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 7:10 ESV
EZRA: THE SCRIBE AND PRIEST
They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law… 2 So… Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly… NEHEMIAH 8:1-2 NLT
…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 PETER 2:9 NLT
WE SHARE THE GOSPEL BECAUSE IT’S:
GOOD NEWS
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. 12 So the people went away… to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. NEHEMIAH 8:8,12 NLT
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. MATTHEW 13:44 ESV
A WARNING
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. 12 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? PROVERBS 24:11-12 NIV
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people… I will hold the watchman accountable… 7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable… EZEKIEL 33:6-8 NIV
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 NLT
RESOLUTION #3: TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MISSION OF GOD
Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. NEHEMIAH 8:4 NLT
HOW DO I LIVE ON MISSION?
MAKE JESUS VISIBLE
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. MATTHEW 5:14-16 NLT
Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. COLOSSIANS 4:3-6 NLT
MAKE THE MESSAGE OF JESUS SIMPLE
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 6:23 NLT
ADMIT MY SIN
For the wages of sin is death,
BELIEVE JESUS IS MY SUBSTITUTE
…but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus…
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16 NIV
COMMIT BY FAITH
…our Lord.
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” 14 …And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ROMANS 10:13-14 NLT
My Notes
Discussion Questions
Choose a couple questions from each section to discuss and reflect on the sermon as a group:
- START HERE: Think about a time you were excited to share something good with someone. What made you want them to experience that with you?
- START HERE: Who’s had a positive influence on your faith by helping you understand Jesus better? What did they do that most impacted you?
- KEEP GOING: Read Nehemiah 8:8, 12 NLT and Matthew 13:44 ESV. What do these passages show you about why the gospel is genuinely good news? Where have you experienced that goodness in your own life?
- KEEP GOING: Read 1 Peter 2:9 NLT and 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT. What do you learn about your role in helping others know about Jesus? How would thinking of yourself as a chosen ambassador change how you see opportunities to talk about faith?
- KEEP GOING: Read Proverbs 24:11-12 NIV and Ezekiel 33:6-8 NIV. These passages strongly warn people headed toward danger. What fears, assumptions or concerns keep you from speaking up when you believe someone needs to hear about Jesus?
- KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 4:3-6 NLT. What would you need to trust and believe about God to more confidently tell others about Jesus when opportunities arise?
- LIVE IT OUT: Read Romans 6:23 NLT and Romans 10:13-14 NLT. As you reflect on making the gospel simple for someone (admit my sin, believe Jesus is my substitute, and commit by faith) who is God sending you—maybe only you—to teach about Jesus? How will you approach them to make Jesus visible and share the good news?
