TITLE: The Big Three
TEXT: Ezekiel
14:12-14
PROPOSITION: You cannot make the world live
right.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD:
Applications
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
See Ezekiel 14:14 (Message) for title
The Big Three – Noah, Daniel, Job
Famous for remaining faithful – in a world of sin
Ezekiel is the prophet in captivity – Babylon
He is explaining the reason for the captivity
When a land (country, nation, people) sins
Even Noah, Job or Daniel could not save the nation
It was not the prophet’s fault that the people were wicked
Prophets could warn – but not change hearts
Noah – after 120 years – saved himself and 7 family members
Daniel – saved himself and 3 young men (see the fiery furnace)
Job – saved only himself
We often think about Peter (3,000), or Paul’s missionary journeys
We remember Jonah – converting Ninevah (120,000) Jonah 4:11
Preacher, elders – can’t save your soul
Elders can’t save our young people
Preacher can’t bring all the wandering sheep back
Preachers can teach, preach, warn
Preachers can’t MAKE people obey the gospel
Preachers can’t MAKE people live moral lives
Preachers can’t MAKE people have faith and dedication
In the end – when all is said and done – we can only save our own souls
We often think:
If we had a preacher like Paul or Peter – we would really be doing things
If I had lived at the time of Jesus – I would be a true follower
If I had lived at the time of Noah – 9 would have been on the ark
If I had lived in Babylon – I would have been praying with Daniel
If I had lived at the time of Job – I would have encouraged him
NOT TRUE! – See Luke 16:30-31