EZRA/NEHEMIAH: A BIBLE STUDY

LESSON 9: Ezra 10

1.  (Read Ezra 10:1-5) Although Ezra could lead the people in repentance and could intercede in their behalf, the people had to turn from their sin to receive God’s continued blessings.  Every week pastors throughout our country pray, as Mark does.  They intercede and pray for repentance for themselves and for their congregations.  How do you respond when your pastor prays on your behalf?

            a.  The leadership of the church is upon the pastor.  Like Ezra, our pastors need to know that we are with them.  Our support will give them courage to exhort us to righteousness.  How can we let them know we support them?  What can you do, personally?

2. (Read Ezra 10:6-9)  Ezra and the elders and the leaders had the authority to inflict grave consequences if the people did not participate.  What were the consequences?

            a.  They sat outdoors, in the heavy rain, trembling because of the matter and the rain.  All of the men of Judah and Benjamin came.  If for whatever reason, Mark called us to fast and pray for a day, all of us together, perhaps for revival in our country, perhaps for repentance for our own shortcomings, whatever he felt was sufficiently important, what percentage of the congregation do you think would participate?  Why do you think that?  Would you?

3.  (Read Ezra 10:10-38)  The obedience was not without opposition.  Whenever we chose to do God’s will, we will be opposed.  When have you faced opposition for doing what you knew was right?  What did you do?

            a.  The leaders had to go first.  As the leadership goes, so will go those they lead.  What qualities are you looking for in our next leaders?

            b. This was no witch hunt or haphazard endeavor.  It took over 2 months to catalogue the foreign wives. Do not under estimate the pain of the sacrifice this required.  What sacrifice(s) has God required of you?  Which have been the most difficult?

            c.  What have you learned in the course of studying Ezra that you will apply to your own life?