What steps does Ezra 10:10 suggest for addressing sin within the community? Context: a community confronted “Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, ‘You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt.’ ” (Ezra 10:10) In one frank sentence Ezra shows how sin is to be handled when it infects the people of God. Step 1: name the sin without softening it – Ezra “stood up,” taking visible, public responsibility. – He labels their action “unfaithful,” not merely “unwise” (cf. Proverbs 27:5). – Application: let Scripture define sin plainly (Romans 3:20). Step 2: acknowledge collective guilt – “Adding to Israel’s guilt” ties private choices to corporate fallout (1 Corinthians 5:6). – Application: confess together, not just individually (Nehemiah 9:1-3). Step 3: submit to godly leadership that confronts – As priest, Ezra exercises God-given authority (Malachi 2:7). – The assembly listens because they discern God speaking through him (Hebrews 13:17). – Application: welcome loving rebuke from elders and mature believers (Galatians 6:1). Step 4: prepare hearts for concrete obedience – Verse 10 diagnoses; verse 11 prescribes confession and separation. Diagnosis must precede remedy. – Application: once sin is exposed, ask, “What does obedience look like?” (James 1:22). Living this out today 1. Teach the whole counsel of God so sin is clearly identified. 2. Foster a culture that owns problems as “ours,” not “theirs.” 3. Protect leaders who must speak hard truths. 4. Move from conviction to action—confession, restitution, change. Supporting passages: Psalm 32:5; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 19:18-20. |
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