Lesson 23
background notes
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doctrinal / teaching point
- Any renewal or revival of God’s people will be centered around
the Bible.
practical application
- Do you want revival and renewal in your own life?
- Do you want revival and renewal in your family?
- Do you want revival and renewal in your church?
questions
- What was the occasion for the people to gather in Jerusalem (see Leviticus
23.23-25).
- What can you recall about Ezra?
- What is the core or center for any revival or renewal of God’s
people?
- In this passage, there are four things that showed the great appreciation
that people had for the Word of God. What are they?
- What is a danger signal of spiritual trouble ahead for individuals
and for churches?
answers
- The Feast of Trumpets.
- Ezra was a scribe who returned to Jerusalem about thirteen years before
Nehemiah returned. He was a great spiritual leader, motivating the people
to set their hearts right before God.
- The Word of God
- They were united in wanting to hear the word of God; they listened
from daybreak until noon; they were attentive; they stood the whole time
the word was read to them.
- A stronger emphasis on spiritual experiences, feelings, and spiritual
highs than on hearing, studying, and following the Word of God.
discuss/consider
- Do you have the kind of appreciation for the Word of God that these
people had? How do you evidence this in your life?
- Did you have family devotions when you were growing up? If so, of what
value are they in your life today? If not, how do you think they would
have helped you? Do you have family devotions now, with everyone participating?
challenge
Do you read the Bible every day as necessary spiritual food? Do you set aside
time to be quiet before the Lord? Resolve today to do this faithfully, to
seek His will for your life and to walk in the way that He has set before
you.
memorize
- “All the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Nehemiah
8:3
