Introduction

• Ezra 9:1-4
• Proverbs 8:13
• Romans 12:9

Don’t think that sin is okay if the leaders are doing it.

• Ezra 9:2; 10:5-11 – They all got together to talk about the sin – in the rain!
• Sinful leaders were a big part of Israel’s problem.
• Nehemiah 13:26 – Even Solomon committing sin didn’t make it right.
• I Timothy 5:17-21 – Elders are not above God’s law.

Acknowledge our guilt and God’s justice.

• Ezra 9:5-15
• Luke 23:41
• God has always been moved by earnest prayer.
• We need to develop the ability to be honest with ourselves and see ourselves as God sees us.

Summon courage and take initiative.

• Ezra 10:1-5
• What do I do when I see something that needs to be changed in my life?
• Ezra 7:10
• Deuteronomy 7:3
• Ezra 10:14
• How can I know something in my life is sin? By studying God’s law.