Brett Cushing – Teacher

1. Introduction
   1. Gathering in the name of Jesus and centering worship on Him
   2. God’s Word is ultimately about Jesus and points to His redemptive work
   3. Warning against “stealing the spotlight” by making Scripture about ourselves instead of Christ
   4. Call to “keep the spotlight on the Light” as Ezra 7–8 is studied
2. Ezra’s Identity and God’s Sovereign Work
   1. Ezra as a Levite and scribe in the lineage established by God
      1. Priestly role tied to God’s original design
      2. Eight hundred years of spiritual heritage
   2. God initiating and shaping Ezra’s heart
   3. The significance of spiritual ancestry and divine purpose
   4. Believers as priests through Christ
      1. Jesus as our High Priest
      2. Direct access to God through Him
3. The Trustworthiness of God’s Word
   1. Ezra’s devotion to the Word
      1. Studying the Law
      2. Doing the Word
      3. Teaching the Word
   2. Faith developed through God’s initiative, not human effort
   3. Recognition of God’s promises and unchanging character
   4. From comprehension to transformation and obedience
4. God’s Hand and Favor
   1. Repeated emphasis on God’s favorable hand on Ezra
   2. God’s power over earthly rulers
      1. Stirring the heart of the king
      2. Directing decisions for His purposes
   3. Provision of resources, authority, and protection
   4. Ezra’s public acknowledgment of God’s work
5. God’s Work Is All That Is Needed
   1. God supplying every need for the mission
   2. Ezra’s dependence rather than self-reliance
   3. God addressing what Ezra overlooked
      1. Provision of additional Levites
      2. Filling every gap
   4. Safe passage and successful arrival in Jerusalem
6. Strength Through Word and Community
   1. Strength drawn from witnessing God’s activity
   2. Encouragement through God’s people and shared testimony
   3. Community as a catalyst for faith and perseverance
7. Conclusion and Reflection
   1. Ezra as a model of dependence, discernment, and devotion
   2. Personal examination
      1. Doing for Christ versus depending on Christ
      2. Striving versus resting
   3. Peace as fruit of trust, not achievement
   4. Final call to keep the spotlight fixed solely on Jesus