Ezra 3-4

Scripture – Ezra 3-4

Observation – 

• Ezra 3:1-7 - The restoration of Worship
• Ezra 3:1 - Beginning in the seventh month
• Ezra 3:2-3 - The altar is rebuilt on its ancient foundation
• Ezra 3:4-6 - The feast is observed, and sacrifice is resumed
• Ezra 3:7 - Materials are prepared
• Ezra 3:8-13 - Work begins
• Ezra 3:8-11 - Joy and worship as the work begins.
• Ezra 3:12-13 - The mixed reaction of the people
• Ezra 4:1-3 - The offer of a dangerous alliance.
• Ezra 4:1-2 - Enemies try to join the work of building the temple.
• Ezra 4:3 - Zerubbabel rightly refuses their offer.
• Ezra 4:4-24 - Samaritan resistance to the building of Jerusalem
• Ezra 4:4-5 - The resistance under Cyrus' reign
• Ezra 4:6 - The resistance under Ahasuerus
• Ezra 4:7-16 - The resistance under the reign of Artaxerxes
• Ezra 4:17-23 - The king commands that the work stops until further notice.
• Ezra 4:24 - The work is considered once again.

Timeless Outline –

• v1-24 - Strategies of the enemies of God
• v1-3 - Sabotage
• v4-5 - Intimidation
• v6 - Accusation
• v7-16 - Scheming
• v17-23 - Laws and force

Examples to follow – There will be people that want to stop God's work.

Examples to not follow –

Sins to avoid – 

Promises to claim – 

Commands to obey –Christians should be the ones to uphold and continue God's work, not non-believers.

Application – 

Prayer –