Introduction
Ezekiel 28:1-10 is a prophetic oracle against the arrogant ruler of Tyre, who claims to be a god, reminding him that he is merely a mortal destined to die by foreign swords. Tyre was a wealthy, proud island city, and its king believed himself divine. The message is that God humbles human pride and self-worship.
Objectives
By the end of this session, the learner will have:
- Identified the sin of pride and self-exaltation in the text.
- Understood God’s judgement on human arrogance.
- Reflected on finding true identity in God rather than in power or wealth.
Outline
- sin of pride and self-exaltation
- God’s judgment on human arrogance.
- finding true identity in God, not wealth
Group Study Time
Ezekiel 28: 1-10.
Connecting
- Gather with two or more people for a community discovery bible study session.
- Start with a heartfelt prayer, inviting God to guide and bless your understanding.
- Explore the passage by reading it at least twice, using different Bible versions if available, then retell the story together as a group.
- Reflect and share the challenges and blessings you experienced from the previous study.
Comprehending
- Read Ezekiel 28:1–3. What is the sin of pride? What is the highest form of pride among human leaders? Identify the proud claim of the King of Tyre and what caused this attitude. How did God analyse the actions of the King of Tyre in his pride and wisdom?
- Read Ezekiel 28:4-5. What does this passage reveal about the illusion of wisdom and wealth? “By your wisdom and understanding you have gained wealth… your heart has grown proud of your wealth.” In what ways do success and money trick people into thinking they do not need God?
- Read Ezekiel 28:6-7. “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations.’” How does God show the king that he is only human?
- Read Ezekiel 28:9-10. What is said about the final judgement? “Will you then say, ‘I am a god,’ in the presence of those who kill you? You will be but a mortal, not a god, in the hands of those who slay you.” Why is it dangerous to claim a status or glory that belongs only to God? What is God’s punishment for those who claim to be God?
Committing
- Engage with the Bible—read, study, memorize, meditate, pray, listen, and live it out.
- List three lessons you have learnt as an agent of change that you would like to put into practice and teach others about.
- Take time and worship Jesus with the attributes revealed about Christ.
- Use the SPACEPETS model, to assist you in putting God’s word into practice. Look for:
- Sin to confess
- Promise to claim
- Attitude to change
- Command to keep
- Error to change
- Prayer to make
- Example to copy
- Truth to obey and
- Something praiseworthy
Communicating
- Identify one person you can connect with and share the valuable insights and lessons you gained from this session.
- Reach out to a new believer—either in person or by phone—and pray with them to support them through their challenges, including any concerns about attending church.
- Create a new group and guide others through this study to help them grow in their understanding.