How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest message:
background
Ezekiel lived during a crucial time in Israel's history. The Israelites had broken their covenant with God, and the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 were taking effect. Already in exile in Babylon, Ezekiel heard of and observed the fall of Jerusalem from afar. As God’s mouthpiece, he communicated God's judgment against his people while providing hope that exile was not the final word.
In Chapter 1, Ezekiel sees “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” seated on a mobile throne (Ezekiel 1:28). This vision was jarring, as it meant God’s presence had left the temple. Because of the sin and sacrilege of the Israelites, God removed his glory from their place of worship (Ezekiel 9:9-10). But despite their rebellion, he demonstrates that he is still with them, even in captivity.
In this vision, he is described as radiant and majestic, with splendor and beauty that adorn and emanate from him. While reference is made to God's holiness, the focus is primarily on his magnificent glory. This glory is bestowed upon his people who are held captive, bringing them hope and light in their darkness.
OPEN
1. Have you ever been so blown away by something that words couldn't do it justice? What is one of those experiences that left you at a loss for words?
REFLECT
2. Read Ezekiel 1:15-19. What does this angelic vehicle represent? Why would exiles in Babylon need to know that God reigns from a mobile throne?
3. Read Ezekiel 1:26-28. Why do you think Ezekiel repeatedly uses the terms “likeness,” “appearance,” and “as it were” to describe his vision? How does Ezekiel respond to the “likeness of the glory of the Lord?”
4. Read Ezekiel 2:3-5. What is significant about God moving towards the exiles despite their rebelliousness? What characteristics of God do we see as he reveals himself to Ezekiel?
APPLY
5. How does it make you feel that God moves toward us even though we rebel against him? Where do you see God acting in the same way in the New Testament?
6. In verse 28, Ezekiel lays flat on the ground in an act of complete humility before the awe-inspiring holiness and majesty of God. Does your view of God invoke a similar response? What would need to shift in your perception of God to inspire that kind of worship?
7. According to this week’s message, what actions can we take to deepen our experience of living in God's presence? What habits can we cultivate over the summer to help make this a reality?
RESOURCES:
In Chapter 1, Ezekiel sees “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” seated on a mobile throne (Ezekiel 1:28). This vision was jarring, as it meant God’s presence had left the temple. Because of the sin and sacrilege of the Israelites, God removed his glory from their place of worship (Ezekiel 9:9-10). But despite their rebellion, he demonstrates that he is still with them, even in captivity.
In this vision, he is described as radiant and majestic, with splendor and beauty that adorn and emanate from him. While reference is made to God's holiness, the focus is primarily on his magnificent glory. This glory is bestowed upon his people who are held captive, bringing them hope and light in their darkness.
OPEN
1. Have you ever been so blown away by something that words couldn't do it justice? What is one of those experiences that left you at a loss for words?
REFLECT
2. Read Ezekiel 1:15-19. What does this angelic vehicle represent? Why would exiles in Babylon need to know that God reigns from a mobile throne?
3. Read Ezekiel 1:26-28. Why do you think Ezekiel repeatedly uses the terms “likeness,” “appearance,” and “as it were” to describe his vision? How does Ezekiel respond to the “likeness of the glory of the Lord?”
4. Read Ezekiel 2:3-5. What is significant about God moving towards the exiles despite their rebelliousness? What characteristics of God do we see as he reveals himself to Ezekiel?
APPLY
5. How does it make you feel that God moves toward us even though we rebel against him? Where do you see God acting in the same way in the New Testament?
6. In verse 28, Ezekiel lays flat on the ground in an act of complete humility before the awe-inspiring holiness and majesty of God. Does your view of God invoke a similar response? What would need to shift in your perception of God to inspire that kind of worship?
7. According to this week’s message, what actions can we take to deepen our experience of living in God's presence? What habits can we cultivate over the summer to help make this a reality?
RESOURCES:
For more information about covenant groups, contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.