First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #9
Justice is a characteristic of God. Righteous and Justice comprise Holiness (Det 32:4, Isa 45:21). Mercy is dependent on Justice executed on the cross -- He judged His own Son. Justice is in fact an act of Mercy. If we don't draw near in Grace, He'll draw near in Justice. It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God -- His discipline begins with His own house. Ezekiel 8 Outline - "the Holy Jealousy of God"; Ezekiel 9 - "the Glory of God Departs". Ezekiel 10 - "Ichabod - the Glory of God departs". God's jealousy with our areas of idolatry (Jam 4:5, Eph 4:30). Gold and faith are refined through fire (1Pe 1:7). The Glory and jealousy of God was provoked by the image of the sex God Ashteroth in the temple (2Ki 21:7, Eze 8:1-6). Israel worshiped animals (Eze 8:7-10). Israel's elders worshiped the idols in their heart (Eze 8:11-12; Rom 1:23). Jaazaniah brother delivered Jeremiah (Jer 26:24) his nephew was a believer (Jer 39:14) - faith doesn't run in families God knows everything in our hearts (Heb 4:12-14). Do I have an image of jealousy in our hearts? The father of Jaazaniah was a Godly man (2Ki 22:8-11). Tammuz was the idol son of Nimrod who was killed -- the fertility god of the Sumerians. Tammuz dies and his sister Ishtar rescues/resurrects him then marries him -- the beginning of easter. The priests were also worshipping the sun. (Eze 8:16, 2Ch 29:6) Violence is a characteristic of a degenerate nation (Eze 8:17). Point of no return had been reached (Eze 8:18). Messiah is referred to "the branch" (Mat 2:22-23). They treated the promised messiah with the utmost of contempt (Eze 8:17). God calls for the angelic executioners as the glory of God departs (Eze 9:1-3). Judgment begins with the house of God (Eze 9:7, 1Pe 4:17). The Glory departs from the throne to the threshold (Eze 10:4); then threshold to the East Gate (Eze 10:18-19); then East Gate to the Mount of Olives (Eze 11:23). Before being arrested, Jesus retraces the steps of the Glory then pronounces judgment (Mat 23:37, Mat 24:3, Joh 17:4)
Scripture References: Ezekiel 8:18, Isaiah 45:21, Ezekiel 10:18-19, Ezekiel 8:11-12, Ezekiel 8:17, Deuteronomy 32:4, Ezekiel 10:4, Ezekiel 8:7-10, Ezekiel 8:16, Ezekiel 9:7, Ezekiel 8:1-6, John 17:4, Hebrews 4:12-14, Ezekiel 9:1-3, Ephesians 4:30, Matthew 24:3, Jeremiah 39:14, Ezekiel 8:17, James 4:5, Matthew 23:37, Jeremiah 26:24, Matthew 2:22-23, Daniel 45:21, Ezekiel 11:23, Romans 1:23
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.