F-260 The People’s Confession of Sin - Ezra 10:1-44
How do you usually feel when you realize you’ve made a big mistake?
When do you tend to feel guilty?
What was Ezra doing? (10:1)
Why was Ezra so upset? (10:1)
Why did a large crowd gather around Ezra? (10:1)
Why did Ezra wait for the Israelites to come up with their own plan to solve their problem? (10:1-2)
Who offered a ray of hope to the guilt-ridden Israelites? (10:2)
What advice did Shecaniah give to the Israelites? (10:3)
What role did Ezra play in the repentance of Israel? (10:5)
Why did Ezra withdraw from the house of the Lord? (10:6)
How was the covenant the Israelites made before God enforced? (10:8)
What specific instructions did Ezra give to the Israelites? (10:10-11)
How did the people respond to Ezra’s call to repentance? (10:12-14)
Why was the Israelites’ problem not resolved immediately? (10:13)
How did the Israelites turn from their sin and reconcile themselves with God? (10:16-17)
In what specific ways did Ezra demonstrate his wisdom as a leader?
What character traits of Ezra would you like to see evidenced in your own life?
What can we learn from this story about how to deal with sin?
Why do you think it was necessary for the Israelites to take such drastic measures to deal with their sin?
Of what benefit was it for the Israelites to confess as an entire group?
How has this passage changed your attitude toward sin and repentance?
Under what circumstances do you think it is wise to repent of sin in the presence of other believers?
When is it wrong to feel guilty?
How do you think God wants us to feel after we have repented of sin?
In what specific ways should Christians separate themselves from the world nowadays?
What concrete action could you take to guard yourself against the world’s temptations?
The next time the Lord convicts you of sin, what can you plan to do in response?
In what practical way can you limit the negative influence others have on you?