THE WAY OF THE LORD
EZEKIEL 18:20-32
INTRODUCTION:
A. In order to justify themselves the Jews used a proverb; Ezekiel 18:1-2
B. This Proverb reflected on God’s justice; Ezekiel 18:24-26
C. Terms of judgment; Ezekiel 18:19-20, 30
D. The same principle, applies to mankind today; Galatians 6:5-8
1. Paul wrote; Romans 14:12
2. The brethren at Corinth were told; II Corinthians 5:10
3. We are told; Romans 6:1-12 (verse 12)
E. A study of the consequences of sin; “The Way of the Lord”
I. SIN IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SOUL: Ezekiel 18:20
A. The prophet Micah; Micah 6:7
B. The body is the instrument of sin; Romans 6:13
C. Inner man responsible for conduct; Matthew 15:18-2
D. Refutes doctrine that Christian sins do not affect the soul; II Corinthians 7:1
II. THE SON WILL NOT BEAR THE SINS OF THE FATHER: Ezekiel 18:20
A. May suffer natural consequence of father’s sin
B. May follow father’s example; Matthew 23:32; Acts 7:51; I Peter 1:18
C. Children do not inherit sin; Ezekiel 18:20
III. THE RIGHTEOUS CAN TURN FROM RIGHTEOUSNESS: Galatians 5:4
A. The Hebrew letter tells us; Hebrews 12:15
B. Demas; II Timothy 4:10; James 4:4
C. New Testament warnings; I Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 3:12
D. If it is impossible; II Peter 1:5-10
IV. THE WICKED MAY TURN FROM WICKEDNESS: Ezekiel 18:21-23, 27-28
A. Free moral agents; Joshua 24:15
B. Forsaking wickedness is necessary to forgiveness; John 5:14
1. Jesus told the adulterous woman; John 8:11
2. Paul asked; Romans 6:1-2
C. Change is reformation; Acts 26:18-20
1. Repentance must precede it; Luke 13:3
2. Baptism must follow repentance; Acts 2:38
CONCLUSION:
A. Sin is a grim reality; Romans 3:23
B. The consequence is spiritual death; Romans 6:23
C. Cease walking in sin and let God forgive them; Matthew 11:28
