Lesson 9
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Journey Through God's Word
Restoration, Failure and Future Hope
Skim Ezra
1. Read Ezra 1. Which verses reveal God's sovereignty over the affairs and spirits of men?
2. What things did Cyrus provide for in his decree?
3. In chapter 2 the returning exiles are listed in different groups. Identify these divisions.
4. Different groups of people were to play an important role in rebuilding the temple and restoring worship. How does Ephesians 4:1-16 express this principle in New Covenant terms?
5. Read Ezra 3. Describe the worship the returned exiles offered to God.
6. a) Describe the laying of the temple foundation.
b Why do you think there was a mixed response to this foundation?
7. Read chapter 4. Who were the adversaries of the people of Judah and what was their offer?
8. When the people of Judah and Benjamin refused to compromise their work, what tactics did their enemies then take to frustrate their plans?
9. What is the work of the church? See Matthew 28:18-20 and Isaiah 58 for help.
10. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Who does Scripture reveal to be the scheming enemy of the church?
11. What commands are we given that we can stand against the devil's schemes?
12. Read Ezra 5:1-6:18. When the people were opposed and discouraged, how did God intervene that they could complete the work they were called to?
13. Read Haggai. Give phrases with verse references that show:a) The people's complacency
b) Their resulting lack
c) The command to resume construction
d. The Lord's presence and enabling
Skim Nehemiah
14. Providing references, describe the following:
a) Why Nehemiah prayed
b) The work of the returned exiles
c) The obstacles they faced
d) Their sin
e) Their covenant
15. What do you think the importance and significance of the wall is?
16. a) Reread Nehemiah's prayer in 1:4-11. As you closely examine this passage, what do you learn about prayer?
b) How will this understanding effect how and what you pray for?
Read Malachi
17. What charges does God bring against his people?
18. What promises do you find in this short book? Provide references.
19. though the nation was restored and God did mighty things for his people, they were still governed by an
external law written on stone. Look up the following passages and record the promises Israel would receive in Christ.a) Jeremiah 31:31-34 b) Ezekiel 36:26-27
20. What phrases in Joel 2:28-29 show that people of all kinds will participate in the blessings of the promised new covenant?
21. Paraphrase the following verses to describe in your own words that Christ has done for you.
a) 1 Corinthians 12:13
b) Ephesians 2:13-17
22. What new insights have you gained this week regarding the person and work of Christ?
Copyright © 2008, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture Quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001, by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Journey Through God's Word
Restoration, Failure and Future Hope
Skim Ezra
1. Read Ezra 1. Which verses reveal God's sovereignty over the affairs and spirits of men?
2. What things did Cyrus provide for in his decree?
3. In chapter 2 the returning exiles are listed in different groups. Identify these divisions.
4. Different groups of people were to play an important role in rebuilding the temple and restoring worship. How does Ephesians 4:1-16 express this principle in New Covenant terms?
5. Read Ezra 3. Describe the worship the returned exiles offered to God.
6. a) Describe the laying of the temple foundation.
b Why do you think there was a mixed response to this foundation?
7. Read chapter 4. Who were the adversaries of the people of Judah and what was their offer?
8. When the people of Judah and Benjamin refused to compromise their work, what tactics did their enemies then take to frustrate their plans?
9. What is the work of the church? See Matthew 28:18-20 and Isaiah 58 for help.
10. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. Who does Scripture reveal to be the scheming enemy of the church?
11. What commands are we given that we can stand against the devil's schemes?
12. Read Ezra 5:1-6:18. When the people were opposed and discouraged, how did God intervene that they could complete the work they were called to?
13. Read Haggai. Give phrases with verse references that show:a) The people's complacency
b) Their resulting lack
c) The command to resume construction
d. The Lord's presence and enabling
Skim Nehemiah
14. Providing references, describe the following:
a) Why Nehemiah prayed
b) The work of the returned exiles
c) The obstacles they faced
d) Their sin
e) Their covenant
15. What do you think the importance and significance of the wall is?
16. a) Reread Nehemiah's prayer in 1:4-11. As you closely examine this passage, what do you learn about prayer?
b) How will this understanding effect how and what you pray for?
Read Malachi
17. What charges does God bring against his people?
18. What promises do you find in this short book? Provide references.
19. though the nation was restored and God did mighty things for his people, they were still governed by an
external law written on stone. Look up the following passages and record the promises Israel would receive in Christ.a) Jeremiah 31:31-34 b) Ezekiel 36:26-27
20. What phrases in Joel 2:28-29 show that people of all kinds will participate in the blessings of the promised new covenant?
21. Paraphrase the following verses to describe in your own words that Christ has done for you.
a) 1 Corinthians 12:13
b) Ephesians 2:13-17
22. What new insights have you gained this week regarding the person and work of Christ?
Copyright © 2008, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture Quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001, by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.