A. Some Enemies are Within

B. Leadership was United in Dealing with Opposition

C. Opposition Takes Various Forms

-Discouraged the people
-Bribed counselors to frustrate their purpose

D. Opposition Often Comes When Profits are Threatened

The difficulty in Ezra 1–6 is from outsiders, and the difficulty in Ezra 7–10 arises from unfaithful Israelites—not because things played out that way chronologically but because Ezra has arranged his narrative that way thematically.

Discussion Questions - Re-read our main passage from this week (Ezra 4:1-24) and then with your Growth Group, family, friends, etc. thoughtfully answer the following:

1. Is it easier for you to start things, or to finish things?

2. What is one thing you were really excited to begin, but then you faced opposition and stopped?

3. Is opposition always something to be overcome, or can it also signal you may be on the wrong path? How do you know?

4. Read Philippians 3:18-19. Do you ever find yourself “only thinking about earthly things?”

5. How do you keep yourself from being an “enemy of the cross of Christ?”

6. Have you ever had your good work for God frustrated / delayed / discouraged by others? How does this frustration help you deepen your relationship with Christ?

7. What specific Next Step do you want to take from this message?