Ezra’s Method for Pleasing God

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; He PREPARED his heart. “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” Amos 4:12 Preparation has always been important, Amos 4:12

‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Matthew 3:3 He PREPARED his heart. For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” Matthew 3:3 John prepared the way for Jesus, Mt 3:3

He PREPARED his heart. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7 The example of a man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Hebrews 11:7

He PREPARED his heart. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17 What will happen with preparation? – Luke 1:17

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2 We are to seek the Lord with all our hearts. – Deut 4:2, 29

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 We are to seek the Lord with all our hearts. – Deut 4:29

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:8 If we seek, we will find. – 1 Chron 28:8

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 If we seek, we will find – Ps 27:4

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. Ecclesiastes 1:13 If we seek, we will find – Ecc 1:13

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 6:10 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

He SOUGHT the law of the Lord. Seek I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30 New Testament Passages on “Seek”

His INTENTION was to do the law. Hebrews 5:8-9 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, This should be our intention also. – Hebrews 5:8-9

His INTENTION was to do the law. Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. This should be our intention also. – Mt 7:21

His INTENTION was to do the law. Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? This should be our intention also. – Lk 6:46

His INTENTION was to do the law. Romans 2:13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; It is the ones who do that are justified. - Rom 2:13

His INTENTION was to do the law. James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. We must not be hearers only. – James 1:22

His INTENTION was to do the law. 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. By obeying and loving we know who we are. - 1 John 5:2

And TEACH God's statutes and judgments to the people. Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Paul reasoned with Felix of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. – Acts 24:25

And TEACH God's statutes and judgments to the people. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "Go teach all nations.“ – Mt 20:18-20

And TEACH God's statutes and judgments to the people. Matthew 28:18-20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. "Go teach all nations.“ – Mt 20:18-20

Conclusion 1. Are you preparing your heart? 2. Are you seeking the laws of Christ? 3. Do you have the intention to be a doer? 4. Are you willing to teach others? Your children, grandchildren, others?