Weekly Guide：Week 85
September 08, 2019
Foreword
We continue to read the Book of Ezekiel this week. Ezekiel faced numerous false prophets. Although God had repeatedly warned them, the false prophets told lies based on their own foolish hearts. They saw no vision or message from God but claimed what they said were from God. They were like scavenging foxes on the barren land, saw only themselves and no one else. They did not attempt to stand in the gaps nor did they attempt to rebuild the wall of the house of Israel. They robbed the weak and the ignorant. They promised calmness and proclaimed peace when God was destroying the temple. They were painting a thin wall made of straws to make it look good and strong, but it stood no chance with the test of a storm.
The true prophet prophesy what the people need. The false prophet prophesy what the people want. To be called by God to pronounce His words is a serious undertaking that treads on the narrow path. The one who tells the truth is not welcomed but rejected and even persecuted. However, popularity does not a truth proved. Despite all that, the true prophet calls the people to return to God, declares the truth, builds a solid foundation as his only purpose of life.
May you all be renewed in God’s word every day!
Question
What four dreadful judgments was the Lord going to send?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts, the Lord will answer them Himself in keeping with their great idolatry.
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The Lord warned the Israelites to turn from their idols and renounce all their detestable practices.
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If a country sins against the Lord, He will stretch out His hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it.
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Even if these three men-Noah, Daniel and Job-were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness.
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The Lord would send four dreadful judgments-sword and famine and wild beasts and plague-to kill its men and their animals.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Even the three righteous men could not save the Israelites from their sin. Today, only Jesus Christ can save our lives. Think about how God hates sin and how He loves His people. How may I have victory over my sin?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What did Jerusalem do to displease God?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Lord said, as I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem.
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The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel to confront Jerusalem with her detestable practices.
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The Lord said to Jerusalem, as you lay there in your blood I said to you, Live!
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Jerusalem trusted in her beauty and used her fame to become a prostitute.
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In addition to all her other wickedness, Jerusalem built a mound for herself and made a lofty shrine in every public square.
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The Lord will gather all her lovers, with whom she found pleasure, those she loved as well as those she hated. He would gather them against her from all around.
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The Lord will deal with those who despised their oath and breaking the covenant as they deserve.
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The Lord will remember the covenant He made with Jerusalem in the days of her youth and will establish an everlasting covenant with her.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - God likened Jerusalem as a prostitute to depict her sinfulness. What attributes of God do I see in this? How shall I answer to God’s holiness and purity?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is the principle behind the Lord’s judgment?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Lord used the parable of two eagles and a vine to depict the judgment of Israel betraying the king of Babylon.
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The one who follows the Lord’s decrees and faithfully keeps the Lord’s laws. The man is righteous; he will surely live.
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Wicked son of righteous man is to be put to death.
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Righteous son of wicked father will not die for his father’s sin. But his father will die for his own sin.
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The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.
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If a wicked person turns away from all the sins they have committed and keeps all God’s decrees and does what is just and right, that person will surely live; they will not die.
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If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked person does, they will die.
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The Lord’s way is just. He will judge each of you according to your own ways. Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - Why did the Lord say to betray Babylon is the same as betraying the Lord? How shall I uphold the oath I have taken and the covenant I have made with others? Why is it that we must be faithful to others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What parable did the Lord use to depict Israel’s exile and destruction?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
Meditation: My Story
- Fidelity - The king of Judah must carry the responsibility for the great destruction and judgement his household and the entire nation faced. How may I pray for the political leaders of my country to lead according to God’s will to seek blessings for the people and country?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What is Israel’s history of rebellions?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord, however the Lord would not let them inquire but judge them to confront them with their detestable practices.
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Israel rebelled against the Lord in Egypt. They did not forsake the idols of Egypt.
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Israel rebelled against the Lord in the wilderness. They did not follow the Lord’s decrees and rejected His laws.
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Their children rebelled against the Lord in the wilderness. They did not follow the Lord’s decrees and were not careful to keep His laws.
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Israel offered their sacrifices and made offerings to arouse the Lord’s anger on the high hill of the Promised Land.
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Therefore, the Lord would reign over Israel with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with outpoured wrath.
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The Lord would bring Israel out from the nations and gather them from the countries where they have been scattered, and He will be proved holy through them in the sight of the nations.
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With the parable of setting the forest ablaze, the Lord described how Israel would be attacked.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Why does the word Sabbath appear so many times in this passage? How does Sabbath let Israelites know that the Lord makes them holy and is their God? How is my Sabbath? How may I Sabbath in front of God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How would the Lord judge Jerusalem?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
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The Lord would draw His sword from its sheath and cut off from Israel both the righteous and the wicked.
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The Lord said there would be a sword against the people and all the princes of Israel.
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The profane and wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, whose time of punishment has reached its climax.
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The day has come for the wicked Ammonites, their time of punishment has reached its climax.
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Jerusalem brings on herself doom by shedding blood in her midst.
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The people of Israel have become dross to the Lord. He would melt them with a fiery blast inside the city.
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The Lord’s judgment came to the priests and prophets who profaned the Lord.
Meditation: My Story
- Fidelity - The Lord said, I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. In this sinful world, is there someone who would build up the wall and stand in the gap?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Why did the remnant of Judah go to Egypt?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Johanan and all the people approached Jeremiah and said to him, "Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do."
+ The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, "If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down."
+ If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die.
+ Johanan and all the people accused Jeremiah of lying. So Johanan and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord's command to stay in the land of Judah and entered Egypt.
+ The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, "Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon will come and attack Egypt."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Everyone accused Jeremiah of lying and not delivering the Lord's message. Why? When I pray, do I listen only to the answer I want to hear just like those people?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What sins did the remnant of Judah commit?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Lord blamed the people for burning incense to and worshiping other gods that aroused His anger to destroy them.
+ The Lord was determined to take away the remnant of Judah who were determined to go to Egypt to settle there. They will all perish in Egypt.
+ All the men living in Lower and Upper Egypt said to Jeremiah, "We will not listen to the Lord, we will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and pour out drink offerings to her."
+ Jeremiah warned them, "The Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The remnant of Judah went to Egypt experienced the fall of their nation but still wouldn't repent and continued to worship idols. How may I learn obedience from my past sins?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened to the army of Pharaoh Necho?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Concerning the army of Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt, which was defeated at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon in the fourth year of Jehoiakim. They were terrified, retreating, defeated, and fleeing in haste.
+ The Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet about the coming of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to attack Egypt.
+ Announce this in Egypt, "Take your positions and get ready, for the sword devours those around you."
+ The Lord encouraged the remnant of Israel, "Do not be afraid, I will surely save you out of a distant place."
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The Lord encouraged the Israel not to be afraid for He would save them out of a distant place. During distress, how may I be comforted by God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What would become of the Philistines and Moabites?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jeremiah prophesied the day had come for the Lord to destroy all the Philistines and to remove all survivors who could help Tyre and Sidon.
+ Jeremiah prophesied the punishment to Moab, the woe to Nebo, the disgrace and capture of Kiriathaim and the shattering of Misgab.
+ Moab would be ashamed of Chemosh, as Israel was ashamed when they trusted in Bethel.
+ Moab had defied the Lord and ridiculed Israel, for her arrogance, her insolence, her pride, her conceit, and the haughtiness of her heart.
+ The fortunes of Moab would be restored.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The destruction of the Philistines came from the Lord. Who is in control of the rise and fall of the nations today? How do I look at the politics of the world? How does my view affect me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Jeremiah say about the other nations?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jeremiah prophesied the Ammonites' punishment. Rabbah would become a mound of ruins.
+ The Lord would restore the fortunes of the Ammonites afterward.
+ The Lord would bring disaster on Esau at the time when He punishes him. Edom will become an object of horror.
+ Damascus had become feeble, she had turned to flee and panic had gripped her; anguish and pain had seized her.
+ Kedar and Hazor would be attacked, taken and carried off.
+ Elam would be scattered to the four winds, then restored.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How did pride of the Ammonites, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam stand by the Lord? Where is my pride?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the source of Babylon's destruction?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Babylon would be punished, captured, put to shame and Marduk would be filled with terror.
+ The people of Israel and the people of Judah together would go in tears to seek the Lord their God.
+ Announced once then again, the punishment of Babylon.
+ The people of Israel were oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go.
+ A sword against the Babylonians, those who live in Babylon and against her officials and wise men!
+ The young of the flock will be dragged away; their pasture will be appalled at their fate.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is our responsibility when God's chosen people are being devoured? Take a look at verses 17 and 18. What shall I do when facing those who have sinned and those who deserve punishment?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth under the persecution?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Sadducees' inability to see resurrection proves limitation of human wisdom.
+ The sign of Lord's protection came again. Paul was transferred to Caesarea while the plot to kill him was being planned.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - For God's truth reveals all fallacies that Paul pointed out the heresy of his accusers even under the great political pressure against him. How should I do more to understand God's way, the only truth?
+ **Identity** - Even people in high positions such as Felix would be afraid when they hear about righteousness, self-control, and judgement to come. World's definition of success and status won't help us in anyway in God's eternity. The fruit of eternal value comes only from relationship with God.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul testify for the truth in front of King Agrippa?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Paul was granted appeal to Caesar.
+ King Agrippa acknowledged Paul's innocence.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Paul explained with the truth, not seeking excuses, whether in front of King Agrippa or Festus. When rebuked while I'm preaching, can I stick to the truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul would have been released by King Agrippa if he hadn't repealed to Caesar. However, Paul's intention was to proclaim gospel in Rome, not his personal freedom. What is my priority when I weigh the pros and cons, my personal benefit or God's commission?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Paul encounter on the way to Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Angel told Paul that all on the ship would be saved.
+ Protected by God, Paul was not harmed b snake's bite.
+ Arrived in Rome.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Seeing what God has revealed to Paul, we often moan in not hearing from God. However, we frequently forget that we rarely walk in God's presence and we seldom put our faith completely in Him. I shall examine myself regularly to ensure that I'm walking on His path and making His commission as my mission.
+ **Integrity** - Paul relied on God when surrounded by troubles as he said in Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Am I still trying to overcome difficulties by my own strength? Do I have faith in God alone and am willing to let Him take control and follow Him whole heartedly?
+ **Integrity** - Julius is a Roman centurion responsible to transfer Paul to Rome. His treatment to Paul was unusual as he was lenient to Paul (27:3) and later saved Paul's live (27:43). What caused Julius to do these to Paul? Does my life's integrity show through that others may see?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Paul continue to proclaim gospel after he had arrived in Rome?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The Roman Jews were willing to hear the gospel knowing the Christian faith was slandered everywhere.
+ Salvation went to the Gentiles as some Jews believed while some were blinded and did not believe.
+ Paul proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Long time believers may become laxed, slackened, and satisfied for merely being saved. In drilling down to the root cause, we might find blinded hearts. Have I laxed on my way to sanctification? Has the world deceived me from God's truth?
+ **Fidelity** - Paul did not give up on those who were blinded. Rather, he welcomed all who came to see him and proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. Have I ever given up testifying for God because few ever believed me?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What is gospel?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The source of gospel is God.
+ The main character of gospel is Jesus.
+ Gospel is spread through disciples and Paul is the example for all messengers of gospel.
+ The righteousness of God is shown through gospel so that all may be saved by faith alone.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Paul is not ashamed of gospel. His attitude toward came from the grace and the calling from God. Have I ever been ashamed of gospel? Recall the events that happened to Paul in the Book of Acts. Would I stumble if any of those happen to me? Pray and ask God to strengthen my faith in walking with Him.
+ **Fidelity** - Paul's hope and love to the Roman Christians are shown between the lines. He prayed continuously for them and wished to share with them his spiritual gifts. Think about the people around me, my children, my family, my siblings, my friends, my co-workers, and all those whom I serve. How should I pray for them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Who is the righteous judge?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Humanity is sinful because they know God but do not glorify nor give thanks to Him. Although they know they would be judged for their evil conducts but still do those things and approve of others who practice them.
+ No one is righteous but only God can be the judge of that.
+ Religious ceremonies cannot save us.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - What is circumcision? Who is the true Jew? Although we don't have the custom of circumcision, do we have other customs that might make us feel superior subconsciously to others?
+ **Community** - Humanity is sinful and filled with corruptions. But we have no authority to judge anyone. What does He mean when our Lord says whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself? What are the differences between committing sin and judging?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses