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Nehemiah
 Written by Dr. Lester Hutson

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Studies in Nehemiah                                                                                                                              Lesson 20

 

VOLUNTEERS

Nehemiah 11

Intro.

       This is one of the Bible's greatest chapters on volunteers. The key phrase to this passage is found in verse 2. "The people...willingly offered themselves...." You will glimpse here a golden lining to one of the most sublime teachings in all of the Bible, the great truth that all service to God should emanate out of a free will within the heart. No one should ever serve God because he "has to." People should serve God and do right because they chose to do it, freely and willingly out of the heart. Only grace can place one into such a position as this. Since one's position in Christ is secured exclusively by grace through faith, then it is not contingent on any level of human performance. It is in this state and in this state alone that one is free to do all he does in the service of God voluntarily. Consider 2 Cor. 5:4. 1 Cor. 13:1-3. 1 Pet. 5:2. The people discussed in Nehemiah 11 were stirred from within to do what they did. No other force compelled them.

       As is so often the case with those who serve God faithfully, the folks in this chapter are mostly unknown. They are unsung heros, the folks behind the scenes. Only the tip of the arrow is usually seen, the man out front, or the little group on the platform. Almost without fail, for every successful one with a high and visible profile, there are many dedicated, hard workers who are seldom seen. It is their sweat and toil that enables the one out front. He orchestrates and leads, but they make it happen. Even the best Nehemiah, the most effective leaders, cannot do it alone. There must be manpower in the trenches, people turning the nuts and bolts, an army doing the dirty work that is not so glamorous and lofty. Thank God for godly wives, deacons, teachers, custodians and those who quietly serve in ministries and on committees.

I.     THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED TO LIVE IN JERUSALEM. Neh. 11:1-11

       A.    There was much work to be done in Jerusalem.

               1.    There was debris, clean-up work and many details to attend. There is always this kind of work to be done.

               2.    There were sacrifices to offer and many details related to the worship that went on in the house of God. This foreshadows the work of the church and ministry.

                      Study notes:

                             Name some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on in the day-to-day operation of a thriving church.

       B.     Most of the people lived in the suburbs around Jerusalem.

               1.    A dependable work force needed to live close enough to attend the responsibilities of this ministry..

               2.    It is easy to see from verse 2 that a large number of the men volunteered to dwell at Jerusalem and do this work. These consisted of rulers Neh. 11:3-9 and priests Neh. Neh. 11:10-14.

                      Study notes:

                             How important is dependability in any venture?

II.    THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED TO WORK IN THE TEMPLE. Neh. 11:12-15

       A.    There were 822 of these who volunteered to attend the temple which was "the house of God." Neh. 11:12.

               1.    There were sacrifices to offer, candles to trim, shewbread to prepare, much cleaning to be routinely done and other work.

               2.    These were akin to those church officers who specialize in the spiritual aspects of the ministry.

       B.     There are no unimportant jobs in the house of the Lord. From the pulpit ministry to the teaching of Bible verses to children, it is all important.

               Study notes:

                      Share your concept of the spiritual work that goes on in a church.

III.   THOSE WHO VOLUNTEERED TO WORK OUTSIDE THE HOUSE OF GOD. Neh. 11:16

       A.    These were the officers who took care of the business affairs of the work. They attended civil affairs and other business involved in the work.

       B.    These volunteers were akin to deacons and committee people within a church.

               Study notes:

                      Describe the work of a deacon in the church. What specifically does he do?

IV.   THE ONES WHO VOLUNTEERED TO LEAD IN PRAYER, AS PORTERS AND AS TEMPLE SERVANTS. Neh. 11:17-21

       A.    The importance of prayer is made very clear in this passage. 11:17-18 There can never be real and lasting success apart from prayer.

               Study notes:

                      How is your prayer life?

       B.    Porters were the gate keepers. Neh. 11:19

       C.    The temple servants were called "Nethinims." Neh. 11:20-21

V.     THE ONES WHO VOLUNTEERED TO LEAD AND DO THE SINGING. Neh. 11:22-24

       A.    The offsprings of Asaph had the charge of the music. Neh. 11:22

       B.    The king of Persia appointed the officials over the music. Neh. 11:23-24

               Study notes:

                      How big was the role of music in the spiritual life of Israel? Do you think God wants music to be very important to us?

Conclusion.

       The remainder of Nehemiah 11 tells where the people outside Jerusalem lived. Three great truths stand out in this passage.

1.    The giving of whatever you have makes you valuable to God. Men may never notice, but God does.

2.    Every gift given in love & truth is recorded by God. Heb. 6:10. Mat. 10:42.

3.    Final rewards are determined by faithfulness, not by public applause. 2 Tim. 2:4. Heb. 11:6.

Study notes:

       How faithful are you? Do people know they can count on you?

 

"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"