Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Date: December 5, 2025
Readings: Ezekiel 40–41, Psalm 125, Titus 1–3

Episode Overview

In this episode, listeners journey through detailed visions of the new temple in Ezekiel 40–41, find assurance and prayer in Psalm 125, and receive pastoral instructions and encouragement in Titus 1–3. The readings highlight God’s meticulous holiness, his protection over his people, and the shaping of Christian character and communal life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezekiel 40–41: The Vision of the New Temple

(00:01 – 10:24)

• Context: Ezekiel, in exile, is brought by God in a vision to a high mountain in Israel where he is shown a temple and its surroundings by a heavenly figure.
• Architectural Detail: The passage meticulously describes the temple’s measurements, layout, gates, chambers, and decorations.
• Symbolism: Repeated motifs such as precise dimensions, palm tree and cherub carvings, and designated spaces for priests emphasize order, holiness, and God’s presence among his people.
• Sacred Spaces: Distinction is made for spaces only certain priests, namely the sons of Zadok, may enter, underlining reverence and purity in worship.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.” — A [00:10]
• Themes: Restoration, worship, God’s meticulous standard for dwelling with his people, the anticipation of future hope.

2. Psalm 125: The Lord’s Surrounding Protection

(10:24 – 11:00)

• Main Message: Like Mount Zion, those who trust in the Lord are immovable; God’s protection is sure and enduring.
• Imagery: The mountains encompassing Jerusalem illustrate God’s surrounding, unfailing care for his people.
• Prayer and Justice: A plea for God to do good to the upright and to remove the influence of the wicked.
• Memorable Moment:
  • “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” — A [10:27]
• Themes: Perseverance in faith, God’s steadfastness, peace for God’s people.

3. Titus 1–3: Instructions for Godly Living and Leadership

(11:00 – end)

• Introduction: Paul addresses Titus, his “true child in a common faith,” commissioning him to appoint overseers in Crete who model Christian virtue.
• Qualities of Leaders: Above reproach, sober-minded, not greedy or violent, self-controlled, and able to teach sound doctrine.
  • “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach...” — A [11:13]
• Warnings Against False Teachers: Paul confronts insubordinate deceivers, urging rebuke and doctrinal soundness.
  • “They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” — A [11:28]
• Godly Conduct for All:
  • Older men: sober-minded, sound in faith
  • Older women: reverent, teachers of good
  • Young women: self-controlled, pure, loving
  • Young men: models of good works and integrity
• Central Gospel Message:
  • God’s grace brings salvation, training believers to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives as they wait for Christ’s return.
• Transformation by Mercy:
  • “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit...” — A [12:13]
• Exhortation to Good Works and Unity:
  • Believers are called to serve others, avoid quarrels, and be gentle and courteous.
  • “Avoid foolish controversies... for they are unprofitable and worthless.” — A [13:09]
• Closing: Greetings, final instructions, and a benediction of grace.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you.” — Ezekiel’s commission, A [00:10]
• “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” — Psalm 125 opening, A [10:27]
• “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit...” — Gospel clarity from Titus, A [12:13]
• “Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” — Pastoral wisdom, A [13:09]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – Ezekiel’s temple vision begins
• 10:24 – Psalm 125 reading
• 11:00 – Titus 1–3 reading
• 12:13 – Central gospel summary in Titus
• 13:09 – Warning against divisiveness and unhelpful disputes

Overall Flow and Takeaways

This episode immerses listeners in the grandeur and precision of God’s dwelling with his people, the assurance of His protecting presence, and the challenge and encouragement to live out the gospel with integrity, humility, and unity. By stringing together vision, psalm, and letter, the readings reinforce God’s faithfulness from exile to early Christian communities, modeling trust, worship, and transformed living.