The people had forgotten their identity as chosen children of God.

The task of the people is obedience, but obedience cannot produce salvation.

Application 1: Be proactive toward obedience.

Application 2: What in your life are you allowing to distract you from the Lord, rather than turn you toward him?Application 3: What are you busying yourself with, rather than building the Lord’s house?

Supplemental Text:

Ezra 1:1-4

Ezra 4:4-5

Romans 8:14-17

Philippians 2:12-13

1 Corinthians 3:16

Matthew 9:37

Matthew 1:12-16