This study was presented in the August 2013 Bible conference in Southern California.Though Corinth was a “problem church” for Paul, how thankful we ought to be for them, for without their problems and questions, we would not have the answers and guidance provided in this wonderful letter. As with all the epistles, the challenge is to lay hold of the character of Christ. We are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] minds” (Rom 12:2), and to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phi 2:5).
Key verses for this study:
- “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1Co 2:2 and
- “Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you are truly unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” 1Co 5:7
Gene Cunningham - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #20
Hosea's marraige to a whore illustrates the love of the Lord for His people. Israel is still without a king, but the next they get will be the King of Kings. (Hos 3:1-5). Ezekiel sings a funeral dirge for Israel's Davidic dynasty (Eze 19:1-14). Analogy of a lioness (Gen 49:10) and her cubs. One lion was ravaging his own nation, so put in a cage depicts king being taken into captivity (Eze 19:2-9, Jer 22:10-13). Jehoiachin—Coniah— was godless king leading his nation astray (2Ki 23:31-34, Jer 22:24-26, 2Ki 24:8-12). "Branches" refers to scepters used by Israel's kings. From 606 - 586 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar is God's instrument of discipline (Eze 19:10-14). The "branch of David" is the Messiah (Isa 4:2, Isa 11:1, Jer 23:5, Zec 3:8). "My servant the Branch", (Zec 6:12), "The Branch is the Lord of Righteousness" Jer 33:16). Jesus was called a Nazarene: Nazareth means "branch" (Mat 2:23). In time of Ezekiel who judges Israel? Jesus Christ — the fire comes out of the branch (Eze 19:14, Heb 12:29). When God judges a nation he begins with His own people (1Pe 4:17, Eze 9:6). He teaches the nation how to die. At second advent He rights the wrongs (Rev 19:11-16)
Scripture References: Hebrews 12:29, Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, Ezekiel 19:14, Ezekiel 19:1-14, Isaiah 4:2, Matthew 2:23, Hosea 3:1-5, Ezekiel 19:10-14, Jeremiah 33:16, Jeremiah 22:24-26, Zechariah 6:12, Revelation 19:11-16, Jeremiah 22:10-13, Zechariah 3:8, Ezekiel 9:6, Ezekiel 19:2-9, Jeremiah 23:5
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.