek direct communication.
• Luke 10:16 He who hears you hears me, he who
rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects Me
rejects Him who sent Me.
• Ref. Matthew 10:19-20, John 15:26 & 16:13,
Acts 2:42.
7. THE INSPIRED WRITTEN WORD.
• Ephesians 3:1-5 & 1 Cor. 4:17 …turn with me
please…
• 1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be
a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the
things that I write unto you are the commandments
of the Lord.
• The noble Berean’s did not wait for a voice from
heaven, they searched the scriptures! (Acts 17:11)
8. EZEKIEL’S MARCHING ORDERS
2:3-7
• Go preach my message regardless if they will hear
or not. God knew they were rebellious, but He still
gave them an opportunity to repent. It would come
through hearing the word and obeying it.
• We to have marching orders too!
• 2 Timothy 4:2, 2:2 …turn with me please….
9. OUR MARCHING ORDERS ARE
NOT EASY!
• Then I said, I will not
make mention of Him,
nor speak any more in
His name. But His
word was in my heart
as a boring fire shut
up in my bones, and I
was weary of holding it
in, and I could not .
Jeremiah 20:9
10. CONSUMING GOD’S WORD!
EZEKIEL 2:8-3:11
• Before we attempt to speak the words of God we must
ensure we are speaking the words of God and not our own
thoughts. Also that we are practicing what we preach.
• Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O
LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
• Psalms 119:11, 140, 160, Jeremiah 15:16,
Revelation 10:9
11. THE NEED TO READ AND
STUDY! EZEKIEL 2:8-3:11
• Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure; He is a
shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not
add to His words, Lest He rebuke you and you be
found a liar.
• James 3:1 Not many of you should become
teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who
teach will be judged with greater strictness.
