Introduction:

1. Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:7).

2. The task he had was to restore temple worship (Ezra 7:10-26).

3. The lamentable practices Malachi opposed were in full force (Malachi 1:2, 7-14; 2:11-16; 3:8-10, 13-18).

Discussion:

I. The Skill and Influence of Ezra

A. He was a scribe, skilled in the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6).

1. Scribes recorded and/or recounted important events and edicts (Esther 3:12; Jeremiah 36:4-8, 26).

2. After Ezra’s day, they took on a powerful religious and legal significance (Ezra 7:26; Matthew 23:2-3).

B. He exercised great influence over the king (Ezra 7:11-26).

1. The king granted all his petitions with legal protections.

2. This was because the hand of the Lord was on him (Ezra 7:6).

C. He greatly influenced his peers (Ezra 8:15-36, 10:1-17; Nehemiah 8).

II. Ezra’s Three-fold Pattern for Service

A. It begins with the heart; Ezra prepared his heart (Ezra 7:10; Hebrews 6:1; 1 Peter 2:2).

B. Ezra’s preparation was a three-fold inward to outward process.

1. Seek the Law of the Lord: literally to frequent

2. Do the things therein (James 1:21-25; 2:14-26).

3. Teach others likewise (Matthew 28:18-20; Psalms 51:10-15).

1. Ezra had a monumental task to restore proper temple worship.

2. His three-fold approach created the success he had.

3. If we apply his approach, we too can influence our peers for good.