INTRODUCTION:
A. The sins of Israel were abundant; Ezra 9:7
B. God had allowed her enemies to conquer and enslave His people; Ezra 9:7
1. Ezra stated that it was because they had forsaken His commandments; Ezra 9:10-11
2. The sins of the people were shocking to Ezra; Ezra 9:3
3. He felt that the punishment was less than they deserved; Ezra 9:13
C. Our lesson takes a look at “The Tears of The Prophet”
I. EZRA’S REACTION TO THE SINS OF ISRAEL:
A. He tore his clothing as an act of contrition; Ezra 9:3
1. A token of great grief and fear of divine wrath
2. He tore hair from his head and beard; more significant sign of grief
3. He sat down astonished at what he had learned; Ezra 9:4-5
B. Ezra’s prayer and confession of guilt and shame; Ezra 9:6
1. His shame was so deep it made him blush
2. The sins of Israel had existed for a long time; Ezra 9:7
C. The tears of Ezra and the people of God; Ezra 10:1
D. The grace of God extended; Ezra 9:8
II. PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THE CHURCHES: II Corinthians 11:28
A. He pled for the unity and faithfulness of the Corinthians; I Corinthians 1:10-11
1. The sin of the brother was celebrated rather than rebuked; I Corinthians 5:1-13 (2, 13)
2. He was ashamed of their worldliness in dealing with brethren; I Corinthians 6:1-11 (1, 5-7)
B. Paul wept because of false teaching and practices among the brethren; Philippians 3:18
1. He warned the brethren of Galatia; Galatians 1:6-9
2. He stated; Galatians 5:4
C. Paul’s concern extends to the churches our age as well; I Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 5:1
CONCLUSION:
A. Sin will destroy all who fail to follow the will of God; Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:23
B. Our modern age will need to repent, weep bitterly, if mankind is to be saved;
II Corinthians 7:9-11
C. A home in heaven belongs to the faithful; Revelation 2:10b