Sunday School Lesson: Explore the Bible - December 17

Following godly spiritual leaders

By Thurman Seber
12/13/2006

Focal Passage: Ezra 7:8-10; 9:1-2, 4; 10:1-5

Introduction. If the return of God’s people was to be pleasing to God, new

direction was needed. Their captivity and time of trouble had partly resulted from
ungodly leadership. How could they be the people of God without good and godly
spiritual leaders?

What is a godly leader? (7:8-10). God was able to raise up spiritual leaders and
give direction to the returning people. Among them was Ezra, who was both
priest and scribe. He was a man who would listen for God’s direction, while at the
same time seeking to obey the laws of the land. He had prepared his heart for
such a time as this (v. 10).

The first and primary requirement of a godly leader is that they be in touch with
God. In order to lead in godly ways, a leader must be sensitive to the still small
voice of God’s Spirit, and be well familiar with God’s Word. A godly leader will be
praying for God’s direction.

The people were in great need of such leaders. God began to raise up people to
lead through this critical time. Ezra was such a man.

During Bible times, many spiritual leaders emerged who sought and found
direction from the Lord. Others tried to fill that role who were less than pure in
motive and lifestyle. Let us thank God for good leaders, they are true blessings
to those who follow.

What characterizes ungodly behavior? (9:1-2, 4). Ungodly behavior is that

behavior which violates the Word, the will, or the way of God. A short Bible word
for ungodly behavior is the word “sin.” Ungodly behavior was often practiced
then, it is still very common today.

It was ungodly behavior, which had caused them to be taken captive many years
earlier. Unfortunately, ungodly behavior was still showing itself a problem as they
returned to the homeland. This time it was becoming evident in the intermarriage
of believers with those who worshiped pagan gods. Sin takes many forms today,
but is always ungodly.

Ungodly behavior seems to dominate the ways of this world. Sadly, it often
shows itself in the church as well. When sinful behavior presents itself in the
church today, it is just as much a problem as it was in those long ago days.
Ignoring the problem did not seem to be an option for Ezra.
What does following godly leaders involve? (10:1-5). There is more involved
in being a godly follower than saying amen to the pastor’s message, or shaking
our head in agreement. If we are to follow God, and the leaders He sets before
us, we must also do that which God directs us to do. Actions speak louder than
words.

When a godly leader leads forth under the hand of the Almighty, we must put our
steps in order and our hands to the task. Failing to do so is rebellion against God
Himself. How many are guilty of refusing to follow? Is that rightly called sin?

Conclusion. We will see later in our study that not every person or family would
follow the plan, even though the Lord gave it. Failure to do so brings hurt to us
and hindrance to the work of the Lord and His church.

We are not to be blind followers of man, not even blind followers of the pastor.
Not every leader is a godly leader. Sinful, false, hypocritical leaders deserve to
be exposed and brought down.

On the other hand, we should be very careful lest we find ourselves in rebellion
and sin. Godly spiritual leaders are for our good, not for our harm and hurt. Let us
be good followers. Hebrews 6:12 “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them
who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

— Seber, currently director of missions at Salem Baptist Association, Liberty, will

enter full-time evangelism in January.