Title: Concerning Watchmen

Text: Ezekiel 33

Tracing: Preached November 15, 1992 PM at SDCC.

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A. INTRO

Imagine the role of a watchman, high in a tower in the wall of a city. You

have a trumpet at the ready to sound an alarm if it is ever needed. Outside the

walls farmers are working, animals grazing, children playing. It is one of the

first warm days of spring. In the distance you notice a group of horsemen,

unfamiliar and unrecognizable, who survey the land from a hill-top, then retreat

down the other side. Later, a low rumble, barely audible -- you hear it only

because you are above the hustle and bustle of the workday. Then, a little

smoke or dust far off. Then, over the distant hills, you see a swarm of tiny

human figures approaching in formation -- it's an attacking army! WHAT DO YOU

DO?

This is the scenario God presents to Ezekiel in order to illustrate the

responsibilities of His people in times of danger (national or individual).

Read Ezek. 33:1-9

B. BODY

1. The Watchmen should see the danger.

This calls for ALERTNESS, UNDERSTANDING, and HONESTY.

Christians should be the first to see the danger. The typical response

of the world is "Peace & Safety" (as Jesus predicted) or "Peace, Peace" (as

the prophets recorded). But we have God's inspired Word. But we often are

tragically ignorant of it. More often, we are tragically asleep in the

tower. Occasionally, we are in denial -- hoping that the problems will go

away if we don't mention them.

Can you recognize the signs of danger in the lives of people you know?

Do you see signs of sin that will bring judgment upon their lives? How do

you respond?

Can you see signs of danger in some of the directions our society is

moving? Do you speak of it to your friends and acquaintances to alert them to

take action?

 

2. The Watchmen should sound the warning.

This relieves him of responsibility for the outcome. Sometimes people

will prepare -- sometimes they will scoff. But you will have been faithful.

To fail to sound the warning makes him accountable for the blood shed!!! v.8

(Frightening thought, given our tendency to avoid controversy and confrontation!)

 

3. The People should heed the warning. v. 10-20

We will sometimes be both the watchman and the one warned. Even if we

are alert, some dangers will be pointed out to us by others. We should

respond appropriately.

Judgement can always be averted conditional upon repentance! No matter

what has happened in the past.

Failure to respond brings judgment even on the "righteous".

 

C. CONCLUSION

Beware false profession! v.30-33

D. COMMENTS

Prepared by Scott L. Purcell

Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church

1501 Stokelan Drive

Malden, MO 63863

(314) 276-2343

Reproduce, modify, and use freely

for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!

If these outlines are of some benefit to you,

a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!

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