Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 1
Nehemiah – Part 1 – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
When he was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem had been destroyed and lay defenceless. This troubled Nehemiah, so he returned home to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. As well as defining boundaries, walls represent security, provision, identity and order/governance. We are God’s Church; if the walls of the Church are crumbling or in rubble in some areas, we are susceptible to attack and may suffer loss of identity. Before taking action, Nehemiah prayed and fasted for four months, aligning himself with God. We too need to seek God and align with His purpose for our lives.
Read: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Discuss
- Read Nehemiah 1:1-11. How did Nehemiah react to what he saw? What do we learn about Nehemiah from his reaction?
- Have you ever mourned/fasted/prayed for days? Why or why not?
- What do we see about Nehemiah’s view of God?
- What did Nehemiah request of God?
- What can we learn from Nehemiah about confession before God?
- What point is Nehemiah making in verses 8-9? What does Nehemiah remind the Lord of in verse 10?
Respond
Nehemiah was an important official and servant to the King. He could have continued living and enjoying his life without worrying about the walls of Jerusalem, yet he had a heart for the city of his birth and for its protection. What are the walls in our Church or personal lives that we most need to strengthen or totally rebuild today? What has God shown you that needs to be rebuilt in your personal life, family, job, church, community, city or nation? Pray and ask for God’s wisdom, direction and favour on the next steps He is calling you to take in that area.
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Nehemiah – Part 2 – Obedience or Opposition
Nehemiah 1 and 2 tell of Nehemiah’s response after hearing that the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down. He sat and wept, knelt, prayed, fasted, and then stood up to take action. Although he formulated a plan, opposition arose even before the first stone was laid and we see Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem mocking and ridiculing the rebuilders. Throughout Chapter 4, despite the litany of opposition, we also see Nehemiah’s obedience and confidence in God, as well as his influence on the Israelites. Nehemiah and the Israelites were stronger together.
Read: Nehemiah 4:1-23
Discuss
- When have you personally experienced strength through unity? Did you encounter any opposition?
- In Chapter 4, Nehemiah and the Israelites faced anger (v. 1-2), sarcasm (v. 3), confusion (v. 8), fear (v. 8, 12) and tiredness (v. 10). Which of these do you believe is the most common form of opposition when you are about to take a step of obedience? How do you overcome it?
- Pastor Mark suggests that opposition may arise even before we step into God’s plan. Can you identify instances of opposition encountered in your Life Group or our broader church community?
- Nehemiah had confidence that God was with him and the Israelites. He repurposed the rubble (v. 2), prayed (v. 4-5), worked diligently (v. 6), and guarded the city day and night (v. 9, 13). Nehemiah also affirmed the vision to the Israelites (v. 14) and was highly strategic (v. 16, 19-20). How can we apply some of these strategies to overcome our opposition today?
- One of Crossway’s values is “Dare to Dream”. We encourage people to dream big and give them the freedom to fail and try again. Are there any areas in your life where fear has been holding you back from taking a step forward in faith and obedience?
- How can we inspire and support each other to continue dreaming and stepping into obedience despite opposition we may face along the way?
Respond
We learn from Nehemiah that opposition can come from various angles. We also learn that we are stronger together, especially when we take steps of obedience in response to God’s call. This week, commit to taking that step. It might be as simple as starting to pray for something that’s been on your mind for a while. For some, it might be time to start formulating a plan. Maybe it’s time to step up and serve. Regardless of where you are in your faith journey, God has a plan for you and our community. Taking that step of obedience will make us stronger together.
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Nehemiah – Part 3 – The cry of a generation
In Nehemiah 5 we find distress within the walls of Jerusalem. As Nehemiah and his associates are rebuilding the walls, they hear the cry of injustice from the community within the walls who were being oppressed and exploited by fellow Jews. When Nehemiah hears about this, he seeks to correct the situation and stop the injustice. How might we, as individuals and as a church, be sensitive to internal injustice within our own community?
Discuss
- Read verses 1-5. What stands out to you in this passage? If these words were written today about our church community, what do you think the outcry (or desperate needs) would be? What could be done to address these issues?
- Read verses 4-5 again. The people cried not only because of their suffering, but also because it was caused by those of the same flesh and blood. What does this tell us about injustice? Where have you witnessed this happening today?
- Read verses 6-9. Nehemiah addresses further the injustice within the community at Jerusalem. What was the issue? Why was this causing such difficulty for the people?
- In verse 6, Nehemiah is angry and calls for a communal response to the problems. As a church family, how can our passion for Christ be expressed to support and uplift members of the family? How can our church address the various challenges faced by our people, especially loneliness and the sense of ‘worth’?
- Verse 9 emphasizes the importance of walking in the fear of God. Why did Nehemiah focus upon this as a solution to their problem? What does it mean to you to fear God, in relation to helping those in need?
- Read verses 10-12. Nehemiah and his associates choose to stop charging interest and give back what was taken. As a church community, in what practical ways can we contribute to the well-being and development of those who are struggling financially? What personal sacrifice could we make to enable this?
Respond
We are called to be a church that acts like a family, supporting and encouraging one another. As a personal challenge, think about one specific action you can take to build better relationships within our church, especially with those who may be in a difficult space spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, or through life circumstances. It could be reaching out to someone you have not spoken to in a while, volunteering for youth activities, or simply being more intentional in your conversations. What is one small but practical step you can take to foster justice and compassion within our community?
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Nehemiah – Part 4 – Heaven is our home
In Nehemiah 8:1-3, the Israelites gather at the Water Gate to hear Ezra read God’s word. Relieved and happy to be home, they worship God. Nehemiah reminds them that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” – that is, the Lord is our place of permanency. Jesus reminds the people in John 7:2-10, 33-69 about the permanent home and the living water. Our life is a temporary dwelling and heaven, our permanency, is coming. When we understand that life is temporary it changes the way we live in this world.
Read: Nehemiah 8:1-18
Discuss
- In our reading we find the Israelites celebrating the Feast of Booths. Why were they weeping? Share your feelings of coming home from a vacation or work trip.
- Read verse 10. “This day is holy to our Lord, do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The word ‘strength’ is translated as ‘refuge’ in many places in Scripture. What is your understanding of the word ‘refuge’? What are some things we try to substitute for God as our refuge?
- At the Feast of Booths (Hebrew name: Sukkot), it could be tempting for the Israelites to dwell in the city wall and for that wall to become a stronghold. Nehemiah reminds them that the Lord is our place of permanency. Jesus also reminds us that He is preparing a place for us. How should this promise change the way we live?
- What do you think heaven is like?
- What is the importance of Jesus preparing a place for us in heaven?
- hat are you most attached to in this temporary life? Have you lost hope during the chaos of life? Read John 14:1-3. What does this verse mean to you?
Respond
What are some things we must let go of that are rotting our lives? Let’s make a commitment to change and cultivate a habit of letting go of those things.
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Nehemiah – Part 5 – That’s not how the story ends
When the walls of Jerusalem were completed, the people of God renewed their covenant. It addressed three key areas: maintaining the house of God, keeping the Sabbath, and staying separate from the surrounding cultures. Yet, several years after this, the people compromised on each of these areas. Even as we live in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, these principles still apply to believers today. How might we apply them in our lives?
Read: Nehemiah 10:26-39
Discuss
- “The more we have of what we need, the less we recognize our need for God.” How can a blessing or provision become an idol or a distraction?
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. Our bodies are regarded as a temple of God in which the Holy Spirit resides. How can this temple be defiled? What can we do to avoid defiling this temple?
- The people in Jerusalem neglected to bring their tithes and offerings, which meant the Levites had to stop working in the temple and had to work outside (Neh 13:10-11). Do you think the practice of bringing tithes and offerings is still relevant today? Why do people find it challenging?
- What is the difference between a contributor and a consumer in the house of God? How might a contributor behave differently from a consumer in a church? Read Hebrews 4:8-9. The principle of sabbath rest is about time set apart to rest in God, worship Him, wait on Him and be renewed. How do you practice this?
- Read 2 Corinthian 6:14-18. What does this passage teach us about being in a relationship with someone of different spiritual values?
- What are some of the challenges of being in a relationship with someone who does not share the same spiritual beliefs and values?
- “The grass is greener where you water it, not on the ‘other side.’” How can a relationship be nurtured to remain fresh and healthy? Read Ephesians 2:4-9. What does it mean to be saved by grace and not by works?
Respond
The story of Nehemiah teaches us that despite good intentions, it is impossible to keep God’s covenant in our own strength. While the temple and the walls may be rebuilt and the covenant renewed, what is required is a change of heart through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can make someone a ‘new creation’ (1 Corinthians 5:17). Which one area in your life needs to be re-dedicated to God? Take a moment now to surrender it back to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict, restore and strengthen you in this.
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