Ezra and Nehemiah: Rebuilding What's Ruined, Study Guide with Leader's Notes

by Iain M. Duguid

The story of Ezra and Nehemiah plays out against a backdrop of ruins. There's a ruined city, a ruined house of worship, ruined homes—ruined life with God. As is often the case in our own lives, the wreckage was largely their own fault. Their path to rebuilding, at its core, was a journey back to God. As you study Ezra and Nehemiah with Iain Duguid, you too will be encouraged to return to the God who is always faithful.

Duguid dives into lamenting sin, facing opposition, faithfully worship, and battling discouragement. This study will renew your joy in the Lord and encourage you to turn away from your own way and toward God, ultimately discovering Jesus is the one who rebuilds and brings new life where there is ruin and decay.

This small group guide with leader’s notes includes ten in-depth lessons that include discussion questions, a short article to read, and a practical application section that can be used for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings.

Ezra and Rebuilding What’s Ruined is part of The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series published in partnership with Serge. Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

About the author

married to Barbara R. Duguid

Reviews

[Brian Thorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book thinking I would have a guide to an exegetical study of Ezra and Nehemiah. Instead, I received a study that was more topical in nature that highlighted the need to look to Christ for rebuilding what we ruin. This is valuable and I found it useful but prefer exegetical studies as I find them more faithful to God’s Word. Worthwhile read, but know what you’re getting.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 10 chapters. Each chapter contains 6 elements: Big Idea, Bible Conversation, Article, Discussion, Exercise, and the Wrap-up and Prayer. Each of these elements work together to help keep the study moving and to guide the study towards seeking what God shares in His word. Each chapter is designed to take approximately 60 minutes; however, that can easily move either direction based on the size of the group and how vocal the members are about sharing thoughts, challenges, ideas, and more.
The study includes an introduction to the book as well as the study set up. There is also a timeline that is helpful to understand the history of Israel’s decline, their captivity, and their restoration. At the end you will find a set of leader’s notes to help the leader guide the study. There are helpful notes on the idea for each chapter that expand upon and give additional context. (The Leader’s Notes did have a section on chapter 5 where I am actively studying the Bible to see if the information is correct. The author noted in the next to last bullet point on page 115 “that Paul still says it is completely wrong for a believer to go ahead and marry an unbeliever.” I am researching because I have not ever understood this is what is being said in the passage quoted in the book.)

The study does not cover every chapter. There are several that are skipped for whatever reason. It is recommended at the end of each chapter that you read any skipped portions prior to the next Bible study session.

One of my favorite things about this study series is that the focus is first on the Bible and what God says. This is a bit less focused than I have seen in some of the other titles in the series but it is still a focus on the Bible. I appreciate that the exercises are applications and can really change one who is looking for God’s work in his life.

I have not completed the entire book but have not found it to be way off base biblically, though I did note in a previous paragraph about one concern I have found.