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Ezra 4

Do we trust the Word of God or do we comply with the world?

Self-Centered Agenda vv.4-5

They wanted influence and control, not the worship of Yahweh. Can you see the danger? It can easily be man’s intention to do good and miss God’s will. If we strive for comfort or safety we will often miss God’s will.  

Is what we do here about the worship of God or about one’s self?

Will there be times in your life when you are opposed? You better believe it! If you are living out your faith, the gospel is offensive. Will there be times when Oak Hill Baptist Church needs to make decisions and there may be opposition that arises as a result? Sure! Both individually and corporately we will see opposition. How do we know if someone has a Self-Centered Agenda or a Savior-Centered Awareness?

  1. Do the leaders in the church have a peace based on God’s Word and not on Worldly Influence?
  2. Are those who oppose thought to be spiritual leaders? Do they show fruit from God’s Word? Look at vv.2-3. It shows that the opposing group were not qualified.
  3. Are those who oppose connected in fellowship? How can you know the vision of the people of God if you aren’t connected in fellowship for the purpose of God?

Scandalous Accusation vv.11-14

There will always be a manmade way to throw a wrench in God’s plan. They accused these people of no longer following the King.

John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Suspension Affirmed vv.23-24

Although man may have stopped God’s will for a time, remember that God’s will can’t be stopped! We may come to pauses in our lives, but if we’re following God, we’ll continue strongly. Remember the report from Joshua and Caleb? The people of God didn’t bank on the promises of God? What happened? They did not receive the reward! Only those who trusted God’s promises were allowed to go into the promised-land.

The temple was started around 535 BC and paused until 515 BC

Trust God’s Word and apply it, do not comply with the world!

Stand on the promises of God!

Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”