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Lessons from Ezra & Nehemiah: Dealing with Sin and Repentance

Explore the biblical account of Ezra and Nehemiah to learn valuable lessons on confronting sin, repentance, and rebuilding spiritual lives. Discover how Ezra's firm leadership and the community's response offer insights into handling wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness.

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Lessons from Ezra & Nehemiah: Dealing with Sin and Repentance

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  2. Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah A Renewed Remnant

  3. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra gets settled in 8:32-36 • Princes approach him re: some of the remnant intermarrying pagans 9:1-2a • The pagans’ “abominations” (idolatry) • Most troubling was the leaders were primarily guilty 9:2b 10:18 Lk 12:48

  4. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • In jeopardy was the “holy race” 9:2 • They were intermingled with those who were not in covenant with God • God has always demanded separateness in His people Ex 19:5b-6 Deut 7:6

  5. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s reaction 9:3 • He tore his garments…he pulled hair from his head & beard…he sat down appalled • Others react, too 9:4 • Those who “trembled at the words of God” joined him in his grief

  6. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • He was ashamed, embarrassed v. 6 • Israel’s guilt had grown…she had a long history of transgression v. 7 • God had “revived the remnant”…given her a “present grace” v. 8

  7. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • Their marriages were a direct violation of the Law of Moses v. 12 Deut 7:1-5 • Why these marriages were so troubling… it would lead right back to where they just came from (captivity due to idolatry) • God’s grace was threatened vv. 13-14

  8. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • Their punishment was less than they deserved v. 13 • They were before God in guilt v. 15 • They could not stand before God v. 15 • Ezra made no excuses…he did not even ask for forgiveness

  9. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The effectiveness of Ezra’s prayer 10:1 • The people also wept bitterly…joined him in displaying grief • An outward sign of remorse, contrition • Their sorrow was godly…would help bring them to repentance 2 Cor 7:9-11

  10. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Shecaniah encourages Ezra 10:2-4 • He also admits Israel’s guilt • He recognized the need for a covenant with God re: putting unlawful wives away • He exhorted Ezra to courageously lead… he and the others would follow him

  11. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s actions 10:5-8 • He first dwelt with the leaders 9:2 10:18 • He made them take an oath to do as he instructed • He ordered all exiles to Jerusalem… whoever didn’t come in 3 days would lose possessions & be excommunicated

  12. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • They sat in the open square, trembling due to this matter & a cold rain [December] • Ezra’s public rebuke vv. 10-11 • “You have added to Israel’s guilt” • “Make confession and do His will” • “Put away your foreign wives”

  13. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • The people’s response to Ezra vv. 12-14 • “You are right! It is as you have said.” • “It is our duty to do so.” • “But, there are many people…it is the rainy season…it cannot be done in 1 or 2 days.”

  14. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • The people’s response to Ezra vv. 12-14 • “Let our leaders appoint times when each one may come for investigation.” • Other factors re: this situation… • There was some opposition v. 15 • Emotional…it affected whole families v. 44

  15. Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The “investigation” 10:16-17 • Despite the “difficulties” the exiles complied with Ezra’s orders • The “investigations” on each marriage were completed in 3 months, 10 days

  16. Some Modern-Day Applications… • Repentance = somewhat of a “process” • Very rarely does it occur instantly • Sometimes, it takes time to bring people around through convincing Bible teaching • We’re not dealing with raw materials in a manufacturing process…we’re working with people in emotional situations

  17. Some Modern-Day Applications… • Repentance = somewhat of a “process” • The demands of repentance may even be requiring people to leave life-long relationships v. 44 • It will take gentleness & patience in trying to convince some of their need to repent 2 Tim 2:24-26

  18. Some Modern-Day Applications… • Help for elders & local churches • Bringing people to repentance often involves emotional situations requiring some “investigation” • Sometimes, it takes time to sift through details impacting the situation to arrive at the necessary Biblical solution

  19. Some Modern-Day Applications… • Help for parents & their children • It is critical to marry someone that meets with God’s approval • Parents must stress to their children the importance of dating & marrying someone who will help them faithfully serve God according to His word Deut 7:4

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