Rebuilding God’s Temple – Part 2

Any time the people of God are led to do a great thing for Him, such as seen in rebuilding His Holy Temple (Ezra 3), there will be opposition. Opposition consists of some very specific facets.. Let’s see what we can learn from Ezra 4-6.

I. DISCOURAGEMENT – Ezra 4:1-6

A. We do in order to with society around us. However, we must how we with society around us.

B. We should learn to practice “” meaning is still the best approach to reaching the lost.

C. Lesson: Let’s not pollute Christianity with .

Scripture references: Leviticus 21; Deuteronomy 6; 1 Peter 2:9; John 17:14; Eccl. 12:13; 1 John 1 & 2

Notes:

II. DECEIT – Ezra 4:7-24

A. Four Accusations the people brought against the Jews to King Artaxerxes:

1. That they were “”
2. They will cause you a “”
3. That they have “”
4. This will result in a “”

B. Ironically, the Jews used these same tactics against ! (Luke 23:2)

C. Lesson: Sometimes the ; God’s people will because of it.

Scripture references:  John 3:19-20

Notes:

III. DETERMINATION – Ezra 45:1-6:22

A. We need to , with God as our strength, and into the !

B. Lesson: If we are and , God WILL His children!

Scripture references: Daniel 6:8,12,15; 1 Peter 2:5 

Notes:

BONUS STUDY: 

Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15)

If you believe in Jesus and you believe He is the Savior of the world, then this verse means you must submit to Him as your Lord.

If we also take into consideration that Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven,” (Matthew 7:21) and, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6), then doesn’t it make sense that there is something we must DO (as in obey His commands) if we desire to be saved by Him? If you answered, “yes,” then look at these verses which contain some of His commands. In these, we see a pattern we must obey in order to be saved:

John 8:47; John 3:16; Luke 13:3; Matthew 10:32; Mark 16:16