“A Second Temple rises” (Ezra 1-6 & Haggai)
Published 12 Dec. 2025
Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”
Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching
⚠️ Lessons Learned – Warnings
- 1️⃣ Spiritual opposition always rises when God’s work advances (Ezra 4:4–5).
- 2️⃣ Discouragement can halt God’s people when fear replaces faith (Ezra 3:3).
- 3️⃣ Political pressure can delay God’s projects when leaders are misled (Ezra 4:21).
- 4️⃣ Long delays can tempt believers to abandon the mission (Hag 1:2).
- 5️⃣ A city without spiritual leadership quickly drifts into compromise (Ezra 9:1–2).
💥 Lessons Learned – Failures
- 1️⃣ The exiles allowed fear to delay finishing God’s work (Ezra 3:3).
- 2️⃣ Leaders in Jerusalem tolerated widespread spiritual negligence (Ezra 9:1–4).
- 3️⃣ Some exiles blended into pagan culture instead of remaining set apart (Ezra 9:2).
- 4️⃣ The people neglected the temple foundation while building their own homes (Hag 1:4).
- 5️⃣ They underestimated how dangerous spiritual compromise becomes over time (Ezra 10:10–12).
🚫 Lessons Learned – Sins
- 1️⃣ Many in Judah embraced pagan practices and relationships (Ezra 9:1–2).
- 2️⃣ The exiles allowed God’s house to remain in ruins while tending their own comfort (Hag 1:4).
- 3️⃣ Corruption and resistance hindered the rebuilding through false accusations (Ezra 4:6–16).
- 4️⃣ The people delayed obedience even after God spoke clearly (Hag 1:2).
- 5️⃣ Some leaders ignored their responsibility to guard purity and holiness (Ezra 9:2).
🏆 Lessons Learned – Successes
- 1️⃣ God stirred Cyrus to free the exiles and rebuild His house (Ezra 1:1–4).
- 2️⃣ The exiles rebuilt the altar first, restoring worship as the foundation (Ezra 3:2–3).
- 3️⃣ Prophets Haggai and Zechariah reignited courage and obedience (Ezra 5:1–2).
- 4️⃣ God’s eye protected the leaders from political suppression (Ezra 5:5).
- 5️⃣ The Second Temple was completed and dedicated with great joy (Ezra 6:14–16).
🌱 Lessons Learned – Spiritual Growth
- 1️⃣ Revival begins when God’s people prioritize His house over their comfort (Hag 1:8).
- 2️⃣ Obedience in small steps leads to miraculous outcomes (Ezra 3:2).
- 3️⃣ Courage is strengthened when God sends encouraging voices (Ezra 5:1–2).
- 4️⃣ God honors perseverance even when progress is slow (Ezra 6:14).
- 5️⃣ Worship becomes powerful again when God’s presence is central (Ezra 6:19–22).
🧭 Lessons Learned – Leadership Principles
- 1️⃣ God uses governmental leaders—even unbelievers—to accomplish His purposes (Ezra 1:1).
- 2️⃣ Effective leaders confront sin with humility and boldness (Ezra 9:3–4).
- 3️⃣ Leaders must teach God’s Word clearly to reform a wandering people (Ezra 7:10).
- 4️⃣ Leadership requires courage to build even when opposition intensifies (Ezra 5:5).
- 5️⃣ Worship-centered leadership restores identity and unity in God’s people (Ezra 6:16–22).