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 #14
Outline of Chapter 16: (1) Eze 16:1-5 A people rejected; (2) Eze 16:6-14 Nation adopted by God; (3) Eze 16:15-34 Jehovah's bride falling into adultery; (4) Eze 16:35-43 Lovers of the bride become her executioners; (5) Eze 16:44-59 Depths of degeneracy; (6) Eze 16:60-63 He will atone for His people. God is saying "you were an illegitimate child" in Eze 16:1-4, (Amos 2:10), referring to their time in Egypt. Israel became of age and married to God (Eze 16:4-8). God dotes on her (Eze 16:9-14) referring to their release from Egypt and the Kingdoms of David and Solomon. She was unfaithful and regressed into perverse idolatry (Eze 16:15-19). She became degenerate and would not repent (Eze 16:20-34, Jer 2:21). Israels "lovers" became their executioners (Eze 16:35-43). The divine vine-dresser "lifts up" and prunes the vine so that it'll bear fruit (Joh 15:1-27). Branches thrown out break fellowship and the world will be our judge (Joh 15:6). Fruit of the spirit is love, the other eight characteristics are manifestations (Gal 5:22).
Scripture References: Ezekiel 16:15-19, Galatians 5:22, Ezekiel 16:15-34, Ezekiel 16:9-14, John 15:6, Ezekiel 16:6-14, Ezekiel 16:4-8, John 15:1-27, Ezekiel 16:1-5, Amos 2:10, Ezekiel 16:35-43, Ezekiel 16:1-4, Jeremiah 2:21, Ezekiel 16:44-59, Ezekiel 16:20-34, Ezekiel 16:35-43
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.