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TRUTH that Ezra teaches |
ACTION that Ezra invites |
1. Knowing GOD
To know GOD is to know that He honors his Word, even above his name. |
1:1
Don't forget that GOD assures you that he will fulfill his Word |
2. Instruction for living in piety
To live in piety is to be consistent with our beliefs, even when faced with hostile opposition. |
3:3
Be faithful to GOD, and stand firm in your faith, in spite of the world's hostility. Remember that the LORD will honor anyone who honors Him. |
3. Steps toward holiness
Holiness is living apart from the world and consecrated to GOD. |
4:4,5
Don't lose sight of the fact that the world seeks to frustrate GOD's purposes. Seek the counsel of GOD, and reject the counsel of the unbeliever. |
4. Steps toward confronting sin
We must be careful, that we don't forget the price of forgiveness. Sin is a serious thing and we must handle it with care! Sin ordered GOD's Only Begotten Son to the cross. We mustn't forget that among the requirements for GOD's forgiveness are repentance, confession and abandonment of our sins. |
9:3,4
Avoid desensitizing yourself to sin. Sin should trouble you and bring remorse. Being distressed by sin is to humble ourselves when we recognize its presence.
10:1-17
Take sin seriously, and confront it decisively. Maintain your repentance: Take steps to stanch the wounds opened by sin. Don't dishonor the forgiveness you received by clinging to sin. |
5. Keys for relating with those who have authority
Just people manifest meekness even when facing the hostility of civil authorities. Our faith that GOD is sovereign above all authority permits the spirit of meekness to prevail, in the knowledge that GOD commands his authority above any other. |
6:1-12
Accept all legitimate authority in the knowledge that it comes from GOD. Trust that GOD works through those who have authority.
7:11-28
Believe that GOD is able to bless his people through the action of authorities, even when they are hostile. Trust that the LORD can make his will be fulfilled in spite of what the government decides. |
6. Lessons for leaders
The biblical model for leaders is that of the "servant leader". The leader-servant neither gives orders, nor dominates, nor imposes his will on GOD's people, but leads the way. To serve is "to do things and set an example", rejecting the attitude of the Pharisees, who counseled people to do what they themselves didn't do. The leader-servant asks people to do what he has put into practice in his own life. This is expressed above all in the way that he confronts sin and how his spirit of repentance is manifested. |
8:15-20
Leaders, ask the LORD who sent you to help in the place where you carry out your ministry. Don't try the realize the work alone.
8:21-23
Leaders, call the congregation to fast when a special project is initiated or a new stage in the life of the church commences. Don't forget that GOD takes the humble attitude that accompanies prayer and fasting into account.
8:28-33
Leaders, pursue excellence in your stewardship of material things. Keep all financial transactions very clear!
9:5-15
Leaders, intercede for GOD's people. Identify with their faults and confess them as your own. Leaders, serve as a model by leading the confession of sins of your people. |
