Lesson 6 Character Study

Lessons From the Life of Ezra

Trained as a priest and scribe, Ezra led God's people back to His Word, His presence, and His ways.

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Prayer & Praise

Let's Begin Together

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Prayer

Ask God to give us hearts that love His Word and the courage to live it out at school, at home, and online this week.

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Praise

Thank God that He never gives up on His people—He brings us back to Himself even after we have drifted away.

Verse of the Month

“

I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 (NKJV)

Encourage your students to memorize the Family Verse of the Month along with their families this week.

Scripture Foundation

Ezra 7:1–10 (NKJV)

Ezra, the Skilled Scribe

1Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

2the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

3the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

4the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—

6this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

7Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.

8And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.

9On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

10For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

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Connect

One Word for Your Faith

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Opening Activity · Watch Together

Watch this short video summary of the book of Ezra together, then choose one word that describes your current faith—and explain why. (Examples: curious, confused, strong, weak, growing, or stuck.) As we watch, notice how Ezra met people at all different spiritual places and pointed them back to God.

🎬 Overview: Ezra — The Bible Project

🔑 Key Truth 1

Ezra Was a Leader

Key Truth: Trained as a priest and scribe, Ezra set out to re-establish God's people in His ways, knowing true restoration comes only by training people in the ways of God.

1

Trained

Schooled as a priest and scribe in the Law of Moses.

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2

Commissioned

King Artaxerxes granted his every request to restore Jerusalem.

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3

Gathered

He rallied priests, Levites, and families to return with him.

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4

Restored

He led the people back to live by God's Law.

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Applications

Living It Out — The Leader

Take Ezra's leadership and make it personal this week.

1

Lead at Home

Encourage everyone around you to learn God's Word and live by it, especially your family members.

2

Pray for Leaders

God works through human governments. Pray for Him to give you favor with those who govern, no matter how wicked they may be.

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Discussion

Trust & Follow

Q1

What qualities made Ezra someone people could trust and follow?

Q2

What are some practical ways you can learn God's Word with your friends and family?

🔑 Key Truth 2

Ezra Was a Man of Prayer

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CORE TRUTH

Prayer is a godly leader's most valuable tool.

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Fasting & Dependence

Before the journey he proclaimed a fast to show total dependence on God. (Ezra 8:21–23)

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Honest Confession

He confessed the nation's sin with shame, identifying with the people. (Ezra 9:6–7)

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Grace in Discipline

He recognized God's grace even during exile and discipline. (Ezra 9:8–9)

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Praise & Righteousness

He praised God for His righteousness in all He had done. (Ezra 9:15)

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Applications

Living It Out — The Man of Prayer

1

Seek God Daily

Seek God in prayer daily, especially during times of difficulty and transition.

2

Pray for Your Nation

Pray for your nation and its leaders, confessing sin and asking God to draw people to Himself.

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Discussion

Prayer When It's Hard

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Question 1

Why is prayer—especially humble, dependent prayer—described as a godly leader's “most valuable tool”?

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Question 2

How can prayer help when you're stressed, scared, or unsure about the future?

🔑 Key Truth 3

Ezra Was a Man of Scripture

A skilled scribe descended from Aaron, Ezra devoted his life to study, obey, and teach the Law of the Lord—leading the public reading and understanding of God's Word.

Prepared His Heart

Ezra set his heart to seek the Law of the LORD. (Ezra 7:10)

Studied the Word

He became a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses. (Ezra 7:6)

Obeyed the Word

He purposed not only to know it but to do it. (Ezra 7:10)

Taught the Word

He read and explained Scripture so all could understand. (Nehemiah 8:8)

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Applications

Living It Out — The Man of Scripture

1

Like Ezra, be a lifelong learner of God's Word. Obey it and share it with others.

2

In addition to your personal Bible study, consistently sit under the teaching of pastors, teachers, and group leaders who can help you understand God's Word.

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Discussion

Learn, Obey, Stand Firm

Q1

OPENING

In what ways could you better learn God's Word, obey it, and share it with others?

Q2

GOING DEEPER

How does faithful teaching of Scripture help believers recognize and resist sinful or deceptive cultural influences?

WAYS TO RESPOND

Put It Into Action This Week

Pick one. Don't just hear it—live it before the next time we meet.

1

Guard Your Heart

Reflect on this question: Where might I be most vulnerable to drifting away from God's Word? Examples might include media influence, relationships, busyness, cultural pressure, complacency, culture's view of sexuality. Choose one safeguard (Scripture reading, accountability, prayer, teaching) you will strengthen this week.

2

Pray Like Ezra

Write a prayer like Ezra's that includes: praise, confession, and dependence on God. Like Ezra's, our prayers should be honest, humble, and Scripture-shaped.

3

Pray First

Remember the "Pray First" challenge: prayer is the most valuable tool of a godly leader. Before you react, scroll, or decide this week—pray first.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Six Ways to Live It Out

1

Encourage everyone around you to learn God's Word and live by it, especially your family members.

2

God works through human governments. Pray for Him to give you favor with those who govern, no matter how wicked they may be.

3

Seek God in prayer daily, especially during times of difficulty and transition.

4

Pray for your nation and its leaders, confessing sin and asking God to draw people to Himself.

5

Like Ezra, be a lifelong learner of God's Word. Obey it and share it with others.

6

In addition to your personal Bible study, consistently sit under the teaching of pastors, teachers, and group leaders who can help you understand God's Word.

CLOSING

A Faithful Remnant

🧱 BUILDING BLOCK

The Israelites were allowed to return to their homeland in 538 BC. The group was called the remnant. (A remnant is a small portion of something that remains.)

Ezra studied, obeyed, and taught God's Word—and God used him to rebuild a nation. You can be part of God's faithful remnant too. Stay in the Word, pray first, and lead by living it. See you next week!