What actions does Ezra 10:11 suggest for turning away from sinful practices? The Call in Ezra 10:11 “Now, therefore, make a confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from your foreign wives.” Action 1 – Own the Sin • “Make a confession to the LORD” • Confession = naming the offense without excuse (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9) • They were to acknowledge specific disobedience—marrying pagan wives forbidden by the Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) Action 2 – Do God’s Will • Confession is only the first step; true repentance includes active obedience (James 1:22) • Ezra called them to realign every decision with the revealed Word Action 3 – Separate from the Sinful Practice • “Separate yourselves…”—a decisive break • For Israel, that meant ending unlawful marriages (Deuteronomy 24:1-4 clarifies the legal route) • For believers today, it means distancing from any partnership, habit, or influence that perpetuates sin (2 Corinthians 6:17) Practical Outworking Today – Identify the compromise (ask, “Where have I blended in with a culture opposed to God?”) – Confess it by name before the Lord – Replace former habits with obedience: dive into Scripture, prayer, and fellowship (Psalm 119:9) – Create distance from the temptation: change environments, end unhealthy alliances, establish accountability (Proverbs 13:20) Encouragement from Other Passages • Proverbs 28:13 — “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • Isaiah 55:7 — “Let the wicked forsake his way … and He will abundantly pardon.” • Acts 3:19 — “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Ezra 10:11 shows that turning away from sin is never passive: it involves confession, renewed obedience, and purposeful separation from whatever fuels the wrongdoing—steps that still bring restoration and blessing today. |
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