Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God

Portrait of a Leader: Methods

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A great spiritual leader trusts God and employs godly wisdom in handling difficult situations. In part 9 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Nehemiah 2:17-18.

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Study Notes

Nehemiah: Portrait of a Leader

Nehemiah…

raised morale (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
carefully organized projects and people (Nehemiah 2:13-16; 3:1-2)
met difficulties with prayerful faith and godly wisdom (Nehemiah 6:1-9)
recovered the authority of the Word of God (Nehemiah 8:8-12)

The “Secret” of Spiritual Leadership

faith
wisdom
obedience

The Heart of Spiritual Leadership

a heart for God
a heart to serve

The Heart & “Secret” of Spiritual Leadership

a heart for God
a heart to serve
faith
wisdom
obedience

Spiritual Leadership and You

Portrait of a Leader: Character

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A great spiritual leader is a servant who pursues godly character. In part 8 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Nehemiah 1:4-6,11.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Nehemiah: Portrait of a Leader

Nehemiah…

was a man of prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-6,11)
demonstrated keen foresight (Nehemiah 2:7-8)
trusted God as he took action (Nehemiah 4:7-9)
had a genuine concern for the welfare of others (Nehemiah 5:6-11)
showed courage in the face of danger (Nehemiah 6:10-13)
made clear decisions (Nehemiah 7:1-3)
accepted responsibility (Nehemiah 13:30-31)

The Heart of Spiritual Leadership

a heart for God
a heart to serve

Applying the Text

Spiritual Leadership and You

A Binding Agreement

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The LORD our God is worthy of our faith and obedience. In part 7 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Nehemiah 8 - 10.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Understanding the Text

Rebuilding the Walls (Nehemiah 1 – 6)
Restoring the People (Nehemiah 7 – 13)
1. List of returned exiles (Neh 7:1-73a)
2. Joy in the Law (Neh 7:73b – 8:18)
3. Confession and worship (Neh 9:1-5)
4. Remembrance of God’s great deeds (Neh 9:6-37)
5. A binding agreement (Neh 9:38 – 10:39)

We saw God’s people…

Experience the joy of God’s Law
Confess their sins
Worship their faithful God
Remember God’s great deeds
Covenant to obey the LORD

Applying the Text

Joyfully confess and worship
Remember God’s great deeds
Covenant to obey Him today

Pray… and Post…

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God honors and helps His people when they trust Him and work together to overcome opposition. In part 6 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Nehemiah 3 - 6.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Understanding the Text

Rebuilding the Walls (Nehemiah 1 – 6)
1. The problem (Neh 1:1-3)
2. Nehemiah’s prayer (Neh 1:4-11)
3. Answered prayer (Neh 2:1-10)
4. Preparation (Neh 2:11-20)
5. The wallbuilders Neh (3:1-32)
6. Opposition (Neh 4:1-23)
7. An internal problem (Neh 5:1-19)
8. More opposition Neh (6:1-14)
9. Completion (Neh 6:15-19)
Restoring the People (Nehemiah 7 – 13)

Nehemiah’s Process

Pray
Plan
Post
Persevere

Opposition to Nehemiah

Threats
Schemes
Lies
Intimidation

Applying the Text

What does God want to do in His church here? … in your life?
What is the nature of the opposition we/you are facing?
What shall we do?

Pray
Plan
Post
Persevere

The Hand of God on Nehemiah

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God’s ear is attentive to the prayers of His servants who mourn, fast and pray for His people. In part 5 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Nehemiah 1 & 2.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Introduction to Nehemiah

Understanding the Text

Rebuilding the Walls (Nehemiah 1 – 6)
1. The problem (Neh 1:1-3)
2. Nehemiah’s prayer (Neh 1:4-11)
3. Answered prayer (Neh 2:1-10)
4. Preparation (Neh 2:11-20)
Restoring the People (Nehemiah 7 – 13)

Nehemiah…

Mourned, fasted and prayed
Researched and planned a solution
Prayed again
Spoke with the king
Entrusted himself to the gracious hand of God upon him

Applying the Text

Building Walls…
Fast and pray
Research and plan
Pray again
Speak with human authorities
Entrust yourself to the gracious hand of God upon you

Sin in the Camp… Again

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God has called His people to walk faithfully with Him, separate from the sinful practices of the world. In part 4 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ezra 9 & 10.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

First Return Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6)
Second Return and Reform Under Ezra (Ezra 7-10)
1. Return to the Land (Ezra 7-8)
2. Reform in the Land (Ezra 9-10)
  1. Sin in the land (Ezra 9:1-2)
  2. Ezra’s despair (Ezra 9:3-4)
  3. Ezra’s prayer (Ezra 9:5-15)
  4. Confession and repentance (Ezra 10:1-44)

The Elephant in the Room Question…

Applying the Text

Separation from the World

A Biblical Strategy for Separation from the World

Worship God only
Do not reduce God to an idol
Do not misuse God’s name
Remember the Sabbath
Honor your parents
Do not murder
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not lie
Do not covet

A Biblical Strategy for Separation from the World

Love God with your whole being
Love others as Christ has loved you

The Hand of God on Ezra

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God works powerfully through the person whose heart is devoted to Him. In part 3 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ezra 7 - 8.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Jews sent into exile by Babylon
Babylon defeated by Persia
Persian King Cyrus decrees return of Jews
Three returns under Zerubbabel, Ezra & Nehemiah

Understanding the Text

First Return Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6)
Second Return and Reform Under Ezra (Ezra 7-10)
1. Return to the Land
  1. Introduction of Ezra (Ezra 7:1-10)
  2. The decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:11-26)
  3. Ezra’s praise (Ezra 7:27-28)
  4. List of returnees (Ezra 8:1-14)
  5. Journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15-36)

Events in the Text

Zerubbabel returns in 538 BC
Temple completed in 515 BC
King Xerxes / Esther
King Artaxerxes / Ezra
About 60 years pass from Temple completion until Ezra’s return in 458 BC

Ezra

was devoted to God’s Word
trusted and praised God
was used powerfully by God

Ezra and Effective Service for God

Study God’s Word
Obey God’s Word
Teach God’s Word
Trust God’s sovereign hand

Keep on Keeping On

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God brings glory to Himself when His people persevere through fear, discouragement and opposition. In part 2 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ezra 3-6.

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Study Notes

Previously in Ezra-Nehemiah…

Babylon – Persia
King Cyrus
Three returns under Zerubbabel, Ezra & Nehemiah
Ezra writes to encourage the returning remnant to remain faithful

Three Temples

Solomon
Zerubbabel
Herod

Understanding the Text

First Return Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1 – 6)
1. Decree of Cyrus (1:1-4)
2. Response of the Israelites (1:5-11)
3. List of people who returned (2:1-70)
4. Rebuilding of the temple (3:1 – 6:15)
  1. Altar and foundation (3:1-13)
  2. Opposition (4:1 – 6:12)
  3. Completion (6:13-15)
5. Dedication and Celebration (6:16-22)

Overcoming Obstacles

Fear
Opposition
Discouragement
Misplaced priorities

Applying the Text

Are you fearful?
Are you facing opposition?
Are you discouraged?
Are your priorities right?
GOD is sovereign!

Moved Hearts Move People

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God sovereignly works through all people and circumstances for His glory. In part 1 of Ezra-Nehemiah: The Gracious Hand of God, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Ezra 1 & 2.

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Study Notes

A Rapid-Fire History of Israel

Promise
Exodus
Wandering
Conquest
United Kingdom
Divided Kingdom
Exile
Assyria/Babylon/Persia
Return

Select Rapid-Fire Themes of Scripture

God’s sovereign grace and purpose
The blessing of faith and obedience
The consequences of unbelief and disobedience

A Rapid-Fire Introduction to Ezra-Nehemiah

Separate works as one book
Authors: Ezra & Nehemiah
Date: About 440 – 430 BC
Purpose: Encourage the remnant to remain faithful

Understanding the Text

First Return Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1 – 6)
1. Decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
2. Response of the Israelites (Ezra 1:5-11)
3. List of people who returned (Ezra 2:1-70)
Second Return and Reform Under Ezra (Ezra 7 -10)

Applying the Text

God is sovereign over all people and circumstances
When God moves our hearts, we must move our feet!