Obsessed
Ezra 7:9–10 NIV
Ezra 7:9–10 (NIV)
9 He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.
10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Obsession with self is the surest way to depression. But obsession with God is the surest way to JOY!
Learn It
Ezra 7:10 (ESV)
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.
Deuteronomy 17:18–19 (NLT)
18 “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.
19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.”
Psalm 19:7–8 (NIV)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Live It
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
“Observance” = putting it into practice personally before teaching others.
Matthew 7:24–25 (NIV)
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Romans 2:21–22 (NLT)
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry,
“This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Book.”
Teach It
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
Romans 10:14–15 (NLT)
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?
15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
