Sermon Series: Ezekiel
Sermon Title: Blueprints of Blessing
Passage: Ezekiel 40-48
Speaker: Steve Howell
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
- Imagine your ideal home. Describe the layout, location, and size of the rooms and areas you would want. How closely does your current living arrangement match up with your dream?
Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters
Read Ezekiel 40:1-4. How does this experience compare with Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 8 in content and tone?
The vision comes years after Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed by the Babylonians. What emotions might Ezekiel and his audience face as they hear the descriptions of a new, perfected temple? Compare your answers to Ezekiel 43:10-11.
Look up some images of the layout of this new temple compared to the older temples in Jewish history. How are they similar? How are they different?
Holiness is a key theme of this new temple and the priests who serve there (see Ezekiel 44:23-24). What is holiness? Why is it important in this space? How should that holiness extend to other spaces and people?
Read Ezekiel 43:1-5. Why is this event the highlight of this section of Ezekiel (and even the entire book)? How does the presence of God change how you view the temple? Read 2 Corinthians 6:19-20 and discuss how the presence of God affects that temple.
God’s presence transforms everything! Read Ezekiel 47:1-12. How will the land be changed? IS God’s interest in geography (like landscaping), or is the geography changed for another reason? Explain.
After going through this sermon series on Ezekiel, what are the biggest takeaways you have in terms of knowledge? Insight? Practice?
Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God
- Praise God for His presence! Ask for Jesus to come quickly so we can enjoy His presence fully and be transformed by His holiness!