Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

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Properly ParanoidEzra 4
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4
a tendency on the part of an individual or
group toward excessive suspiciousness and
distrustfulness of others. Merriam-Websters
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert (i.e. be
properly paranoid). Your adversary, the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour. 1 Peter 58
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable

But you said in your heart, I will ascend to
heaven I will raise my throne above the stars of
God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In
the recesses of the north. I will ascend above
the heights of the clouds I will make myself
like the Most High. Isaiah 1413-14
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable

Remember the word that I said to you, A slave is
not greater than his master. If they persecuted
Me, they will also persecute you if they kept My
word, they will keep yours also. John 1520
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you have
tribulation, but take courage I have overcome
the world. John 1633
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable

I do not ask You to take them out of the world,
but to keep them from the evil one. John 1715
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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable
• Opposition to Gods work is imaginative
• Offers of help
• Bribery
• Slander
• Physical force
• Intimidation

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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Opposition to Gods work is inevitable
• Opposition to Gods work is imaginative
• Opposition to Gods work is unrelenting

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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• Cyrus (539-530)
• Cambyses (530-522)
• Darius I (522-486)
• Xerxes (486-464 Ahasuerus married Esther)
• Artaxerxes I (464-423 Ezras and Nehemiahs
  returns)

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Properly Paranoid Ezra 4

• How should we respond?
• Identify it
• Fight right
• Dont quit

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