Print

EZRA 4:1-6

Intro: Lesson purpose -- to discover Satan's methods of approach in hindering the building  
       of the temple of God. Christ is building His Church and Satan still seeks to hinder.

I. AN UNHOLY UNION "LET US BUILD WITH YOU."
        A. Who were these offering their help?
                1. Samaritans who had intermingled with other races.
                        a. They worshipped many gods and Jehovah also.
                        b. Mongrel people with a mongrel religion.
        B. Wherein lay the danger?
                1. "We seek your God... as ye do"
                        a. half true - a lie is always more dangerous when it contains some 
                           truth.
                        b. True they sought Jehovah.
                        c. Not true... "as ye do."
                                1. They sought other gods first, Jehovah 2nd.
                                2. Israel sought Jehovah first none 2nd.
                2. Any union with the world self defeating.
                        a. Whether it be individual "Be ye not unequally yoked together."
                        b. On the Church body.
                                1. How many churches have destroyed their testimony by 
                                   receiving large gifts with strings attached.
                                2. Beware of Satan's offer to help  It can never be for good.
                                3. Do not be deceived because Satan is smiling.

Reject the world and it will soon trouble you.

II. "WEAKENED THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH."
        A. They would send excursions against them.
        B. They sent others to taunt them.
        C. They also withheld supplies.
        D. Their mask of piety soon disappeared and they revealed their true bent . . 
                1. How sad for those who were deceived by Satan's lies when truth revealed.
        E. How fierce the onslaught against those who refuse compromise.
                1. In Lystra they wanted to worship Paul as Mecury when he refused them they 
                   stoned him in the next verse.

III. THEY WROTE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THEM TO THE KING.
        A. Satan called "accuser of the brethren."
                a. Some truth in accusation.
                        1. You have no right to ask God's help.
                        2. You haven't been praying as you should.
                        3. You have displayed ugly temper or anger.
                        4. God won't listen to you when you call.
                b. Trick of salesmanship always ask a question so as to require a yes answer.
        B. There is therefore now no condemnation. Jesus took all my iniquities, all my guilt. 
           By His death He canceled all my sin . . . wrote a new covenant in His blood.
           Delivered me from the hand of the oppressor.