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10250 North Freeway @ West Road
Houston, Texas 77037
Tel: (281) 447-8484
Nehemiah
Written by Dr. Lester Hutson
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Studies in Nehemiah Lesson 6
AFFIRMATION TO DO THE JOB
I.
A DAUNTING TASK BUT A GREATER GOD.
Vss 17-18
Nehemiah now called a public assembly.
A.
"Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how
Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire."
1. Nehemiah's inspection
Neh. 2:13-15 had confirmed
Hanani's report Neh. 1:2-3.
2. The place was a
wasteland: Everywhere, ash from the great fires, huge piles of broken stones and
mortar, litter, debris, waste, confusion.
Study notes:
Describe a place like this which you have faced in your spiritual life.
3. Notice Nehemiah's use
of the first person: "We"
and "us" three times.
B.
"Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more
a reproach."
1. These were his
people, this was his city and the honor of his God was at stake. He did not (1)
blame not (2) detach himself, nor did he allow his people to do so. The
condition of this city placed a "reproach"
on every one of them. This was his
problem as well as their's. 1 Cor. 12:26.
Study notes:
What is the natural human tendency in cases like this? Draw the analogy
between this situation and cases common in churches.
2. Whether we realize it
or not, the welfare of the work of God is the business of each one of us. Each
of us is accountable.
C.
"Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as
also the king's words that he had spoken unto me."
1. Nehemiah gave his
personal testimony of the way God had worked in his life to bring him to this
place. (His years as King Artaxerxes "Cupbearer,"
the opportunity to make request, the favor or Artaxerxes to him, the letters of
passage and authority for supplies and the task, the Persian military guard for
protection.) 1 Cor. 15:3-4.
Study notes:
What specifically has God done in your life lately?
2. The people could see
in Nehemiah zeal, determination and commitment, plus the hand of God upon him.
His motivation was internal, based on his love and commitment to God; not
external and based on circumstances and emotional whelms. 2 Cor. 3:2.
Study notes:
Discuss intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation.
D.
"And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their
hands for this good work."
1. Godly motivation is
contagious. What God has done for you can motivate, encourage and give courage
to others.
Study notes:
To your knowledge, has your personal testimony or example ever motivated
anyone to service? Share the story.
2. Never be afraid or
ashamed to share your own personal testimony not to extol the greatness and
personal activities of God in your life. Mat.
5:16, Ps. 107:2.
II.
OPPOSITION AND THE FIRST ATTACK AGAINST THE EFFORT. Vs. 19
"They laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this
thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?"
A.
Criticism is certain to come to those who lead.
1. When it comes, always
evaluate it. Some or all of it could be valid. Chuck Swindoll says if your
critics listen to God, listen to them. If they don't, pay them no heed.
2. Nehemiah kept his
eyes on the Lord and the job God gave him to do; not upon the enemy, another
builder or even himself. 2 Cor. 10:12.
Study notes:
Discuss how one's focus or eyes on his critics and others has often led
to his personal defeat and stopped his good works.
B.
The enemies of the work of God never left. They never do. "Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and
Geshem the Arabian."
1. Another major enemy
is introduced here. He is "Geshem the
Arabian." "Geshem" is his Hebrew name while "Gashmu" Neh.
6:6
is the Arabic form. Geshem was some sort of Palestinian official with
considerable clout and authority. He was the leader of the accusations that
Nehemiah and his people were planning and preparing for a rebellion against the
Persian king.
2. The first major
assault against these enemies was laughter and scorn. They ridiculed the very
idea of rebuilding the wall. With this weapon, multitudes of efforts have been
stopped before they ever started. Laughter and scorn intimidates people,
embarrasses and causes fear. It's power is peer pressure and the desire for
acceptance and favor. No one likes to be
made fun of or to have his plans and abilities questioned or mocked.
Study notes:
Have you ever had someone laugh with scorn at you? Share.
III.
NEHEMIAH'S RESPONSE. (Vs. 20)
A.
"Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he
will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build."
1. Nehemiah was
undaunted by their laughter and scorn.
2. Nehemiah's answer was
perfect. He said, "The God of heaven, he will prosper us."
His hope was not in himself nor in the power and abilities of those who
stood with him. He knew the God of the universe and something of His great
power. The success of this project would depend upon that name that is above
every name and that power that is omnipotent; and no enemies can stand before
you when any matter is of God. 2 Chron.
14:11, 2 Chron. 32:7-8, Rom. 8:36-37, Phil. 4:19.
Study notes:
Share your response to what you are hearing.
B.
"Ye have no portion, nor right, no memorial, in Jerusalem."
1. The work of God is
for the people of God; not those who know not God. A major and ultimately
defeating error of God's people has been to incorporate the world's ways and
people into the work of God. Usually the argument is We'll
win the world this way. How gullible!
Study notes:
Discuss this idea of many that the world can best be reached by believers
and churches which become more like the world in their music, dress codes and
other behavior.
2. It is noteworthy that
at first the enemies were right in the midst of the people attempting to stop
the work. Because of Nehemiah's undaunted spirit and firm dependance on God,
soon these enemies were opposing the work from outside the wall.
"It Does Make a Difference What You Believe"