Due to Korean New Year celebrations, we did the Bible studies for two weeks, Jan 29 and Feb. 5, in one (you can download Mp3s of the sermon by clicking on the dates).
Bible Study Questions for Ezra 9 and 10:
Observation
- What sin were the people guilty of?
- What was the fate of Ezra’s cloak?
- Who opposed the Israelite plan to deal with the sin?
Interpretation
- How is the sin of the people a serious sin (see Deut. 7:3-4)? Is this about race? Is this just about marriage? Who does this sin effect?
- What was Ezra’s response to the sin? How was this his responsibility? Was he overreacting? Defend!
- How did the people respond? Why didn’t they react to the sin before Ezra did? Why didn’t they ignore Ezra? Was it a good idea to “put away” a wife because she isn’t Jewish? Defend!
Application
- How does this sin apply to Christians? (see 2 Cor. 6:14-18) Does this mean we should avoid talking to non-Christians?
- How serious is sin? How should we react to our own sins? How should we react to sin in our community?