Error
Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Origins
August 14,2022
Week 2: Working With God
Jeff Griffin
Ezra 3:1-10
Cyrus, King of Persia, invited the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. The returnees perfected the art of doing construction with the Lord. We too must learn this art. We must learn to go about our daily activities in relational connection with our loving Father.
In the early days, the five campuses of The Compass Church worshiped at seven public schools, two banks, a woman’s club, and a Masonic lodge. Have you ever been a part of a church that worshipped in a rental facility? If so, tell the group.
Reread Ezra 3:6 They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.
Why did they build the altar before they started construction?
Reread Ezra 3:3 They built the altar and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.
God had the Israelites offer a burnt offering at 9:00am and 3:00pm every day. Why do think God asked them to offer two daily sacrifices?
Reread Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
How would you council someone wanting to live out this verse?
Reread Ezra 3:4 Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles. They chose to pursue God in their seven-day festival before engaging in construction.
Why can connection with God make us better workers?
Reread Ezra 3:10-11 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord. They sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” All the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
Why should we celebrate progress in addition to completion?
How can we grow in our enjoyment of God’s presence at work?
Invite the Lord to invade the mundane moments of your daily life.