Zechariah 1:7-4:14

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    18                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 1:7-4:14

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Vision and Words of a Jealous God (Zechariah 1:7-21) 1. Vision of man mounted on red horse (7-8) 2. Zechariah asks angel of Lord “What are these?” (9) a. Lord sent to go throughout the earth (10) b. Findings reported “world at rest and peace” (11) 3.Angel of Lord speaks and asks how long will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and Judah with the Lord speaking kind and comforting words to angel (12-13) 4. Angel says to Zechariah, proclaim the word He is jealous for Jerusalem and Zion and angry with nations that went to far with punishment (14-15) 5. Lord says “He will return with mercy with house rebuilt and prosperity will return (16-17) 6. Four horns appear representing those that scattered Judah with craftsmen to throw down horns who were against Judah to scatter its people (18-21)

A call to “Come back” to a life with God (Zechariah 2) 1. Man with measuring line asked where are you going with a response to measure Jerusalem (2:1-2) 2. Two angels met measurer that city will be without walls; He will be protection and its glory (2:3-5) 3. Call to come back, I’ll avenge and you’ll know that Lord Almighty sent the angel (2:6-9) 4. A call to shout and be glad because Lord is coming and will live among His people (10-13) a. He will live among the people and know Lord sent b. Lord will inherit Judah and choose Jerusalem c. Be still, mankind because He is roused from His holy dwelling

Spirit Led Anointed Leadership (Zechariah 3-4) Joshua – The High Priest 1. Joshua as Satan ready to accuse him; Lord rebukes Satan anointing Joshua (3:1-2) 2. Angel instructs Joshua to take off dirty clothes; sin removed and clean turban given with angel standing by (3:3-5) 3. Angel of Lord gives charge to Joshua to walk in obedience and keep requirements; then you’ll govern the Lord’s house (3:6-7) 4. Things to come “a stone” will remove sin in a single day and invite neighbors to sit under your vine and fig tree (3:8-10) Zerubbabel – the Governor 5. Zechariah awakes to from sleep to see gold lampstand with 7 lamps and channels to lamps with a request for the meaning (4:1-5) 6. Word to Zerubbabel “not by power but by Spirit” humble leadership blessed capstone. (4:6-7) 7. Zerubbabel will complete temple (4:8-10) 8. Olive trees symbolizes anointed leadership (11-14)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Vision and Words of a Jealous God	Zechariah 1:7-21
A call to “Come back” to a life with God	Zechariah 2
Spirit Led Anointed Leadership	Zechariah 3-4

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Zechariah visions - prosperity, encouragement, God’s protective presence and anointed leadership

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God recognizes our need; His Spirit encourages faithful humble obedience

Application Questions

In what ways do you need to ask God for protection and mercy?

How does your situation not measure up? Where is God’s mercy needed today?

For what do you need God’s anointing to lead you humbly in His Spirit?

Principles to Remember           

Our Rest and Peace is in the Lord

God is our hedge of protection

God provides our answer for sin

Characteristic of God

Anointing Spirit

Theme

Zechariah is used to encourage the people of Jerusalem and Judah to put sin behind and follow humble anointed leadership.

Zechariah 1:1-6

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    17                                                     Passage:    Zechariah 1:1-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Return to Me & I’ll Return to You (Zechariah 1:1-3)   1. Word of Lord comes to Zechariah (1) 2. Lord reminds of anger with ancestors (2) 3. Lord’s “ask” and “promise” of Zechariah to tell the people… (3) a. Return to me (3a) b. I’ll return to you (3b)

Turn from your Evil Ways & Practices (Zechariah 1:4-5)   1. Don’t be like ancestors whom other prophets spoke to them: a. Turn from evil ways and practices (4a) b. They didn’t listen or pay attention (4b) 2. Where are they now, and prophet do they live forever? (5)

Repentance and Remembrance (Zechariah 1:6)   1. Did My words, decrees from prophets overtake your ancestors (6a) 2. The response… repentance saying the Lord has done to us what was deserved as He determined (6b)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Return to Me & I’ll Return to You	Zechariah 1:1-3
Turn from your Evil Ways & Practices	Zechariah 1:4-5
Repentance and Remembrance	Zechariah 1:6

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Zechariah hears and declares word of Lord; ancestor reminder warning.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God is faithful to His word and calls us to righteousness.

Application Questions

How can you have that vibrant closer walk with Jesus?

What do you need to turn away from to be all that God wants?

How do you see God’s hand at work in you? How is He calling for change and growth?

Principles to Remember           

God call for righteousness

Faithful followers are Used for His purposes

Repentance is what is called for

Characteristic of God

Righteous Father

Theme

God calls for His people to turn away from evil to do His words and decrees.  Live righteous lives.

 

 

Haggai 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    16                                                     Passage:    Haggai 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Changing Priorities (Haggai 1:1-15a) Darius 2nd Year, 6th Month, 1st Day  1. Haggai gives the Lord’s Message… Recognition: Houses rebuilt, but temple remains in ruin… Give careful thought (1:1-5) a. Planted, eaten, drank, clothes, wages b. Don’t do it for you, do they? 2. Request: Go up to the mountains, bring timber, and built Lord’s house for the Lord’s pleasure and honor (1:7-8) a. Expectations in returning didn’t turn out well (1:9a) b. Reason why is that the temple remains in ruin while you’re busy with your own house. (1:9b) c. Result was no dew for crops, a drought on crops, and your labor (1:10-11) 3. Decision to Obey and people feared the Lord (1:12) 4. Haggai gives the Lord’s message, “I am with you,” bringing Zerubbabel (governor of Judah) and Joshua (high priest), and people came and began work on the temple (1:13-15a) Darius 2 Year, 6th Month and 24th Day

Changed Purpose (Haggai 1:15b-2:14) Darius 2nd Year, 7th Month, 21st Day 1. Haggai gives the Lord’s word of encouragement. a. Who remembers the former glory of the temple (2:3) b. Be Strong Zerubbabel, Joshua, and people; work for I am with you, declares the Lord (2:4) c. You are my covenanted people who brought you out of Egypt, and My Spirit remains with you… Don’t Fear (2:5) 2. I’ll shake things up, says the Lord, and fill this house with glory of the former house and grant peace (2:6-9) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day 3. Haggai asks from the Lord about defilement (2:10-14) a. Does meat consecrated carry over unconsecrated to things it touches? No priest‘s answer (2:11-12) b. Does defiled contact, like a dead body, defile things it touches? Yes, priest’s answer (2:13) c. Same for God’s people (2:14)

Blessing from Change (Haggai 2:15-23) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day 1. Haggai gives a pointer to carefully think things through (2:15) 2. Before laying another stone in the Lord’s temple… Measure accurately (2:16) 3. I have struck the work of your hands, but you did not return to me (2:17) 4. Gives a warning to have careful thoughts towards the day when the foundation of the temple was laid: (2:18-19a) a. No seed left in the barn b. Until now, the vine, fig tree, pomegranate, and olive have not borne fruit 5. “From this day on I will bless you” (2:19b) Darius 2nd Year, 9th Month, 24th Day – 2nd time 6. The Lord comes to Haggai a second time to tell Zerubbabel: (2:20-23) a. God will shake heaven and earth b. Overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of foreign kingdoms c. Overthrow chariots, horses, and drivers; each by sword d. Make a signet ring

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Changing Priorities	Haggai 1:1-15a
Changed Purpose	Haggai 1:15b-2:19a
Blessing in Change	Haggai 2:19b-23

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Haggai hears and shares God temple priorities, purposes; blessings result

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that a change in priorities and purpose aligned with God results in blessing

Application Questions

What distracts from God’s priorities?

What are your shortcuts take away from your best for God?

Where do you see fruit lacking in your ministry? How do you desire to have God shake things up?

Principles to Remember           

God Admonishes

God Guide

God Encourages

Characteristic of God

Calls to Holiness

Theme

Haggai is used to admonish, challenge returning exiles and leaders to holiness and path beyond self.

 

Esther 8-10

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    15                                                     Passage:    Esther 8-10

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Esther Receives Estate and Edict Given (Esther 8) 1. Esther given Haman’s estate with Mordecai appointed over it (8:1-2) 2. Esther pleads for Jews for end to Haman’s plan against Jews (8:3-6) 3. Xerxes approves another edict to be written (8:7-8) 4. Edict written and distributed quickly to all 127 provinces (8:9-10) 5. Edict granted Jews right to assemble and protect themselves and to annihilate and plunder property of enemies (8:11-14) 6. Mordecai left kings presence wearing royal garments and city celebrated (15) 7. Jewish time of joy, gladness and celebration as new edict of king came (16-17a) 8. Other nationalities became Jews (17b)

Edict Turns Against Enemies of Jews (Esther 9:1-19) 1. Day Haman’s Edict - Tables Turn (9:1-4) a. Jews the upper hand on those that hated them (9:1) b. No one could stand against them (9:2) c. Nobles, satraps, governors and administrators helped; respect for Mordecai responsible (9:3-4) 2. Jews struck down enemies killing hundreds along with 10 sons of Haman; no plunder taken (9:5-15) 3. Jews in the provinces protected themselves killing 75,000; no plunder taken (9:16-17) 4. Feasting and Joy and giving presents in Susa and in rural towns (9:18-19)

Purim Celebration of Victory and Mordecai’s Greatness Declared (Esther 9:20-10:3) 1. Mordecai records events sending letters to Jews in provinces to celebrate when “Sorrow turned to Joy” (9:20-22) 2. Jews agree to celebrate Purim (9:23-26) 3. Jews establish a custom to celebrate without fail the two days to remember days among descendants (9:27-28) 4. Esther and Mordecai write 2nd letter concerning Purim with Esther confirming decree (9:29-32) 5. Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout kingdom of Mordecai’s greatness with all his acts (10:1-2) 6. Mordecai was 2nd in command to Xerxes working for good of Jews (10:3)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Esther Receives Estate and Edict Given	Esther 8
Edict Turns Against Enemies of Jews	Esther 9:1-19
Purim Celebration of Victory and Mordecai’s Greatness Declared	Esther 9:20-10:3

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Mordecai’s defense edict brings Jewish victory with Purim celebration proclaimed

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that recognition of God’s hand in our victory over evil should be celebrated and memorialized.

Application Questions

Tough problems require bold action. How do you respond to tough problems?

In what ways do you stand up to your enemies? How does reliance on God have a play in it?

How do you remember and celebrate God’s hand in your victories?

Principles to Remember           

Our Problems require declaring action

Our Victories come through our reliance on God

Our God’s hand in our successes should be memorialized and remembered

Characteristic of God

Author of Grace

Theme

Tough times require bold action; dependence on God brings joy and celebration

Esther 3-7

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    14                                                     Passage:    Esther 3-7

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Haman’s Hate Exercised – Prayer Response (Esther 3-4) 1. Haman elevated in honor; Mordecai did not pay honor (3:1-2) 2. Haman enraged with Mordecai’s behavior; learning he was a Jew (3:3-6) 3. Haman before King Xerxes offers to pay 10,000 talents of silver to king for a decree to destroy Jews (3:7-9) 4. King says “keep the money” and do as you please, giving Haman the signet ring. (3:10-11) 5. Haman wrote out decree; had it distributed in the kingdom (3:12-14) 6. City of Susa was bewildered as King and Haman sat down to drink. (3:15) 7. Mordecai learning of decree is distraught wear sackcloth and mourning among Jews (4:1-3) 8. Esther learns of Mordecai distress with request for her to go to king (4:4-8) 9. Mordecai challenges Esther act to save her people (4:9-14) 10. Esther replies asking for fasting and prayer of all the Jews and it was done (4:15-17)

Esther’s Boldness Exercised – Recognition Needed (Esther 5-6) 1. Esther in royal robes goes to inner court and is recognized by king (5:1-2) 2. Xerxes asks what she would like and you can have it Esther’s request “come to a banquet and bring Haman”; (5:3-4) 3. At banquet “what’s your petition” Esther response come banquet tomorrow (5:5-7) 4. Haman is happy to be invited to banquets but distressed with Mordecai (5:8-13) 5. Haman’s wife suggestion: set up pole to impale Mordecai and go to the banquet (5:14) 6. Xerxes can’t sleep and has book of chronicles read reminding him of Mordecai help in exposing assassination plot but no honor given (6:1-3) 7. King requests Haman asking how to honor someone special; suggestion to dress and proclaim him in streets (6:4-9) 8. King commands Haman to do as you have suggested to Mordecai (6:10-12a) 9. Haman’s wife says to him your downfall is started (6:12b-14)

Esther’s Humble Request – Plot Exposed and Punished (Esther 7) 1. Xerxes at second feast asks Esther “What is your petition” (7:1-2) 2. Esther respond to ask for her life and spare my people and tells circumstance (7:3-4) 3. Xerxes as who would do such a thing (7:5) 4. Esther identifies Haman (7:6a) 5. Haman is terrified before king and queen (7:6b) 6. King in rage went to garden; Haman pleads for life with Esther (7:7) 7. King returns from garden sees Haman on couch where Esther was reclining and king angrily calls out and Haman is taken (7:8) 8. Eunuch tells of pole standing by Haman’s house setup for Mordecai (7:9) 9. King tells to impale Haman on it and King’s anger subsides (7:10)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Haman’s Hate Exercised – Prayer Response	Esther 3-4
Esther’s Boldness Engaged – Recognition Needed	Esther 5-6
Esther’s Humble Request – Plot Exposed and Punished	Esther 7

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Haman plots Jewish destruction; Esther identifies herself leading plotter’s demise.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that reliance on God when evil is present is critical; God will direct our path.

Application Questions

When trouble comes how do you respond?

Who do you turn to went in trouble? How do your marshal your resources to assist?

How does hate impact you and your relationships?

Principles to Remember           

God recognizes our faithfulness

God can direct our path

God enables truth

Characteristic of God

Defender of His Own

Theme

Haman’s hate consumed him, causing Mordecai’s distress and Esther’s engagement with the King to save.

 

Esther 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    13                                                     Passage:    Esther 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Show of Wealth (Esther 1:1-11) 1. King Xerxes banquet introduction (1-3) a. Wealth on display for 180 days (4) b. King gave banquet lasting 7 days within enclosed garden of palace (5) c. Decorations of garden described of hangings, couches, pavement (6) d. Wine was served without limit (7-8) 2. Queen Vashti gave her own banquet for the women (9) 3. One the seventh day King Xerxes, in high spirits to bring the Queen Vashti to him wearing royal crown to display her beauty to people and nobles (10-11)

Refusal to Participate (Esther 1:12-22) 1. Queen Vashti refused invitation to come; making King Xerxes furious (12) 2. Xerxes consults experts in law and justice regarding matter what must be done (13-15) 3. Judgment of Memukan that Queen Vashti has done wrong to the king and peoples of the provinces and has become known bringing disrespect and discord (16-18) 4. Written decree written in laws of Persia and Media to band Vashti from presence of King and give her position to someone else bringing wives respect of husbands (19-20) 5. King and nobles pleased with advice did was proposed sending dispatches to each province (21-22)

New Queen – Preparation, Person, Providence (Esther 2) 1. Xerxes fury subsided over Vashti and a search is proposed to search for beautiful virgins for king to replace Vashti (1-4) 2. Mordecai raised Esther as his daughter after death of her parents (5-7) 3. Esther was taken to kings palace pleased Hegai who was in charge of harem and won favor; she was given beauty treatments (8-9) 4. Esther national and background remained secret; Mordecai came to courtyard to check on Esther (10-11) 5. Beauty treatments and selection process described (12-14) 6. Esther won favor of everyone and king was attracted to her and selected her queen (15-17) 7. Esther’s banquet was held (18) 8. Esther remained faithful to Mordecai’s instructions to keep secret family and nationality (19-20) 9. Mordecai sitting at the gate hears plot and shares with Esther who reports to king an investigation and punishment to king’s officers (21-23)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Show of Wealth	Esther 1:1-11
Refusal to Participate	Esther 1:12-22
New Queen – Preparation, Person, Providence	Esther 2

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Xerxes banquet demonstrates wealth queen’s rejection brings Esther’s queen selection.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that wealth can disappoint while faithful adherence to godly principles stands out.

Application Questions

What is important to you?  Is it the things you have or the positions you take?

In difficult situations who do you turn to for help?

Mordecai’s care was tangible; how is your care for family meaningful and impactful?

Principles to Remember           

Wealth is more than the things you possess

Strong positions can be the wrong positions

Caring is a heart thing; it shows.

Characteristic of God

Sovereign

Theme

Displays of wealth, stubborn positions can bring disappointment; while generous caring, attentive listening can bring hope.