Sermon Tone Analysis

Steve Hall teaching a marked New Testament

Good verse to memorize to shape our teaching ministries

Ezra 7:10 (KJV 1900)

10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra set his heart on God’s Word—it’s a treasure.

2 Tim 1:13-14 “13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”

The Gospel, the Word of God that has been entrusted to us is a treasure.

Just as Ezra had “set his heart” upon God’s Word, so too did Paul hope Timothy’s heart would be inclined to the amazing revelation of God.

Ezra studied God’s Word—be diligent to handle it accurately.

2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Just as Ezra had set his heart to study God’s Word, so too was Paul urging Timothy to do the same.

The word “be diligent” is translated different ways in the various versions, but you get the idea: Be diligent… Do your best… Study… Make every effort…

Ezra practiced God’s Word—continue in the life-giving Scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 “14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Ezra loved God’s Word, Ezra studied God’s Word, and Ezra practiced God’s Word—he obeyed.

Paul longed for Timothy to not only see the Bible as a treasure and study it diligently, but also to continue in it.

When all was crumbling around him and false teachers and evil men were compromising, Timothy was to continue steadfast in the sacred texts, the wisdom-giving Word of God, the inspired and profitable Scriptures.

Ezra taught God’s Word—preach the Word!

Finally, Ezra longed to teach the amazing truths he’d gleaned from God’s Word.

And as Paul neared the end of this final letter and the end of his life, he urged upon Timothy the great calling to teach the Word.

Ezra set his heart on God’s Word—it’s a treasure.

Ezra studied God’s Word—be diligent to handle it accurately.

Ezra practiced God’s Word—continue in the life-giving Scriptures.

Ezra taught God’s Word—preach the Word!