Church in Trouble
Ezra 4:1-5, 24 - Victory Fellowship
April 21, 2024 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction:
a. Few things covey to us we are in trouble more than being pulled over by the police. But, alas, the police encounter trouble with some of the reasons that are given for speeding violations:
I'm sorry officer for speeding, but without my glasses I can't hardly see the speedometer.
Sorry, Officer, I know I was speeding, but I was trying to get to the gas station in a hurry before I ran out of gas.
I know I was going fast, I was trying to get the snow off my windshield so I could see where I'm going.
Sorry officer for throwing the beer cans out the window but I didn't want my wife to see how many that I have drunk.
My wife ran off with a state policeman and when I saw your flashing lights I didn't stop because for a second, I thought you might be the trooper who is trying to bring her back to me.
b. In our text today, Zerubbabel found out he too was in trouble with the authorities – all because he wanted to provide a place of pure and faithful worship.
II. RELATING THE TEXT
a. Opposition came from the local Samaritans because Zerubbabel would not allow this idolatrous group to have a part in rebuilding God’s Temple. As a result, he faced resistance.
b. The resistance was strong, causing fear and discouragement with the returned exiles.
c. The resistance employed the help and blessing of local authorities and even the King.
d. The resistance was effective for a time.
e. The resistance ultimately failed. (Ezra 4:5, 24)
Zechariah 4:6-9 Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. 'What are you, O Great Mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'" Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
III. Application
a. From the time of rebuilding the Temple, to the building of the New Testament Church –even in this very day – there has been opposition from those who would seek to homogenize - and even euthanize - the truth and power of the Gospel.
b. Ecclesia means “called out ones.” The church is different and apart from the culture BY GOD’S DESIGN.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
1st Peter 1:14-16 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
1st Peter 2:9-10 9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
1st John 2:15-17 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
c. The culture wants the church to embrace sin. Some Christians are ok with that, even adding their voice to the unbelievers calling for more tolerance in the church.
d. Their tactics seek to evoke discouragement and fear to any who oppose their efforts.
e. Like the days of Ezra, the resistance to God’s true church is strong. It employs the endorsement of local and world leaders. It is effective for a time. AND it is destined to fail.
IV. Conclusion
a. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
b. While you may be surprised when people oppose your faith and belief, God is not.
c. Discouragement and Fear are Satan’s weapons against God’s people advancing the Kingdom. We must draw strength from the Holy Spirit and continue to do God’s will. (Matthew 5:10-12)
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
d. We establish our faith and views about God based on His word and revelation and not on our own personal feelings. (2nd Peter 1:20-21)
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God
e. Likewise, when we take a position on any issue we must be committed to stand on biblical principal and not just our personal opinion. If and when our opinion conflicts with God’s word, we need to change our opinion.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
f. We don’t have to be afraid to share our faith and live out pure and holy lives – dedicated to God’s word - through the power of the Holy Spirit.
g. God is with us. We are victorious.
PRAYER
SONG: He Is
Ezra 4:1-5, 24 NLT
The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. 2 So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.”3 But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.” 4 Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. 5 They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
24 So the work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem had stopped, and it remained at a standstill until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
