Building Lives: The Legacy of Ezra's Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Find Your Identity in God's Lineage

True, lasting impact begins with being a child of God.
Every earthly achievement or legacy eventually fades, but those who are found in God's family make a difference that echoes into eternity. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you are adopted as a child of God, given a new name, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This identity is not based on your background, achievements, or reputation, but on the finished work of Christ. When you confess Jesus as Lord and surrender your life to Him, you are brought into a lineage that grants you eternal significance and the power to make a difference that will last far beyond your lifetime. [33:47]

John 1:12-13 (ESV)
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

Reflection: Where are you tempted to find your identity apart from Christ, and how can you intentionally remind yourself today that your truest identity is as a child of God?

Day 2: Study, Do, and Teach God's Word

Transformation comes when we not only know God's Word but live it out.
Ezra made a difference because he set his heart to study the law of the Lord, to do it, and to teach it. It's not enough to simply hear or know Scripture; true faith is shown when we apply it in our daily lives and share it with others. When you study but don't do, you reveal a lack of trust in God's wisdom. But when you study, do, and then teach, your life becomes a testimony that draws others to Christ. Let God's Word shape your heart, your actions, and your influence, so that your faith is evident in every part of your life. [38:58]

James 1:22 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: What is one specific command or teaching from Scripture you have learned but not yet put into practice? How can you take a concrete step to live it out today?

Day 3: Let Your Light Shine Before Outsiders

A good reputation with those outside the faith magnifies Christ’s witness.
Ezra’s integrity and character were so evident that even a pagan king trusted and empowered him. Scripture calls us to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, to live with integrity, kindness, and excellence, so that our lives point others to God. Your witness is not just in what you say, but in how you act, resolve conflict, and treat others—especially those who do not share your beliefs. When your reputation outside the church reflects Christ, you open doors for the gospel and bring glory to God. [49:10]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to let your light shine before those who don’t know Christ, and what is one action you can take this week to build trust and reflect Jesus to them?

Day 4: Take Courage in the Lord

Lasting difference is made by relying on God’s strength, not your own.
Ezra’s courage did not come from his abilities or position, but from the assurance that the hand of the Lord was upon him. When you face discouragement, opposition, or uncertainty, remember that it is God who changes hearts and brings about true transformation. Your role is to obey and trust Him, knowing that He alone gives peace and power to accomplish what you cannot do on your own. Take courage in the Lord, for He is faithful and His presence is with you always. [53:25]

John 14:27 (ESV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

Reflection: What situation in your life feels overwhelming or discouraging right now, and how can you intentionally entrust it to God’s hands and draw courage from His presence today?

Day 5: Make a Difference That Lasts

Eternal impact comes from living out your faith and pointing others to Christ.
The presence of a church building or religious activity does not guarantee spiritual growth or lasting influence. What matters is a life surrendered to Jesus, rooted in God’s Word, lived with integrity before others, and empowered by the Spirit. As you find your identity in Christ, study and do His Word, shine your light before outsiders, and take courage in the Lord, you become an instrument for God’s eternal purposes. Seek to make a difference that will matter in eternity by inviting others into God’s family and living for His glory. [55:14]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: Who is one person God has placed in your life that you can intentionally encourage or invite to experience real life in Christ this week? What step will you take to reach out to them?

Sermon Summary

Throughout history, grand church buildings have stood as monuments to faith, yet many now sit empty, repurposed, or in ruins. This reality reminds us that the presence of a building does not guarantee the presence of spiritual life or growth among its people. The story of Ezra offers a powerful blueprint for how to make a lasting difference—not just in a physical space, but in the hearts and lives of people. Ezra’s journey marks a shift from focusing on the construction of the temple to the building up of God’s people themselves.

Ezra’s introduction in chapter 7 highlights the importance of spiritual lineage. He traces his ancestry all the way back to Aaron, the first high priest, not to boast, but to establish his identity and authority among God’s people. In Christ, we too are given a new name and identity as children of God, adopted into His family. This spiritual lineage is the foundation for any difference we hope to make that will last beyond our own lifetime.

But lineage alone is not enough. Ezra “set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” The order is crucial: study, do, and then teach. True transformation and influence come not from knowledge alone, but from living out God’s Word and then sharing it with others. This is the antidote to hypocrisy and the path to authentic witness.

Ezra’s reputation extended even to outsiders. King Artaxerxes, a pagan ruler, trusted Ezra so much that he empowered him to lead, teach, and even provided resources for the work. This echoes the biblical call to live with integrity and grace before those outside the faith, so that our lives point to God’s goodness and truth.

Finally, Ezra’s courage did not come from his own abilities or position, but from the hand of the Lord upon him. Real, lasting difference is made not by our cleverness or strength, but by God’s power working through us. In a world full of empty buildings and broken promises, we are called to take courage in the Lord, trust Him for the results, and rest in the peace that only Christ can give.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual lineage in Christ is the foundation for eternal impact. Just as Ezra’s authority came from his connection to Aaron, our ability to make a lasting difference comes from being adopted into God’s family through faith in Jesus. This identity is not earned by heritage or achievement, but by grace, and it empowers us to live with purpose that outlasts any earthly legacy. [33:47]
2. The sequence of study, do, and teach is essential for authentic influence. Ezra’s effectiveness was rooted in his commitment to first internalize God’s Word, then live it out, and only then teach it to others. When we skip the “doing” and move straight from study to teaching, we risk hypocrisy and lose credibility. True discipleship requires that our actions align with our knowledge, making our witness compelling and trustworthy. [38:58]
3. A good reputation with outsiders is a vital part of Christian witness. Ezra’s integrity and faithfulness earned the respect of a pagan king, opening doors for God’s purposes to advance. Our conduct before those who do not share our faith should reflect Christ’s character—marked by integrity, kindness, and excellence—so that even those outside the church see the reality of God at work in us. [47:32]
4. Courage to make a difference comes from God’s presence, not our own strength. Ezra repeatedly attributes his success to “the hand of the Lord” upon him. When we face daunting challenges or discouragement, our confidence must rest in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, trusting Him to do what we cannot and to bring fruit in His time. [51:11]
5. Lasting peace and purpose are found in Christ alone. The world offers many substitutes for peace—achievement, comfort, power—but only Jesus gives a peace that endures. As we seek to make a difference, we must continually return to Him as our source of courage, identity, and hope, knowing that He alone can change hearts and bring true revival. [54:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:15] - Three Churches, One Theme: Emptiness
[25:17] - The Problem: Buildings Without Spiritual Life
[28:03] - Introduction to Ezra: Building People, Not Just Temples
[28:50] - Prayer for Transformation
[30:42] - Point 1: Found in God’s Lineage
[31:30] - The Power of a Name and Spiritual Heritage
[32:40] - Ezra’s Authority and Our Identity in Christ
[35:22] - Making an Eternal Difference
[37:32] - Point 2: Study, Do, and Teach God’s Word
[38:58] - The Danger of Hypocrisy and the Call to Obedience
[42:07] - God’s Word as the Roadmap for Life
[43:34] - Why God’s Word Still Works
[44:20] - Point 3: Reputation with Outsiders
[47:32] - Living Out Our Witness Beyond the Church
[49:10] - Letting Your Light Shine
[50:08] - Leadership and Reputation
[51:11] - Point 4: Taking Courage in the Lord
[53:25] - Jesus, Our Source of Peace
[55:14] - Prayer and Invitation
[58:04] - Baptism and Communion
[59:20] - Communion Reflection
[60:40] - Baptism Celebration and Next Steps
[70:22] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ezra 7:1-10 (ESV) — > Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth, son of Zerahiah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest—this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him. And there went up also to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king, some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants. And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylonia, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

John 1:12-13 (ESV) — > But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

James 1:22 (ESV) — > But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Observation Questions

According to Ezra 7:10, what three things did Ezra set his heart to do, and in what order did he do them?
Why does Ezra trace his lineage all the way back to Aaron in Ezra 7:1-5? What was the significance of this for his role among God’s people?
In the sermon, what was the main reason given for why King Artaxerxes, a pagan king, trusted and empowered Ezra? [[44:20]]
What does James 1:22 warn believers about when it comes to hearing and doing God’s Word?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that spiritual lineage in Christ is the foundation for making an eternal difference. How does being “adopted into God’s family” change a person’s sense of purpose or identity? [[33:47]]
Why is the order of “study, do, and teach” so important for authentic influence, according to both Ezra’s example and the sermon? What happens if we skip the “doing” part? [[38:58]]
The sermon highlights Ezra’s good reputation with outsiders, especially King Artaxerxes. Why is it important for Christians to have a good reputation with those outside the church? [[47:32]]
The phrase “the hand of the Lord was on him” is repeated several times about Ezra. What does this suggest about where true courage and effectiveness come from? [[51:11]]

Application Questions

The sermon began with examples of grand church buildings that are now empty or repurposed. Are there areas in your own life or faith where you’ve focused more on “building” something visible rather than growing spiritual life? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[25:17]]
Ezra’s authority came from his spiritual lineage, not his achievements. Do you ever struggle to find your identity in things other than being a child of God? What practical steps could help you root your identity more deeply in Christ this week? [[33:47]]
The order “study, do, and teach” is emphasized as the antidote to hypocrisy. Is there an area of God’s Word you know well but struggle to live out? What is one step you could take to move from just knowing to actually doing? [[38:58]]
The sermon warns that skipping the “doing” step can lead to hypocrisy and loss of credibility. Have you ever seen (in yourself or others) the negative effects of teaching or sharing faith without living it out? How did it impact your witness or relationships? [[38:58]]
Ezra’s reputation with outsiders opened doors for God’s purposes. Think about your own reputation among non-believers at work, school, or in your neighborhood. Is there one area where you sense God calling you to greater integrity, kindness, or excellence? [[47:32]]
The sermon says that real courage comes from God’s presence, not our own strength. Is there a situation right now where you feel overwhelmed or discouraged? How can you practically “take courage in the Lord” this week? [[51:11]]
The world offers many substitutes for peace, but only Jesus gives lasting peace. Where are you tempted to look for peace outside of Christ? What would it look like to return to Jesus as your source of peace and hope this week? [[54:19]]

Sermon Clips

The truth is, if you have confessed Christ as Lord, surrendered your life to him, you've been given a new name as a child of God. You've been adopted into the family, made a new creation. And that name being in that lineage grants you opportunity, gives you the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is inside of those who call on him as savior. Like what's in a name? A lot. [00:34:10] (30 seconds) #EternalImpactThroughFaith

If you truly want to make a difference that lasts, be found in God's lineage. How? Confess Jesus as Lord. Surrender your life to him, not in word only, but in repentance and in humility. [00:36:16] (15 seconds) #StudyDoTeach

If you study but don't do, then you don't believe what you studied to be true. Because if you believed it, then you would at least try to apply it. You might be growing in it. You may not be perfect. I'm not suggesting perfection. I'm just saying, like, when we read God's word and if we believe it to be true, we're going to try by the power of the Holy Spirit to do it. [00:38:50] (23 seconds) #GodsWordIsTheWay

But when we study and do, we are lights in dark places where the hypocrisy gets pushed out. We're trusting that the God whose word this is, the truth that it is, that I'm believing, that I am doing, even, you know, despite not understanding my circumstances or why that's the right thing to do, I am trusting that God really does know best, even if it requires me to lay down my pride, even put myself in risk in some way, put aside my opinions and feelings and lay them on the altar of his sovereignty and control. That's what I'm showing. [00:39:59] (41 seconds) #WitnessInRealLife

``If you want to make a lasting difference in this world that we live in, it won't be in an ideology of man. It won't be in the agenda of a group. God's word was the roadmap for living the day it was written. And it is still the roadmap for real life today. There's not a new and improved version for the model that God has set forth for us to live by. It applies today and throughout history. And the most lasting differences that have ever been made in this world have been made through people who studied, did and taught God's word. Do you know why? Because it works. [00:43:16] (42 seconds) #CourageInGodAlone

Because it is not a book of suggestions. It's not a, a maybe that would be an option. It is the option. It is the way to experience real life in Christ. And the more we live it out and invite others to live it out as well, we will make an eternal difference. [00:43:58] (20 seconds) #RevivalComesFromGod

Here's a good check. If you have a better reputation in here than you do out there, then something's probably wrong. You're short -circuiting your opportunity to make a difference. [00:49:27] (16 seconds)

If you wanna make a difference, we have to have a good reputation with outsiders. It does not require you to water down your faith. What you don't realize is it requires you to even more live out your faith in a way that points them and shows them Jesus. [00:50:33] (20 seconds)

If you are gonna make a difference, it's not going to come through clever, creative activity of your own. It will come through a work of the Lord that only he can do. You cannot trust in yourself to change the heart of man. [00:52:02] (18 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?