Series: Ezekiel
Title: God’s Discipline
Passage: Ezekiel 12-24 (16:1-63)
Speaker: Steve Howell (Senior Minister)

Use the following questions and directions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

‌‌Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• Make a list of sins that you commit, then categorize them (Not a big deal, bad, really bad, unforgiveable). What is the difference?  Why do we make these distinctions?
  

• How would God rate your list?
  

Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Read Ezekiel 16:1-2. What purpose is stated by the Lord for the story He unfolds in this chapter?  Who is the primary focus?
  

• Read Ezekiel 16:6-7. What does God do for this unwanted baby girl?  What might be the historical equivalent for Jerusalem?
  

• How would you describe the grace extended to the girl (aka Jerusalem)? How does this parallel your own experiences with God’s grace?
  

• Read Ezekiel 16:15-22. What reactions do you have to it (on a gut level)?  Is there anything shocking or offensive in the story? What about the real-life practices of Jerusalem? Is the story more offensive, or are the real actions more offensive? Why?
  

• Why did they not recognize their sin? What causes us to disregard God’s plans and commands?
  

• How does God feel about our sins? How does He call attention to them in our lives?
  

• In your personal experience, what has been the best way for you to recognize the seriousness of your own sin? 
  

• How is God’s grace magnified in the face of such horrible sin?
  

• What is the best part of God’s grace? (personal opinion)
  

Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Thank God for his forgiveness and restoration. Pray that God will help you learn from His discipline!