The BIG 3

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The BIG 3

• Ezekiel 1412-14
• January 23 - AM

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Our text and title

• I was asked to preach a sermon on Ezekiel 1414 -
  Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job,
  were in it, they would deliver only themselves by
  their righteousness, says the Lord GOD. (NKJV)
• (The Message Bible) even if Noah, Daniel, and
  Job--the Big Three--were alive at the time, it
  wouldn't do the population any good. Their
  righteousness would only save their own lives."
  Decree of GOD, the Master.

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Background

• Ezekiel was the prophet in captivity in Babylon
• He is explaining the reason for the captivity
• When a land (country, nation) sins
• Even Noah, Daniel, or Job could not save the
  nation

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Application of the text

• It was not the fault of Ezekiel that the people
  were wicked
• Prophets can warn
• But they cant make people change
• Ezekiel was to warn Ezekiel 317 - Son of man,
  I have made you a watchman for the house of
  Israel therefore hear a word from My mouth, and
  give them warning from Me

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Application of the text

• Noah after 120 years saved himself and 7
  family members
• Daniel saved himself and 3 young men
• Job saved only himself

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Application of the text

• We often think about the BIG success stories
• Peter 3,000 on Pentecost
• Paul missionary journeys
• Jonah saved Ninevah (120,000 souls)
• The BIG THREE also were faithful in warning and
  preaching the message

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Application for Today

• Preachers, elders cant save your soul
• Elders cant save our young people
• Preachers cant bring all the wandering sheep
  back to the church
• Preachers can teach, preach - WARN

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Application for Today

• Preachers cant MAKE people live moral lives
• Preachers cant MAKE people obey the gospel of
  Christ
• Preachers cant MAKE people have faith and
  dedication
• In the end we can only save ourselves

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We Often Think

• If we had a preacher like Paul or Peter we
  would be really doing great things
• If I had lived at the time of Jesus I would
  have been a true follower
• If I had lived at the time of Noah there would
  have been 9 on the Ark
• If I had lived in Babylon I would have been
  praying with Daniel

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We Often Think

• If I had lived at the time of Job I would have
  encouraged (not discouraged) him
• NOT TRUE!
• Luke 1630-31 - 30And he said, No, father
  Abraham but if one goes to them from the dead,
  they will repent. 31But he said to him, If they
  do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will
  they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.

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Conclusion

• Ezekiel 1414 places the responsibility for your
  soul on YOU.
• Preachers, elders, prophets and apostles can help
  teach, warn.
• But, when all is said and done, each can only
  save themselves.
• Philippians 212b - work out your own salvation
  with fear and trembling