Ezra, A Person of Commitment
Ezra 7:10
The State of Society
- Discussion of societal disintegration using the Humpty Dumpty analogy
- Reflection on the search for solutions in a broken society
Ezra as a Model
- Overview of the Book of Ezra
- First six chapters: Return under Zerubbabel and rebuilding the temple
- Chapters 7-10: Return under Ezra and building the people of God
- Introduction of Ezra and the significance of his role
Three main commitments of Ezra:
- Seeking the Law of the Lord:
- Passion for truth and understanding God's Word
- Illustration of a lioness's determination as a metaphor for seeking the Word
- Practicing the Law:
- Importance of applying knowledge to life
- Biblical principle that revelation demands a response
- Examples from Ezra’s life demonstrating his commitment to obedience
- Teaching the Law:
- The responsibility to pass on knowledge and live by example
- The necessity of both knowing and living the truth to teach effectively
Practical Applications
- Encouragement to develop a focus and passion for God's Word
- Personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of a life committed to seeking, practicing, and teaching the Word
- Challenges to evaluate commitment and potential for influence
The Role of Laypeople in Ministry
- Affirmation of the significant ministry potential of laypeople
- Stories and examples of ordinary individuals making a significant impact
- Encouragement to recognize and embrace one's ministry role in everyday life
Conclusion
- Call to action for personal commitment to God’s Word
- Prayer for God’s guidance and empowerment in living out the commitments discussed
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Howard G. Hendricks
Dr. Howard G. Hendricks, known simply as “Prof,” directly or indirectly touched millions of lives in the evangelical community and beyond. For more than sixty years Prof served on the faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), where he taught more than ten thousand students. He served as the chairman of the Center for Christian Leadership for over twenty years. He also ministered in person in more than eighty countries. Through speaking engagements, radio, tapes, films, the sixteen books he authored and coauthored, countless journal and popular-market articles, his service on numerous boards, and his work as a chaplain to the Dallas Cowboys (1976–1984), his reach was and is worldwide.
His legacy, in partnership with Jeanne, his wife of more than sixty-five years, includes four children and six grandchildren. Holding large audiences enthralled at venues such as Billy Graham’s conference center or Promise Keepers’ stadium rallies, Prof would confide, “It’s wonderful to be here with you, but I have a group of delicious students waiting for me back at the seminary.”
Contributors
