The document is a sermon about Ezekiel 16 that uses the metaphor of Israel portrayed as an unfaithful wife to God. It summarizes that Israel was rescued and blessed by God but later committed spiritual adultery through idolatry and alliances with foreign nations, becoming worse than other nations like Samaria and Sodom. The sermon discusses how Israel lost its ability to feel shame for its sins and warns that God will punish sin but also promises future restoration through Christ for those who repent.

1. Like an Unfaithful Wife
Ezekiel 16
Maud church of Christ
by Jim Bradshaw
Sunday Evening, Jan. 12, 2014

2. "It is a graphic, vivid portrayal of Israel's
idolatry under the figure of a bride, rescued
from her exposure as an infant, who became
the wife of her benefactor, who made her a
queen and lavished upon her silks, sealskins,
and every beautiful thing; who then made
herself a prostitute to every man that passed
by, thereby becoming even worse than
Samaria and Sodom.“ (Halley’s Bible
Handbook)

3. The picture of Israel is so revolting in this
chapter that the distinguished Jewish Rabbi
Eliezer ben Hyrcanus, "Forbade the chapter
either to be read or translated in public.”

4. Have We Lost Our Ability to Blush?
Jer 6:15 NKJV Were they ashamed when they had committed
abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know
how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the
time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD.

5. A Beginning of No Hope
Read Ezekiel 16:1-14
Eph 2:12-13 NKJV that at that time you were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers
from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God
in the world. (13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were
far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

6. Spiritual Adultery
Read Ezekiel 16:15-30
1. Made Covenants with Foreign Lands;
Exod. 23:31-33, Judges 2:1-3.
2. Sacrificed Children to false gods; 2 Kings
17:13-20.
3. Worshipped Idols in the high places; 1
Kings. 14:22-24.
4. Worse than a normal prostitute; 2 Chron.
16:1-10.

7. What would God say about the U.S.A?
Pro 14:34 NKJV Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.

8. Punishment
Read Ezekiel 16:35-43
Ecc 12:1 NKJV Remember now your Creator in the days of
your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw
near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":
Ecc 12:13-14 NKJV Let us hear the conclusion of
the whole matter: Fear God and keep His
commandments, For this is man's all. (14) For
God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
2Pe 3:9 NKJV The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as
some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

9. Read Ezekiel 16:60-63
Heb 9:15 NKJV And for this reason He is the
Mediator of the new covenant, by means of
death, for the redemption of the transgressions
under the first covenant, that those who are
called may receive the promise of the eternal
inheritance.
Gal 3:26-29 NKJV For you are all sons of
God through faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For
as many of you as were baptized into Christ
have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are
all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if you are
Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to the promise.