Scripture Reference: Ezekiel 3:18 (KJV)
“When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Introduction:
Today, I want to address the heavy responsibility that Ezekiel 3:18 lays upon us as believers. This verse introduces us to the divine role of a watchman—someone entrusted with a sacred duty to warn those who are headed down the wrong path. It is not just a responsibility for a prophet, pastor, or church leader, but for each of us who has encountered the light of God’s truth.

God gave Ezekiel this sobering task: to stand as a voice of warning to those engaged in sin. Failure to do so, He says, would result in their destruction, and the accountability would fall on Ezekiel himself. This message resonates deeply today because we live in times where the voice of righteousness needs to be louder and clearer than ever before.

Main Points:

1. The Role of the Watchman:
   Ezekiel’s calling as a watchman is the calling that each of us carries in our spheres of influence. The duty is to warn people about the consequences of sin, not as a way of condemning them but in hopes that they might turn to God and find life. Just as a physical watchman is stationed on a wall to see approaching danger, we are spiritually stationed in the lives of people around us—our family, friends, and even strangers.
2. The Consequences of Silence:
   One of the key messages in Ezekiel 3:18 is the dire consequence of failing to speak out. God explicitly tells Ezekiel that if he does not sound the alarm, the wicked will die in their sin, but their blood will be required at Ezekiel’s hand. The consequence of silence in the face of sin is staggering. It teaches us that ignoring opportunities to witness, or out of fear of rejection or discomfort, can result in others remaining lost. Let us not be silent in the face of moral decay or spiritual apathy.
3. God’s Desire for Repentance:
   Even though the wicked are warned of impending judgment, the ultimate desire of God is not punishment but repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” We must remember that our message is one of hope and redemption, not just condemnation. Our warnings should always point people back to the love, grace, and forgiveness available in Christ.
4. Our Responsibility Today:
   As watchmen in today’s world, we are tasked with speaking truth even when it is uncomfortable. We live in times where sin is celebrated and moral absolutes are eroding. Many around us are headed down a path that leads to destruction, and it is our duty, as carriers of God’s truth, to speak up. We cannot be passive. In love, we must call people to repentance and to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:
As we reflect on Ezekiel 3:18, may we be reminded of the weight of our calling as believers. Let us not shy away from the responsibility placed on us to warn those around us who are perishing in their sin. The watchman’s call is not easy, but it is essential. We are called to share the gospel, to speak truth in love, and to help guide people back to the God who loves them.

May we all rise to this task, knowing that the eternal fate of souls could rest on whether we obey this divine command. Let us pray for boldness, for compassion, and for a heart that reflects the love and justice of God in all that we do.

©️ James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽 james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️ 773-344-6313

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