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All Lessons were outlined by Bro. Danny Taylor or former Pastor Fred Bryant from Grace Baptist Church in Wichita Falls Texas, except where otherwise noted in lessons.
 Ezra Chapter 1 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: The book of Ezra is the chronological successor to II Chronicles. At the end of II Chronicles, Judah had finally been captured by Babylon. The time of the beginning book of Ezra is approximately fifty years after their capture. Ezra records the beginning of the restoration and return of captive Israel to their homeland. In some ways, there are parallels to the return of modern Israel to its homeland. During the seventy-year interval of the official exile, God inspired several prophets to write. Jeremiah completed his prophecies from the land of Judah including Lamentations. Ezekiel wrote his prophecies during this time as a captive within the Babylonian empire. Daniel also wrote from Babylon. Meanwhile back in Palestine, the small number of Jews not taken to Assyria or Babylon had intermarried with gentiles forming the nucleus of the later race of Samaritans. The land was little by little being claimed by neighboring gentile peoples. Jerusalem was destroyed. The Temple was gone and little was left of what once was the proud nation of Israel. God judged His people for their backslidden, sinful condition. Ezra is the first of six post-captivity (restoration) books of the Bible. Following Ezra, Nehemiah wrote. Also the book of Esther was written at roughly the same time. As the restoration era continued, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi wrote. The book of Ezra forms the beginning of the restored nation of Israel which historically is the platform upon on which the time period of the revealing and writing of the New Testament takes place. Specifically, the Book of Ezra records the return to Palestine of a remnant of Jews under the leadership of Zerubbabel in about 536 B.C. They laid the foundation of a new Temple. Approximately, 78 years later in about 458 B.C., Ezra the priest himself returned and restored the Temple worship and ritual. (Later still, in 444 B.C. Nehemiah returned to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.) Ezra writes of these events which predated his involvement as well as the years he himself was present. He records the difficulties, obstacles, opposition and success in doing a work for God. One thing is for sure. It was not easy. It never is. Ezra never had the privilege of ministering in a large, well established Temple. This temple was small, of modest proportions, and limited influence. Though not addressed directly, there are profound implications of Ezra. Approximately 50,000 Jews including their servants returned to the land more or less as pioneers of the restoration. However, there undoubtedly were Jews numbering into seven digits who remained in the greater Babylonian empire. After the shock of dislocation and cultural adjustment, they had become prosperous and comfortable living in the gentile world. Though they gave lip service to Judaism and their spiritual heritage, the majority were not interested in returning when the time came. They were comfortable making money in Babylon. They had their synagogue system which they had developed. Restoring the work of God at Jerusalem though having some importance was not at the top of their priority list. Many of them sent money to support the restoration, but they themselves were not willing to go. They were too comfortable where they were at. Parallels to modern Christianity and the fulfillment of the Great Commission are evident. Ezra records the history of that feeble remnant which had a heart for God and the restoration of his work. Ezra chapters one and two present the historical background of the return of the initial remnant. I. Proclamation of Cyrus Ezr 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, God’s providential preparation of the heart of Cyrus is evident. The Babylonian empire had absorbed the Assyrian empire. Not long before the events of Ezra, Babylon had been conquered by the Persian empire. International geopolitics are evident in this verse. The ruler of this large realm was Cyrus. The reference to the first year of Cyrus refers not to the first year he was king, but rather the first year Babylon had been under his rule. The last two verses of II Chronicles (36:22-23) refers to the same providential detail. Continue Reading in PDF: 
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 II Timothy Chapter 4 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 3 we studied about the characteristics of the ‘last days’ which we found definitely point to the soon coming of Jesus Christ. We closed the chapter reading that all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for ”doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” We conclude our study of Timothy this week as Paul gives a charge to young Timothy. The first eight verses deal with Timothy’s ministry. The latter portion of the chapter contains Paul’s parting comments to Timothy. This is the last of the written word from Paul. Shortly after this epistle was written, Paul was beheaded for the name of Christ. He had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith. I. Paul’s Charge to Young Timothy 2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The Apostle begins this final chapter. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” Paul was instructing Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living at His appearing and the dead in His kingdom. The word translated as appearing is the Greek word (epifaneia) epiphaneia. The word translated as quick (zaw zao), of course, refers to the living. Notice that the judgements at which Jesus Christ will sit take place at His appearing and in His kingdom. This is referring to the Judgement Seat of Christ which evidently takes place immediately after the catching up of the saints in the air. See II Corinthians 5:10. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Then, as Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom at His second advent, there are additional judgments of the nations and of resurrected Israel. See Matthew 25:31-46 and Daniel 12:2. He is the Righteous Judge. Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. The Apostle begins a sequence of imperatives (i.e., commands) in verse 2 in which he charges Timothy. The first is, “Preach the Word.” The particular word translated as preach (khrussw kerusso) has the sense to ‘herald,’ to ‘proclaim,’ and to ‘publish openly.’ A primary ministry of a pastor is to preach the Word. In our revival, Bro. Harbin made mention that many churches today have lots of programs and activities, but to do the very will of God, we must Preach the Word. He then adds, “Be instant in season, out of season.” In other words be ready any day and anytime to tell others about Christ. There are several possible thoughts inherent in the word translated as be instant (efisthmi ephistemi.) In this instance, it has the idea of being ready. The word translated as in season (eukairwv eukairos) has the idea of ‘convenient’ or ‘timely.’ The word translated as out of season (akairwov akairos) literally means ‘no time’ and by extension has the idea of ‘not convenient’ or ‘untimely.’ There are seasons when it is easy to preach and there are seasons when it is difficult. In any event, the greater thought is to be ready to preach no matter what. The next imperative is reprove. The word translated (elegcw elegcho) has a spectrum of thought ranging from to ‘convict,’ to ‘refute,’ to ‘correct.’ A preacher of the gospel at times must correct doctrinal or philosophical error. He also needs to preach by the power of the Holy Ghost who brings about conviction of the spiritual need at hand. The Apostle then directed Timothy to rebuke in his preaching. The word so translated (epitimaow epitimao) is not as harsh as the modern English thought intimates. It has the general sense to ‘admonish’ or ‘exhort.’ Biblical preaching will often involve exhorting God’s people to do as they ought to do and to be as they ought to be. Finally, Paul directed Timothy to exhort. The word so translated (parakalew parakaleo), in this context, has the more modern sense to ‘encourage.’ A pastor must be always sensitive to the needs of his people. There are always people who need encouraging. The Word of God overflows with precious promises of encouragement. We are instructed to so encourage our people in preaching. In this regard, the Apostle added further qualification, “with all longsuffering and doctrine.” A biblical preacher must be patient, forbearing the weakness of his people, and teach them. The word translated as longsuffering (makroyumia makrothumia) essentially refers to having patience in dealing with people. Again, the word translated as doctrine (didach didache) has the basic sense of ‘teaching.’ Thus, a pastor is enjoined to preach the Word not only to convict, exhort, and encourage his people; but to do so patiently, teaching them what they need to understand. To season one’s preaching with such patience and encouragement will not only enhance a pastor’s ministry, but will prolong it as well. Truth can be harsh and cutting, even biblical truth. Wise is a pastor who tempers his preaching with patience, teaching, and encouragement. We see Paul giving this Charge before God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is another promise that the dead will be judged by Jesus Christ at his appearing and his kingdom. The saved will be judged at the Judgment-seat of Christ when He comes at His first appearance. Continue Reading in PDF:
 II Timothy Chapter 3 Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net e-Email: [email protected] Introduction: In chapter 2, Paul urged Timothy to pass the word of God on to those who could teach others. He wanted them to all become good soldiers for Jesus Christ. Paul had suffered much for preaching the gospel, and he encourages Timothy to stay in the battle, and to constantly study the Word of God. In chapter 3, we study about the last days of the church. There are 21 outstanding features in this prophecy of church conditions in the last days. Paul warns Timothy of the coming apostasy. This warning remains relevant to this day. Paul concludes the chapter by establishing the foundation of faith—the inspiration of the Scriptures. I. Characteristics of the Last Days 2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The word last is translated from (escatwv) eschatos. The word eschatology derives from the same word. Paul no doubt wrote of the apostasy that was taking place at the time he sent word to Timothy. He clearly addresses “the last days” as well. He indicates that in the last days there will be “perilous times.” The word translated as perilous (calepov chalepos) among other things has the sense of ‘troubled’ or ‘dangerous.’ Theologically, we have been in the last days since Calvary. The last days mentioned in this verse are being fulfilled in this hour. J. Vernon McGee said this about the last days. “The last days” is a technical term used in several places in the New Testament; it speaks of the last days of the church, immediately preceding the rapture of the church. The last days of the church are not the same as the last days of the nation Israel, which is mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament the last days are called the “end of the age” or “the time of the end,” which is the Great Tribulation period. That is quite different from the last days of the church, which precede the rapture of the church. The apostasy that began in the church in Paul’s day will continue. Paul warned the church at Ephesus that false leaders would enter the church after his decease. He told them in Acts 20:29–30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” They won’t give out the Word of God but will fleece the congregations. Believe me, false teachers shear the sheep pretty close! “Perilous times shall come,” which means grievous or desperate times are coming. That doesn’t look like the conversion of the world, does it? It doesn’t appear that the church is going to bring in the Millennium or is going to convert the world. The Bible doesn’t teach that it will. That is the pipe dream of a great many idealists and a great many folk who have lived with their heads ostrich-like in the sand and have never faced reality. [1] 2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Paul sets forth a list of nineteen traits typical of apostasy in the last days. ”For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:” Let us notice some of these terms. (1) The word translated as lovers of their own selves (filautov philautos) has the additional idea of being ‘intent on one’s interest’ or ‘selfish.’ (2) The word translated as covetous (filargurov philarguros) literally means a ‘lover of silver’ or more generically, a ‘lover of money.’ (3) The word translated as blasphemers (blasfhmov blasphemos) literally means to ‘speak evil of’ or ‘slander other.’ (4) The Apostle’s reference to being without natural affection is translated from the word (astorgov astorgos and has the sense of ‘having no kindness or concern for another.’ (5) The word translated as incontinent (akrathv akrates) has the thought of being ‘undisciplined’ or ‘intemperate.’ (6) The word translated as heady (propethv propetes) has the thought of being ‘rash’ or ‘reckless.’ (7) The word translated as highminded (tufow tuphoo) has the thought which borders upon being ‘arrogant, insolent, and proud.’ These noted along with the rest (more apparent in their sense) describe the corrupt culture of the last days. If it were so in Timothy’s day, how much more so must it be today, not only from the perspective of eschatology, but also of the wickedness of the present culture. [1]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee. Continue Reading in PDF:
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