Ezra Bible Study Week 4 Part 2
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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 5 – To Instill Courage in Others
Reading over this chapter, I stopped to ponder these words,
“But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease…”
Greater is He that is in us, then He that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Amen?
I remember when I used to go camping with my parents in our pop-up tent trailer. Every Friday afternoon my mom would load the trailer with our camping gear and as soon as Dad got home from work we would head out to the lake.
I always felt safe in that camper, which is odd I suppose. After all, the walls were made of canvas and any number of wild animals could have been lurking in the bush. But here’s the thing, my sense of security wasn’t dependent upon the thin walls of the canvas—it was the power inside. The wisdom and strength of my father gave me a sense of comfort and peace. in the same way that my Heavenly Father does now.
When the eye of God is upon us His protection surrounds us, His strength empowers us, His power envelopes us. And, so it was with the Jews building the temple. Nothing could stand in their way, and nothing could cause them to cease.
It’s by His strength and because of His power that Paul writes,
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37, KJV)
As long as we’re in this world we’ll face opposition. We’ll experience sickness and pain, poverty and loss, hunger and sadness and sorrow. But at the same time, we can rest from the cares of this world as we’re safe and secure in His arms. The eye of the Lord is upon us, and nothing can take that away.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39, KJV)
Answer Key – Chapter 5
- According to verse 5, why couldn’t the enemy stop the men from working?
Because God was watching over them.
2. Who were the men that questioned Zerubbabel and Joshua?
Tatnai, Shetharboznai and their companions.
3. When the men asked for the workers names, what names did they give them?
The servants of the God of heaven and earth.
4. What was the name of the king that they sent a letter to?
Darius.
5. According to Haggai 1:1, when was Haggai’s prophecy to these men? (Compare this with Ezra 4:24)
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month.
6. What does Haggai 2:9 say? Write the verse out here:
The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place, I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
7. Do you remember that verse from an earlier chapter? Why do you think God said that?
Because Jesus Himself would visit that temple.
8. Can you think of a particular time when someone comforted, encouraged, or strengthened you with their words? What did they say that strengthened you?
(This answer will be different for everyone.)
9. What does the Bible say about edifying or comforting others? Find two verses and write them out here:
(This answer will be different for everyone.)
Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 6 – The Price Has Been Paid
Reading chapter 6 in our study on Ezra, you’ll notice that this chapter talks about the completion of the temple. As we continue in our study you’ll see that the first 6 chapters focused on the building of the temple, while chapters 7-10 focus on spiritual revival.
Before they even get to the point of revival, however, notice 5 things that take place in this chapter.
- Realizing they were sinners, they made atonement for their sin. (verse 17)
- They adhered to God’s will by examining the Word. (verse 18)
- They put their faith in the blood (a foreshadow of Jesus) by keeping the Passover (verse 19)
- They purified themselves. (verse 20)
- They kept the feast of unleavened bread with joy. (representing a life without sin) (verse 22)
What is a revival, really? We hear the phrase all the time, but do we really know what it means? For some, it’s little more than an emotional response to a skilled worship team. The better the music, the better the church.
But here’s the thing: If we truly want to experience revival it has to start with a repentant heart, obedience to God’s will, and faith in the atoning blood of Christ.
What we’re seeing in this chapter is a parallel to the purification of the heart through obedience to the Word.
Peter writes,
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. (1 Peter 1:22, KJV)
Answer Key – Chapter 6
- What does Romans 3:23 say about sin?
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
2. What temple was Jesus talking about in John 2:19-21?
He was talking about the resurrection of His body from the dead.
3. Where was the money coming from for the rebuilding of the temple?
The king’s treasury.
4. The New Testament talks about believers being the temple of the Holy Ghost. What is the foundation we are built on, and what part of the building does Jesus represent? See Ephesians 2:20-22.
We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus is the chief cornerstone.
5. What is a cornerstone, and why is this stone so important?
The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. It’s important because all other stones are set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. (Wikipedia, Cornerstone)
6. How were the men that went to the king in this chapter different from the ones we read about in Chapter 4?
The men we read about in Chapter 4 didn’t want to know the truth, all they wanted to do was deceive the king in hopes of destroying the temple. The group we read about in this chapter wanted to inform the king and settle the matter.
7. What words of encouragement could you give someone who is struggling to let go of guilt?
This answer will be different for everyone.
8. What are some of the lies and accusations that Satan tells you (or has told you) about yourself? Have they immobilized you in any way?
This answer will be different for everyone.
9. How do we render Satan’s accusations useless?
By repenting and giving glory to God. The more we’re accused the more we have to be thankful for.
10. What was the Law of Medes and Persians?
That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.
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FREE Printables – Autumn Scripture Cards
During the 6 weeks of the Bible study, I’ll be creating a set of Autumn-themed 4 x 4 inch scripture cards. Each week I’ll give you 4 for a total of 24 cards in total. These high resolution images will correspond with the theme of each week.
Click here to view and print this week’s note cards.
