Exploring Ezra: Return, Rebuild, Restore — Inductive Bible Study Guide by Tony Smith

Exploring Ezra

Your group gathers around the Bible, but are they being shaped by it?

Exploring Ezra is a 10-lesson, chapter-by-chapter study designed for individuals and small groups who want to understand what Scripture says, what it means, and how to live it — with a clear path for the one leading.


Ezra is one of the most overlooked books in the Bible — which is exactly why it’s the right place to begin.

  • Built for group discussion, not lectures

  • No prior study experience required

  • Includes Free teaching notes for leaders

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"I have been a pastor for almost thirty years and have attended and led countless Bible studies. But never have I experienced the Holy Spirit working as powerfully as in Tony Smith's Exploring Ezra. Not only was the study itself inspired, but the small group breakout discussions led to the movement of the Holy Spirit week after week. I pray that this Bible study will bless your church for generations to come."

— L. Edwin Lacy, Presbyterian Pastor

What’s Inside

Exploring Ezra covers all ten chapters in ten lessons — every chapter examined, nothing skipped.

  • Lesson 1 — Ezra 1–2: God's Faithfulness to His Word

  • Lesson 2 — Ezra 3: Restoration and Unity

  • Lesson 3 — Ezra 4: Resistance

  • Lesson 4 — Ezra 5: Sustained Faithfulness

  • Lesson 5 — Haggai & Zechariah: The Major Minors

  • Lesson 6 — Ezra 6: Faithful to the Faithless

  • Lesson 7 — Ezra 7: Honoring Scripture

  • Lesson 8 — Ezra 8: Champion for the Lord's Cause

  • Lesson 9 — Ezra 9: Broken

  • Lesson 10 — Ezra 10: Restoration

Each lesson is built for small group discussion and walks participants through the text as they unpack what does it say, what does it mean, and how do I live it.

Leading a group is hard enough. The preparation shouldn't be. Every lesson includes free teaching notes that give you the historical context, key interpretive questions, and a clear application path — so you're not building the lesson from scratch. You step in ready to lead.

Sample Lesson
Teaching Notes

Who This Study Serves Best

This study is accessible to anyone—but it’s built specifically for:

  • Individuals who want to study Scripture carefully and understand it better

  • Small groups built around discussion and shared discovery, not lectures

  • Leaders who want to guide their group deeper into the biblical text

  • Pastors seeking a church-wide study their congregation can walk through together

  • Anyone who has done Bible studies before but left wanting more

"Exploring Ezra is an excellent resource for any church discipling men in the serious examination of God's Word... the men at Calvary Chapel Ellicott City were inspired and challenged to approach the Word of God like Ezra who 'set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules.”

— Pastor Dave Eckley, Calvary Chapel Ellicott City

  • "The Ezra study was wonderful at laying out the history and timeline, helping us cross-reference and dig deeper all throughout Scripture. I highly recommend it!"

    — Tom Terenyi, Study Participant

  • "It challenged me to be more intentional in my walk with God. The application sections helped me turn what I was learning into clear, actionable next steps."

    — Chubi Obuzor, Study Participant

  • "Many times, studies wander and make it difficult for groups to come together. This one does not."

    — Chuck Menk, Study Participant

  • "Clear structure, insightful commentary, and thought-provoking questions that encourage reflection and spiritual growth."

    — Todd Brower, Study Participant

  • "The Ezra study deepened my understanding of God's call upon me to lead and rely on Him — and what a heart of conviction and repentance looks like."

    — Ben Wilson, Study Participant

Begin Your Journey Through Ezra

The book of Ezra tells the story of God's faithfulness to His people — how He kept His promises, brought them home, and restored what was broken. That same faithful God is at work in your life today. If you're ready to dig into His Word and let Him teach you through this book, Exploring Ezra is waiting.

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Why Exploring Ezra

Not sure how to lead a Bible study? Start with this free guide — Turn Any Bible Study from Social Hour to Transformation Hour