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Nehemiah
 Written by Dr. Lester Hutson

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Studies in Nehemiah                                                                                                                              Lesson 19

 

A COVENANT WITH GOD

Nehemiah 9:38-10:39

Intro.

       Upon delivering the miserable history of the Jews, these Levitical leaders made a covenant to serve the Lord according to His law.

I.     EIGHTY FOUR SIGNATURES APPEARED ON THIS COVENANT. Neh. 9:38-10:27

       A.    These constituted the chief leadership at that time.

               1.    Nehemiah, "the Tirshatha" (the governor, the highest official in the land) is the first signature to be mentioned.

                      Study notes:

                             What does Nehemiah's example say about a leader being out front?

               2.    The list of names that follows is a listing of the highest and most responsible Jewish leadership.

                      a.     Twenty-two priests signed. Neh. 10:1-8

                      b.    Seventeen Levites signed. Neh. 10:9-13

                      c.     Forty-four leaders and heads of homes signed. Neh. 10:14-27

       B.     This account illustrates how important it is that leaders lead.

               1.    Almost without fail, real change comes from the top down, not in reverse order.

                      Study notes:

                             Discuss the difficulty of affecting serious change from the bottom up in a major operation.

               2.    God's men should be out front, providing a godly example. They should be the first to act to do what is right. Others should not have to set the pace.

                      Study notes:

                             What is said about top leadership in any organization when the pace is set by someone other than the top leader?

               3.    When responsible leaders offer the strong leadership they should provide, many people are motivated to follow. Nehemiah was first, the priests stepped right up after him, then chief Levites signed on followed by 44 other chief leaders.

                      Study notes:

                             Discuss motivation as one of the main responsibilities of top leadership.

       C.     It is not difficult to see why the people as a whole were quick to embrace this covenant. (10:28-29)

               1.    The people as a whole stepped forward to embrace this covenant. "The rest of the people." Eccl. 4:9-12. Psalm 133. Philippians 2:1-4.

               2.    They separated themselves from the world. "...All they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God..."

                      a.     No one can effectively serve God without separation. 2 Cor. 6:14-18. 2 Chron. 7:14.

                      b.    There is a positive and a negative side to serving God. It is impossible to live a worldly life and still enjoy spiritual strength, joy and revival in your life.

                      c.     They were separated from the heathens of the land. "...from the people of the lands..." There should ever be a clear distinction between the lives and behavior of the people of God and those who are not His. John 17:13-17.

                      d.    They were separated "...unto the law of God." Romans 13:12-14.

                             Study notes:

                                    How do you rate your life in terms of separation?


               3.     They understood what they were doing. "Having understanding" Neh. 10:28.

                      a.     Vast knowledge of Bible facts is no guarantee of insight into truth.

                      b.    Their's was not merely an emotional response void of sound judgment and reasoning. 2 Tim. 1:7.

                      c.     God wants understanding in each of us. 2 Tim. 2:7. Col. 1:9. 1 Cor. 14:20. Prov. 19:8.  Prov. 16:16, 22. Prov. 3:13-24. Prov. 4:5-13.

                             Study notes:

                                    Do you know of someone who seems to have great Bible knowledge but who seems to lack understanding? Without naming names, discuss your feelings about this person.

               4.     They made a general promise to serve God and keep his commandments. Neh. 10:29

II.    THE SPECIFIC PROMISES OF THIS COVENANT. Neh. 10:30-39

       A.    They promised that they would not approve marriages of saved people to unsaved people. Neh. 10:30.

               1.    Such marriages are specifically forbidden in the Bible. 2 Cor. 6:14. 1 Cor. 7:39.

               2.    Lost people and saved people are in two totally different realms of life. One has embraced Christ and what He stands for while another has rejected Him and His lifestyle. Each is headed in an entirely different eternal direction.

               3.    Such marriages are the seedbed of many troubles. 1 Pet. 3:1-2. The troubles proliferate with time as the incompatibilities manifest themselves. The couple faces conflicts, children are often caught up and hurt as the incompatibilities become more obvious and pronounced and parents and friends are sucked into the troubles.

                      Study notes:

                             Without naming names, discuss case histories of those in your life who have violated God's teaching on this issue.

       B.     They promised to conduct all of their business according to God's principles. Neh. 10:31

               1.    One aspect of this promise was submission to God's plan for a regular day of rest. They promised to refrain from business dealings "on the sabbath."

                      Study notes:

                             Do you honor one day a week as a day of rest and worship?

               2.    God's plan for good business also embodies the concepts of honesty, integrity and justice. Double standards were not permitted. Lev. 19:35-36. Prov. 20:23.

                      Study notes:

                             Do you see double standards in business today? Explain.

       C.     They promised to honor God with their substances and to never neglect His house. Neh. 10:32-39

               1.    The tithe is the Lord's. Lev. 27:30-32.

               2.    God considers withholding of the tithe to be robbery. Mal. 3:8-11.

               3.    One of the greatest promises a believer can make it to honor God with his substance.

                      Study notes:

                             Do you tithe? Why not?

 

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"