1/17/21- Rentz
Ezra—Restoring the Place and Purpose of Worship
Introduction—At the time that God raised Ezra to rebuild the Temple, Israel had been in captivity for 70 years. We have not been carried captivity into a foreign land, but we have endured political and self-imposed restrictions that have kept many from worshipping with other believers. Even though we have had the opportunity thus far to worship virtually, we must rise up and find a way to energize and reestablish our ministries. The Book of Ezra has some great truths that should encourage us as we restore the place and purpose of worship.
I. God Is on Time with His Promises (Ezra 1:1-11)
A. A Call to Rebuild (1-2)
1. God keeps His promises
a. God made a promise through
Jeremiah that Israel would return
b. The promises of God are
designed to assure us and
sanctify us (II Pet.1:3-4)
2. God can work through unlikely sources—
God moved the heart of Cyrus, king of
Persia, to fulfill His purpose
3. God validates His promises
a. Cyrus recognizes that his
authority comes from God
b. God raised up Cyrus to rebuild
the Temple in Jerusalem—God
often uses unlikely people to
accomplish His purpose
(Jer.27:5-7)
B. A Call to Return (3-6)
1. God is with us!—it’s time for action
(Matt.28:18-20)
2. God is with us—it’s time to invest in the
work
a. We need to be physically
invested and involved
(Heb.10:24-25)
b. We need to be financially
invested and involved
(II Cor.9:6-7)
3. God is with us—His Spirit will be there to
strengthen us!
C. A Call to Restore (7-11)
1. Only God can restore things that seem to
be lost
2. Only God can preserve things that seem
polluted (Dan.5:1-5)
3. Only God can recompense in full to those
who are obedient
a. The captivity lasted 70 years
b. In God’s time, He restored and
blessed (Is.61:3)—He can do the
same in your life and mine!