Concerning Whatchmen

Concerning Whatchmen Title: Concerning Watchmen Text: Ezekiel 33

Tracing: Preached November 15, 1992 PM at SDCC.

1. INTRO

   Imagine the role of a watchman, high in a tower in the wall of a city. You have a trumpet at the ready to sound an alarm if it is ever needed. Outside the walls farmers are working, animals grazing, children playing. It is one of the first warm days of spring. In the distance you notice a group of horsemen, unfamiliar and unrecognizable, who survey the land from a hill-top, then retreat down the other side. Later, a low rumble, barely audible — you hear it only because you are above the hustle and bustle of the workday. Then, a little smoke or dust far off. Then, over the distant hills, you see a swarm of tiny human figures approaching in formation — it’s an attacking army! WHAT DO YOU DO?

   This is the scenario God presents to Ezekiel in order to illustrate the responsibilities of His people in times of danger (national or individual). Read Ezek. 33:1-9

2. BODY
   1. The Watchmen should see the danger.

      This calls for ALERTNESS, UNDERSTANDING, and HONESTY. Christians should be the first to see the danger. The typical response of the world is “Peace & Safety” (as Jesus predicted) or “Peace, Peace” (as the prophets recorded). But we have God’s inspired Word. But we often are tragically ignorant of it. More often, we are tragically asleep in the tower. Occasionally, we are in denial — hoping that the problems will go away if we don’t mention them.

      Can you recognize the signs of danger in the lives of people you know? Do you see signs of sin that will bring judgment upon their lives? How do you respond?

      Can you see signs of danger in some of the directions our society is moving? Do you speak of it to your friends and acquaintances to alert them to take action?

   2. The Watchmen should sound the warning.

      This relieves him of responsibility for the outcome. Sometimes people will prepare — sometimes they will scoff. But you will have been faithful.

To fail to sound the warning makes him accountable for the blood shed!!! v.8 (Frightening thought, given our tendency to avoid controversy and confrontation!)

3. The People should heed the warning. v. 10-20 We will sometimes be both the watchman and the one warned. Even if we are alert, some dangers will be pointed out to us by others. We should respond appropriately. Judgement can always be averted conditional upon repentance! No matter what has happened in the past. Failure to respond brings judgment even on the “righteous”.

C. CONCLUSION

Beware false profession! v.30-33

D. COMMENTS Prepared by Scott L. Purcell Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church 1501 Stokelan Drive Malden, MO 63863 (314) 276-2343 Reproduce, modify, and use freely for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom! If these outlines are of some benefit to you, a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!