Ezra 5

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Work Resumes on the Temple and Opposition Continues 

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BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The teaching of the Word will motivate God’s people. Ezra 5:1-2

  2. The tactics of the enemy should challenge God’s people. Ezra 5:3-13

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Remember, God is in control of the opposition.

QUESTIONS

  1. The Lord’s new rebuilt temple is sometimes called ____________ ______.

  2. In 538 B.C., how many Jews returned from their captivity in Babylon? Under whose leadership did they return?

  3. The foundation for the new temple was laid in 535 B.C., but the work was delayed for fifteen years, all the way down to 520 B.C. Why was the work delayed?

  4. It was during the reign of Darius l of Persia that God graciously raised up two prophets. Who were these prophets, and what was the result of their ministry?

  5. What was the content of the ministry of each of these prophets?

ANSWERS

  1. Zerubbabel’s Temple.

  2. About 50,000 returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

  3. Because of opposition from the surrounding foreign peoples and because of discouragement and apathy from within.

  4. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. As a result of their ministries God’s people were motivated to do the work of the Lord, and the rebuilt temple was completed.

  5. Haggai exhorted the people based on God’s word. Zechariah gave encouragement to the people based on God’s word.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. The teaching of God’s word will motivate God’s people.  A steady diet of expository ministry from the word of God is the key to the best kind of church (and individual) growth.  Are you both convicted and encouraged by the word of the Lord?  

  2. Persian officials challenged and opposed God’s people during the rebuilding of the Lord’s Temple. Both challenge and opposition to the Lord’s work and to the Lord’s people should be considered as an opportunity to witness for the Lord.  Is your faith being challenged right now by the opposition? Use it as an opportunity to share your faith!

CHALLENGE

  1. Although Satan tries, he cannot make God’s work cease. Why? Because God is in control of the opposition.  Aren’t you thankful that God has His eye on you?  Are you continuing faithful in the work that God has for you to do?

KEY VERSES

  • “The prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them.” Ezra 5:1

  • “…the leaders and the people rose up and began to build the house of God…and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.” Ezra 5:2

  • “…the opposition challenged them.” Ezra 5:3

  • “But the eye of their God was upon them…” Ezra 5:5

Talks, Old Testament, EzraRon ReidEZRA 5