An Inside Job

Passage

Ezekiel 36:22-30

Sermon Summary

Ezekiel prophesied about a beautiful transformation that took the death and resurrection of Jesus to fulfill. Theologians call it "regeneration," the re-creation and re-inhabiting of God's people based on God's sovereign will. This reality is marked by at least four qualities: 1) a new softening—we are washed and made tender with a heart of flesh; 2) a new orientation—our heart/spirit fundamentally wants what God wants, 3) a new connection—God's Spirit dwells in us permanently, and 4) a new pattern of life—we are are able to obey God's commands because we trust him to do us good. All four qualities are present in some measure with those who have been regenerated by the Spirit of God.

Discussion Questions (choose any—you don't have to answer them all!)

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. Where do you wonder most about the difference between a true and merely "cultural" Christian? With yourself? With others? 
3. How does the cleansing of the Holy Spirit softened your heart? Be as specific as possible.
4. Name a desire you would not have apart from the Holy Spirit of God. Now thank him for giving it to you!
5. What is one especially meaningful way that you experience the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit in you?
6. Take a risk in the group and name a specific way that you want to obey God more faithfully—by not doing something that displeases him, or doing something that pleases him.

Prayer Prompts

• Thank you, Father, for regenerating me by your Spirit in these ways __________
• Forgive me, Jesus, for __________
• Empower me (and/or another person in the group), Holy Spirit, to obey you more by___________

Resources Consulted

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• The Message of Ezekiel, Christopher JH Wright
• Ezekiel for Everyone, John Goldingay
• The Holy Spirit, Sinclair Ferguson
• A Pastoral Letter Concerning the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church Today (1975)