Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

JUDGMENT UPON SINFUL JUDAH (1:1–24:27)

Ezekiel’s Call (1:1–3:27).

Ezekiel’s Vision of God’s Glory (1:1–28).

In 593 B.C. the Lord revealed His glory to Ezekiel through an elaborate vision.

Ezekiel saw a storm cloud coming from the north.

In the midst of the storm four flaming, winged creatures appeared.

Each combined human and animal characteristics (much like some of the minor deities depicted in ancient Near Eastern art).

Accompanying each creature in all of its movements was a large wheel, the rim of which was filled with eyes.

A sparkling platform stood above the creatures’ outstretched wings, which made a deafening sound as they moved.

Above the platform was a throne made of precious stone.

A human figure, glowing like fire and surrounded by radiant splendor, sat on the throne.

Realizing that he was seeing a representation of God’s glory, Ezekiel fell with his face to the ground.

Ezekiel’s Commission (2:1–3:27).

The Lord lifted Ezekiel up and commissioned him as a messenger to rebellious Israel.

He encouraged the prophet not to fear, even in the face of intense hostility and danger.

Ezekiel was to proclaim the Lord’s word, no matter what the response.

To symbolize his commission, the Lord instructed Ezekiel to eat a scroll containing words of lamentation and judgment.

He promised to give Ezekiel the determination, perseverance, and boldness he would need to stand up to his obstinate audience.

After this encounter with the Lord, the divine Spirit led Ezekiel to the exilic community at Tel Abib in Babylon, where he sat in stunned silence for a week.

The Lord then called him to serve as a watchman who would be responsible for warning his audience of God’s impending judgment.

Ezekiel was to warn both the wicked and the righteous who were tempted to backslide.

If he failed to do so, their blood would be on his head.

No sooner was the commission delivered than heavy restrictions were placed upon it.

Ezekiel would not be free to deliver messages of warning wherever and whenever he desired.

The Lord instructed him to enter his house, where he would remain confined and incapable of speech.

He could only leave his house or speak when specifically directed by the Lord to do so.

These restrictions would be an object lesson to God’s people that their rebellion was making it increasingly difficult for Him to communicate to them.

Leaders are required to be watchful

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They are accountable to God to warn the wicked of there sins

They are accountable to God to warn the righteous of there sins

20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand.

21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”

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They must warn against false teachers

Elders are called overseers in Acts 20:28; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2.

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Examples of leaders’ warnings to churches

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Leaders’ watchfulness in prayer

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Leaders need to watch over their own lives

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Watchmen sometimes fail to be watchful

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