IBC Richmond

A prayer, as we lament the injustice that shreds our families, communities, cities, and nations.

Application Questions:

How did Ezra respond to the known sin of other? What did he do privately? What did he do publicly? Does this inform the way a Christian responds to sin within the church or within society?

How does this story help you think about the seriousness of sin and the life-change of repentance?

What factor does rain play in this story? Is it a sign of judgment or cleansing? What do you surmise the people’s disposition was toward standing in the rain?

What is the purpose in preserving the names of those found guilty of intermarriage? How do you deal with the memory of past sin?

How did Israel break the Law by intermarriage? What this an ethnic issue or a spiritual issue? How does the Bible teach Christians to view interracial marriages?

What type of prayer does Ezra pray? Is it a model for your prayer life?

Where is the redemption in Ezra’s prayer? How should you exercise this in your own prayer life?

Ezra’s prayer never asks God for anything. What point is a prayer without a request?

Application Questions:

What is fasting? What was Ezra's purpose in fasting (Ezra 8:21-23)?

How is fasting associated with prayer? What personal need compels you to schedule time for fasting and prayer?

What danger did Ezra and his companions anticipate on their journey? Is God’s plan for you safe? How can risk-taking reveal the Christian faith to unbelievers?

How did the journey end? What principles about wisdom and faith can be applied to your life plans?

Application Questions:

1. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like God had withdrawn from you?
What do you think the cause of that feeling might have been?

2. When was the last time you were desperate for the Lord’s attention? Why do you think
Jesus ignored the Canaanite mother at first? Ever felt like God was ignoring you?

3. How did the disciple’s attitude toward the mother’s persistence differ from that of the Lord? What was Jesus saying in His first response? What was the mother’s response?

4. Does Jesus’ second response seem harsh? Do you think that Jesus already knew what was in her heart? What was the purpose of His seemingly uncaring remark? How did she
respond? How would you describe her as a mother?

5. When God tests you with a delayed response or an undesired response, how would the Lord describe your level of faith? What kind of faith are you showing during our current situation?