CROSSROADS CHURCH

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6.30.19 - You are Called to Action

Crossroads Church

Standing in the Gap — Week 5 Study Guide

You are Called to Action

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 3:16-21

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 25:14-30

Introduction

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” These words spoken by Cain to God after Cain had killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4) introduce this study well. What is our responsibility to our fellow human beings? Is it as people who believe in evolution would say: the survival of the fittest? Is it as many modern materialistic persons would say: each person for themselves? Should we just be concerned about those near and dear to us and, like Jonah, run away from those who are evil and our enemies? Important questions indeed.

God's message to Ezekiel in chapter 3 makes clear that yes, indeed, we are responsible to our brother. In fact, God's plan is to use those who know Jesus Christ to reach those who do not (Matthew 28:18-20). God has entrusted the message of life to those who know Jesus Christ. Those who know Jesus are stewards of that message and are expected to tell that message to others. In fact, there will be an accounting for their stewardship. See also the additional reading above for a good example of the concept of responsibility and stewardship.

Sermon Outline

I. Opportunities to Share the Gospel: Pray for them — See them — Take them

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. —Colossians 4:5

II. Appointed to Bear Fruit

A follower of Jesus is appointed to spread God’s message to those who do not know Jesus.

You did not chose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit. —John 15:16

III. Disobedience to God Always Brings Consequences: Unalterable law

IV. God Expects Us to Be Faithful with the Opportunities Around Us to Share the Message of Life with Others.

Background Information

These verses discuss the responsibility of Ezekiel to deliver God's message to the people of Israel. Ezekiel is not responsible for the response of the people but rather for being faithful to deliver the message. The responsibility for implementing the message is with the person warned.

The idea of God appointing a watchman is also found in Isaiah 62:6 and Jeremiah 6:17. The watchman was to warn a town of an approaching enemy. This is an illustration God is using to describe the job of His servants to deliver His message. The phrase in verse 18 “I will hold you accountable for their blood” is also mentioned by Paul in iActs 18:6, and the idea is found in the additional verses above. It is meant to teach us that there is an accountability that comes with knowing the truth of the Gospel. The expectation is that we will tell it to others.

An Invitation

Become part of what God is doing and connect with a group. Find a Point of Light Group.

Guide for Point of Light Groups

  1. Read out loud the purpose of your group:

    We are a network of healthy groups caring for each other while expanding Jesus' Kingdom together as points of light.

  2. Go over the introduction and background.

  3. Read Ezekiel 3:16-21 aloud together.

  4. Discuss the following questions together.

Point of Light Group Discussion Questions

  1. Read the additional verses above together out loud. Discuss the parable and what it means. Where do you see the idea of stewardship in this story? What is the importance of faithfulness? Why do the one who is given 5 and the one given 2 get the same reward? Why is the one who received 1 punished?

  2. Discuss what it means that we have been entrusted with the message of life? What is the message of life? Come up with a good understanding as a group. How would you explain it to someone? Use John 3:16 as a guide.

  3. What does it mean that you are responsible to tell people God's message? Have you ever thought of that before? How does that make you feel? When will you do it?

  4. Discuss the importance of warnings in general. What types of spiritual warnings do people need? For what kinds of situations? How should warnings be given?

  5. What do you think God means when he says if we fail to warn a person, their blood is on our hands? Discuss the difference between being responsible to someone and being responsible for someone. Discuss some scenarios in which this duty to speak God's message applies in your life.

  6. What can your group do to reach people who do not know Jesus? — Be specific.

  7. What can you apply in your life from these verses?

This Week’s Challenge

As a group, come up with your own challenge based on what you learned from this study.

Prayer Time

  1. Pray for an empty chair representing new people who you want to join the group.

  2. Pray for the needs of the members of the group. It is best to divide into two groups, one for males and one for females.