08.31.25—Can These Bones Live?
Key Verse for 2025: “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” – 1 Timothy 4:16
INTRO
Ezekiel was given a vision of a valley full of dry bones—a picture of death, despair, and hopelessness. God asked him, “Can these bones live?” The answer revealed in the vision is that God alone has the power to give life. Flesh comes by the Word of God, life comes from the Spirit of God, and hope comes in the Son of God.
This vision wasn’t just for Ezekiel’s day. It points us to Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. In Him, there is no one too far gone, no sin too deep, and no heart too dry that cannot be revived.
MAIN POINT: God alone gives life—through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son, Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Have someone read Ezekiel 37:1–14 aloud. Pause for a couple of minutes afterward and let people share anything that stood out to them from the passage.
Other Scriptures referenced in the sermon include Genesis 2:7, Ezekiel 18:32, Ezekiel 33:11, Acts 17:25–28, and John 11:25.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What does it mean that flesh came on the bones by the Word of God?
Reminder: Ezekiel spoke as commanded, and God’s Word—not Ezekiel’s creativity—brought the bones together.
– How does this shape the way we think about speaking God’s Word to others?
– In what ways are you tempted to rely on being a “showman” instead of simply being a faithful “watchman”?
Q2: How do we see life come from the Spirit of God?
Reminder: The bones stood, but they were lifeless until God’s Spirit breathed into them.
– How have you experienced God’s Spirit giving you strength and life in your walk with Him?
– What does this dependence on God’s Spirit look like day by day?
Q3: Why did Israel still feel hopeless, even though they had life?
Reminder: Their land and temple were gone, and they tied their hope to what was lost instead of God’s promises.
– Where are you tempted to “look back” instead of forward to what God has promised in Christ?
– How can remembering Jesus’ resurrection and coming kingdom give you real hope today?
Q4: How do you answer God’s question: “Can these bones live?”
Reminder: No one is too far gone. God’s power to save reaches beyond our weakness.
– Who in your life feels “too far gone” to believe or be changed?
– How does this vision challenge your perspective and move you to pray and act differently?
LET’S REMEMBER:
God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone. He delights to bring life. Through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son, dry bones can live again. No one is beyond His reach.
Since what we’ve discussed is true and relevant to our lives, how do we apply it today?
– What would it look like for you to live as a faithful “watchman” this week—in your family, at work, or in your neighborhood?
For example, maybe it’s sharing Scripture with someone who’s discouraged, praying for God’s Spirit to work in a hard situation, or reminding yourself that your hope is in Christ and not in circumstances.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, You are the God of life. We confess our weakness and our tendency to look back instead of forward. Thank You for Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life. Breathe Your Spirit into us again, revive our hope, and empower us to be faithful watchmen in the places You’ve put us. Amen.