Sermon Notes from Ezra 3:1–6 (NKJV)
Series: Freedom: Releasing, Rebuilding, and Restoring God’s People
2025 Vision: REVIVE US AGAIN! (Psalm 85) — “I believe God is reviving us again.”
Scripture Reading
Ezra 3:1–6 NKJV
“And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening burnt offerings. They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings in the number required by ordinance for each day. Afterwards they offered the regular burnt offering, and those for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and those of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the LORD. From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid.”
1) Get on One Accord
Ezra 3:1 NKJV
“…the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem.”
- After returning and settling in their towns, God’s people unified around God’s purpose; rebuilding worship.
- Unity multiplies impact; scattered strength becomes focused power.
Supporting Scripture
Genesis 11:4–6 NKJV
“…Indeed the people are one and they all have one language… now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.”
Reflection Questions
- Who are the like-minded worshipers I need to gather with regularly?
- Where am I resisting unity (preferences, pride, past hurts)?
- What specific mission at Lily can I join to put my worship into unified action?
2) Build an Altar
Ezra 3:2 NKJV
“Jeshua… and Zerubbabel… arose and built the altar… to offer burnt offerings… as it is written…”
- In exile, the temple and its vessels were destroyed and looted. Israel’s public worship was silenced.
- Jeremiah 52:17–20 NKJV: “The bronze pillars… the Sea… the basins… the captain of the guard took away.”
- 2 Chronicles 4:1 NKJV: “Moreover he made a bronze altar: twenty cubits… by twenty… and ten cubits high.”
- Returning worshipers re-established the altar first. Before structures, budgets, or schedules they created sacred space to meet God.
Reflection Questions
- What “pieces” of my altar (prayer, praise, Scripture time) need rebuilding?
- What has the enemy “carried away” from my worship that I must take back (joy, song, consistency)?
- Where in my home and week will I set a regular altar time?
3) Worship Courageously
Ezra 3:3 NKJV
“Though fear had come upon them… they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings… morning and evening.”
- Their worship was public and visible: smoke, sound, and crowds inviting attention and opposition.
- Worship is spiritual warfare; praise moves first.
- Judges 1:1–2 NKJV: “The LORD said, ‘Judah shall go up…’ ” (Judah = praise).
Reflection Questions
- What fears keep me quiet in worship: image, opinions, past failure, spiritual intimidation?
- How will I let “Judah go up first” this week (start the day with praise, praise before problem-solving)?
- What bold step can I take to make my worship more public, joyful, and unashamed?
4) Make Worship a Lifestyle
Ezra 3:4–6 NKJV
“They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles… offered the daily burnt offerings… the regular burnt offering, and those for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts… From the first day… they began to offer burnt offerings… although the foundation of the temple… had not been laid.”
- They restored both regular rhythms and special seasons of worship—even before the temple foundation.
- Worship marks every circumstance: thanksgiving, remembrance, repentance, harvest, healing, victory.
Reflection Questions
- What daily and weekly worship rhythms will I commit to (Scripture, prayer, song, silence, giving)?
- What “feasts and memorials” (answered prayer, deliverance, new opportunities) should I mark with intentional thanksgiving?
- How can I live as a worshiper even while my “foundation” is still under construction?
Apply It This Week — Believe • Belong • Become
- Believe: Read Ezra 3:1–6 each morning; write one sentence prayer of praise daily.
- Belong: Text or call a believer to worship with you: Prayer partner, choir, or small group.
- Become: Rebuild your altar. Set a 15-minute daily slot for Scripture, worship, and prayer.
Prayer Focus
“Lord, bring us together as one. Teach us to rebuild the altar, to worship without fear, and to live a lifestyle of praise before the foundation is even laid. Revive our hearts and our house. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Memory Verses (This Week)
- Ezra 3:1 — “The people gathered together as one man…”
- Ezra 3:3 — “Though fear had come upon them… they offered burnt offerings…”
- Ezra 3:6 — “From the first day… although the foundation… had not been laid.”
- Judges 1:2 — “Judah shall go up.”
- Genesis 11:6 — “Indeed the people are one… nothing… will be withheld from them.”