Application
Ezekiel
Ezekiel Application
1) As you think about God's call on Ezekiel's life, what do you see about Ezekiel's responsibility as a watchman that you could apply to your own life? If the people wouldn't listen, was Ezekiel still to speak (Ezekiel 2-3; 33)? Remember that the things in the Old Testament were written for our example, encouragement, and perseverance (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; Romans 15:4).
2) Before Ezekiel ever shared God's message he was told to eat it, take it to heart, and listen closely to the Lord (Ezekiel 3). What lessons can you learn from his example? How would what you are doing in this inductive study Bible help you? What do you need to remember as you work your way through the Bible?
3) What have you learned about God and His ways from studying Ezekiel? God took Israel as His wife. Christians are espoused to Jesus Christ, their heavenly Bridegroom (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). Have you, like Israel, played the harlot spiritually and hurt God's heart (Ezekiel 6:9; James 4:4)? If so, what do you need to do? If not, what should you do so that you never do?
4) In Ezekiel 20:33 God tells Israel, "As I live ...surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you." Think about this verse in the light of the character and position of God and in the light of Philippians 2:5-11. Have you genuinely confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord, your King who has a right to rule over you?
5) What have you observed from marking the word covenant? What have you learned about the heart of stone and the Spirit dwelling within (Ezekiel 36)? Read 2 Corinthians 3 and see how this parallels what Ezekiel says. Do you have a heart of stone, or flesh? Where in the Spirit of God in relationship to you? Is He within? Read Ezekiel 36:26-27.
6) What have you learned about prophecy from Ezekiel that you could use in sharing God's Word with the Jews? What about the prophecies of Ezekiel 36-37 and the way they already are being fulfilled? And what do you learn about Israel's future in respect to Ezekiel 38-39? This is of great interest to Jews.
7) What have you learned about the holiness of God? What effect will it have on your life?