Ezekiel 33:30-33 New International Version (NIV)
30 “As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.
33 “When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Stop Going To Church…Be The Church!
“It Will Change Your Mind About Sermons!”
(Ezekiel 33:30-33)
I. The Misunderstandings about the Preaching of God’s Word
A. Prophecies are just Speeches to be Criticized (v. 30; 2Pet 1:19-21)
B. Pastors are just Speakers to be Controlled (v. 31; 2Tim 4:1-4)
II. The Message about the Preaching of the Word of God
A. The Explanation of God’s Activities During Sermons
1. He Examines Your Response (vv. 30-31a)
2. He Evaluates Your Response (vv. 31b-32)
3. He Enables Your Results (v. 33; Jn 7:17)
B. The Expectations of God’s Audience During Sermons
1. Hunger for God’s Word throughout Your Life (1Pet 2:2)
a. Seek Opportunities to Hear God’s Word Preached
b. Study Over What You Have Heard Preached
2. Honor God’s Word that is Preached to You (Prov 8)
a. Listen for God’s Wisdom for You to Hear
b. Learn from God’s Wisdom You have Heard
3. Humble Yourself when God’s Word is Preached
a. Recognize Sin in Your Life (Ezek 18:23)
b. Repent of the Sin in Your Life (Lk 13:3)