The Distinctiveness of God’s People

Introduction:

The notable scribe and leader of God’s people led around 6-7 K Jews back to the Promised Land in 458 BC. This is known as the second return. The first group, led by Zerubbabel & Jeshua – took place in 538 BC. By 516 BC – with the influence of Haggai & Zechariah, the temple was rebuilt & the people settled in their homeland. This was not without trouble/opposition.  Characterized the entire time of the postexilic years. Much of the history of this time concerning the Jews is not well known, especially in the land of Palestine.

I. Ezra’s mission & the situation

A.     7:1-10 – people depart Babylon in the first month & arrive in Palestine in the fifth month.

1.     7:10 – Ezra set his heart for service.  How?

                                              a.     Study the Law of the Lord; Practice it; Teach it.

2.     9:1 – his message seems to be on the distinctiveness of God’s people

B.     Yet…the nation was behaving in a way that threatened their favor with God.

1.     The ecumenical spirit mentioned in 9:1b

2.     The problem of intermarriage threatened them morally and ethically.

C.     Idea of distinctiveness not new.

1.     Exodus 29:45; Deuteronomy 30:6; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 37:23

2.     Ezra 9:1-2 – the people had forgotten this.

D.     9:3-4 – Ezra’s response.

1.     Demonstration goes beyond the usual signs of mourning (tearing garments.)

2.     Plucks out some of his beard – sign of indignation as well as grief.

E.     9:5-6 – At evening sacrifice – Ezra prays.

II. A Prayer for Revival.

A.     9:7 – acknowledges sinful record of the people.

B.     9:8-9 – Ezra acknowledges God’s grace.

C.     9:10-14 – Ezra confessed the magnitude of their present situation.

D.     10:1-8 – Shecaniah’s response

1.     Shechaniah – steps forward.  10:3-4 – says there is still hope.

2.     10:5-8 – Ezra & people take action & move to correct this sin.

III. For a 21st Century Audience

A.     As a collective body, the church, God’s people are important to Him.

1.     Right way/wrong way to do things religiously.  1 Timothy 3:15 – there is a right/wrong way to conduct oneself in the household of God.

                                              a.     John 4:24 – worship in spirit & truth.

2.     We need never be ashamed to doing things God’s way.

B.     Individually, God’s people are to be distinctive.

1.     1 Peter 1:14-16; 18-19; 2:9-10

2.     1 Peter 2:11 – a clear line has been drawn on these spiritual expectations.

C.     But…like the days of Ezra – there is a spirit (attitude) among us that threatens to destroy our distinctiveness as a people.

1.     Collectively & individually. 1 Peter 4:3 – these sins still manifest themselves today.

D.     We need some modern day Shecaniah’s!

1.     Great revivals begin when great souls go to a great God with great favor.

Conclusion:

A.     Has the world affected you? Have you lost your distinctiveness as a Christian?

B.     2 Corinthians 6:18-19; 7:1

C.     Where do you stand?