September 3, 2017

The Life That God Blesses

Pastor: Shannon Ford Scripture: Ezra 7:8–10

The Life that God Blesses:

(Ezra 7:8-10):

And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.  Ezra 7:8-1

Ezra returned to Jerusalem in 458 B.C. after spending his life in Babylon in exile. He is one of the main leaders (builders) in the post-exile era

The Post-Exile Rebuilders

  • Zerubbabel Rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem
  • Nehemiah Rebuilt the walls around Jerusalem
  • Ezra Rebuilt the spiritual life in Jerusalem

Ezra's Legacy

  • Wrote copies of the first 5 books of the Bible as a scribe.
  • Authored 4 O.T. books (1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah)
  • Many scholars think that Ezra wrote Psalm 119
  • Responsible for establishing synagogues throughout the land of Israel.

What was so special about Ezra? Why was the good hand of God on him? We find the answer in Ezra 7:10.

Three Keys to Living a Life that God Blesses

Seek God's Word - Desire it! (Ezra 7:10a)

The #1 predictor of a person's spiritual health is whether or not they read the Bible on a daily basis

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

One cannot spiritually grow apart from a commitment to the Word of God. Howard Hendrick

Tips for a daily time in God's Word

  • The Proper Period
  • The Proper Preparation
  • The Proper Place
  • The Proper Provisions
  • The Proper Procedure

The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. D. L. Mood

Show God's Word - Do it! (Ezra 7:10b)

Scripture learned is useless until it is lived. A. W. Toze

The golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters is not intellect, but obedience. Oswald Chamber

But he said, Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it! (Luke 11:28)

What is biblical obedience? It is the daily living of God's Word.

  • Obedience to God proves our love for Him
  • Obedience to God demonstrates our faith in Him
  • Obedience to God keeps us on His path

True obedience to God means doing what He says, when He says it, for whatever reason He says it, as long as He says it, until what He says is accomplished.

Share God's Word - Declare it! (Ezra 7:10c)

As Christians, every one of us is called to teach. It is commanded by Jesus

And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20 

God has made relationships His chosen delivery system for the gospel of hope.
Ed Stetzer

Application: 3-2-1 Challenge

  • Pray for 3 family members and friends far from God

_______________________________

_______________________________

______________________________

  • Care for 2 of them in intentional ways
  • Share your story and God's story with 1

    1. Your Story
  • My life before receiving Jesus Christ.
  • How I received
  • How Jesus makes my life meaningful.

    2. God's Story
  • 3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide