Vigilant Love: The Call of Spiritual Watchmen
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound responsibility of being a spiritual watchman, as illustrated in Ezekiel 33. This passage emphasizes the duty to warn others of impending danger, particularly the spiritual peril of ignoring God's commands. As believers, we are called to be vigilant and proactive in sharing God's truth, not out of fear, but out of love and obedience. The world we live in often challenges God's authority, claiming autonomy over moral and ethical standards. Yet, as created beings, we must recognize our place under the Creator's sovereignty and heed His warnings.
God's heart is not one of wrathful delight but of compassionate longing for repentance. He desires that none should perish but that all should turn from their wicked ways and live. This is a call to action for us to be bold in our faith, to speak truth in love, and to live lives that reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. We must not be like those who hear the word but do not act on it. Instead, we should strive to be fertile soil, producing fruit that multiplies and glorifies God.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the importance of discipleship. Jesus' first and last commands to His followers were to make disciples, to be fishers of men. This is not a task for a select few but a mandate for all believers. We must examine our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly fulfilling this calling. Are we actively seeking to bring others into the kingdom, or are we content with passive participation in church activities?
Lastly, the message challenges us to seek God's kingdom first, above all else. This means prioritizing our relationship with Him and allowing His Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. It also means fostering genuine love and unity within the body of Christ, transcending personal differences and embracing our identity as one family in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Role of the Watchman: As spiritual watchmen, we have a duty to warn others of spiritual danger. This responsibility is not just about sounding an alarm but about genuinely caring for the souls of those around us. Our warnings should be rooted in love and a desire for others to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [02:36]
2. God's Heart for Repentance: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. His desire is for all to turn from their sinful ways and live. This reflects His compassionate nature and His longing for reconciliation with His creation. We must align our hearts with His, seeking to bring others into His grace. [10:09]
3. The Call to Discipleship: Jesus' command to make disciples is central to our faith. It is not enough to simply attend church or participate in religious activities. We are called to actively engage in the mission of bringing others to Christ, teaching them to obey His commands, and nurturing their spiritual growth. [25:13]
4. Seeking God's Kingdom First: Our lives should reflect a prioritization of God's kingdom above all else. This means letting go of worldly pursuits and focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our role in His mission. It requires a radical shift in perspective and a commitment to living out our faith authentically. [30:05]
5. Unity and Love in the Body of Christ: God desires for His people to be united in love, transcending personal differences and embracing our identity as one family. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God's transformative love and grace. We must strive to create a community that reflects this divine love and unity. [32:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - A Change in Message
- [01:14] - Ezekiel's Call as a Watchman
- [03:27] - The Responsibility of Warning
- [06:08] - The Need for a Supernatural Change
- [09:15] - God's Desire for Repentance
- [12:00] - The Consequences of Disobedience
- [14:14] - Hearing but Not Doing
- [17:04] - The Parable of the Soils
- [20:05] - Fasting and Spiritual Hunger
- [23:57] - The Call to Discipleship
- [26:23] - The Challenge of Making Disciples
- [29:48] - Seeking God's Kingdom First
- [31:35] - Loving One Another
- [34:16] - Surrendering to the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 33:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the role of a watchman as described in Ezekiel 33, and what are the consequences of failing in this role? [02:36]
2. How does God express His desire for repentance in Ezekiel 33:11, and what does this reveal about His character? [10:09]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' first and last commands to His followers? [25:13]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the world's attitude towards God's authority, and how does this relate to the message in Ezekiel 33? [06:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a spiritual watchman apply to modern believers, and what might this look like in everyday life? [04:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the listener to align their heart with God's desire for repentance and reconciliation? [10:43]
3. How does the call to discipleship in the sermon challenge the traditional view of church participation? [26:23]
4. What does it mean to seek God's kingdom first, and how might this require a shift in priorities for believers today? [30:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your role as a spiritual watchman. Are there people in your life you feel called to warn or guide spiritually? How can you approach this responsibility with love and care? [02:36]
2. Consider God's heart for repentance as described in Ezekiel 33:11. How can you cultivate a similar heart for those around you who may be far from God? [10:09]
3. Evaluate your current involvement in discipleship. Are you actively making disciples, or have you been more passive in your faith journey? What steps can you take to engage more fully in this calling? [25:13]
4. Identify areas in your life where you may be prioritizing worldly pursuits over seeking God's kingdom. What practical changes can you make to align your priorities with God's mission? [30:05]
5. Reflect on the unity and love within your church community. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of family and genuine connection among believers, even with those who are different from you? [32:05]
6. Think about a specific person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, and what resources or support might you need to do so effectively? [26:23]
7. Consider the distractions in your life that may be preventing you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize these distractions and deepen your relationship with Him? [30:37]
Devotional
Day 1: The Duty of Spiritual Vigilance
As spiritual watchmen, believers are entrusted with the responsibility to warn others of spiritual danger. This role is not merely about sounding an alarm but is deeply rooted in love and a genuine concern for the souls of those around us. In a world that often challenges God's authority, believers are called to be vigilant and proactive in sharing God's truth. This duty is not driven by fear but by love and obedience to God's commands. It is a call to action to be bold in faith, to speak truth in love, and to live lives that reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. [02:36]
Ezekiel 3:17-19 (ESV): "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a loving warning about their spiritual path, and how can you approach them with both truth and compassion today?
Day 2: God's Compassionate Call to Repentance
God's heart is not one of wrathful delight but of compassionate longing for repentance. He desires that none should perish but that all should turn from their wicked ways and live. This reflects His compassionate nature and His longing for reconciliation with His creation. As believers, we must align our hearts with His, seeking to bring others into His grace. This involves understanding that God's warnings are not threats but invitations to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [10:09]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and align your heart with God's compassionate desire for reconciliation?
Day 3: The Mandate of Discipleship
Jesus' command to make disciples is central to the Christian faith. It is not enough to simply attend church or participate in religious activities. Believers are called to actively engage in the mission of bringing others to Christ, teaching them to obey His commands, and nurturing their spiritual growth. This is a mandate for all believers, not just a select few. It requires examining one's life and asking if they are truly fulfilling this calling. [25:13]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who is someone you can intentionally invest in this week to help them grow in their faith journey?
Day 4: Prioritizing God's Kingdom
Believers are called to seek God's kingdom first, above all else. This means prioritizing their relationship with Him and allowing His Spirit to guide their actions and decisions. It requires letting go of worldly pursuits and focusing on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our role in His mission. This involves a radical shift in perspective and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically. [30:05]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one worldly pursuit you can let go of this week to better prioritize your relationship with God?
Day 5: Unity and Love in the Body of Christ
God desires for His people to be united in love, transcending personal differences and embracing their identity as one family in Him. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God's transformative love and grace. Believers must strive to create a community that reflects this divine love and unity. It involves fostering genuine love and unity within the body of Christ, transcending personal differences, and embracing our identity as one family in Him. [32:05]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity and love within your church community this week?
Quotes
The word of the Lord came to me son of man speak to your people and say to them if I bring the sword upon a land and the people of the land take a man from among them and make him their Watchmen and if he sees the sword SW coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning and the sword comes and takes him away his blood shall be upon his own head he heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning his blood shall be upon himself but if he had taken warning he would have saved his life. [00:01:41]
But if the Watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet so that the people are not warned and the sword comes and takes one of them that person is taken away in his iniquity but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand so you son of man I've made I have made a Watchman for those in the house of Israel whenever you hear a word from my mouth you shall give them warning from me if I say to the wicked oh Wicked one you shall surely die and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way that Wicked person shall die in his iniquity but his blood I will require at your hand. [00:02:48]
God's Wrath is really coming and you warn the people and you tell the people look this is really coming and the people choose not to do anything about it they could have taken their they could have gotten ready they could have turned and been prepared and every they would have been saved everything would have been fine he goes but if they hear that if they hear that and they don't turn then their blood's on their own hands but if you are scared to warn them or you don't say what I tell you to say he goes then their blood's on your hands you're responsible. [00:03:52]
For any of you in this room to truly follow Jesus that's going to take a supernatural act of the holy spirit for you to actually follow him see I can get you to cry I bet you I can tell you enough stories and pull on your heartstrings and create some sort of emotional decision but at the end of the day will your life really turn around and be supernaturally different to where you're a light in the world and where you could care less about the things of Earth and all your focused on is seeking his kingdom first. [00:05:57]
As I live declares the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live turn back turn back from your evil ways for why will you die oh House of Israel isn't that beautiful God goes you got to understand as surely as I live he goes I promise you I swear to you if I'm alive right now then this is true God says I promise you he goes I don't want Wicked people to die you think I want Wicked people to die he goes I swear to you I don't want the wicked to die I want them to turn from their ways and live. [00:09:12]
The Bible says that the good soil is the person who hears the message and then there's fruit it like multiplies 30 60 100 times like you hear one little one little verse one little message from the Lord and then boom there's just all sorts of results in your life that good tree that bears good fruit he goes but then there'll be a others who aren't good soil there'll be others in there who you'll hear the message and you go o i I really want to do something with that but the Bible says that there's so many other things in your life so many other thorns in your life that you can't you you can't fit anything else in. [00:17:00]
What was the first thing Jesus said publicly remember his first words anyone what did Jesus say John's thing was repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near what did Jesus say Follow Me Right remember that was the first thing he saw the disciples he has his temptation with with Satan but then he's walking and he looks at a couple guys and he says follow me is that all he said and I will make you Fishers of Men follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men okay this is what Jesus says to us here are his first words follow me and what I'll make you Fishers of Men. [00:24:04]
His last words are go into all the world and start making disciples so what are we saved to do fish for men make disciples and everything in between is about everything that he commanded and how we're supposed to teach so we are supposed to be out making disciples and here's what I can't live with is that some of you have been sitting in church services for years and years years and years and you can't name one disciple you you you can't name one person that you went and and fished after and went went you because that's what we're saved for. [00:25:37]
Seek first the kingdom of God seek first the kingdom of God he says love God with all of your heart soul and mind all of it he says if you love your father your mother your wife your kids more than me you're not worthy to be my disciple those are Jesus's words it's not what I would have said it's what he says see I would say man if you give me time man I'm happy to have any of your time Jesus no I I want I want I want you to seek me first and I believe in this room there are plenty of people who do seek the kingdom of God my question is do you really seek it first. [00:29:54]
He wants us to be brothers and sisters in fact Beyond brothers and sisters he wants us to be one body I I I think if God looked at our church he didn't want a bunch of individuals you know living their individual lives we just come together to sing songs and hear a message he really want us to love each other that much to where we really were one he wants to look down he doesn't want this to look like a show he doesn't want Cornerstone to look like a business he wants us to look like a family where we we put up with each other and we love each other. [00:31:48]
You need to be a person who seeks his kingdom first and you need to be making disciples that's what we do that's our identity as Believers and so I just want to take the morning and surrender those things to God and fact let me have the worship team come up and I want you to think through these things I I I don't know how to do this you know other than telling you it's it's not okay just to be busy and attend services and go okay I got it I don't swear a whole lot I don't drink as much as I used to I'm a better person you guys that could happen at any self-help meeting. [00:34:36]
Do you want to be Spirit possessed Holy Spirit possessed literally the Holy Spirit comes into you and now he speaks through you and now he moves you he directs you do you really want to die to yourself and let Christ live through you to where you start talking and people go that doesn't sound like you that sounds more like Jesus than it does you you know those horror movies when the demon would come in and you know and suddenly the whole voice it's like wait wait who is that that's not you I know you and that's not you you know something is inside of you now my question is do you really want that with the Holy Spirit honestly let go of everything to where you go out and you have a boldness and you start speaking just like Jesus did start making disciples to where you start loving people the way Jesus would I mean complete surrender complete surrender are you ready to surrender to him today. [00:35:25]
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