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QuickSource

Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah

Winter 2014-15 > Tony Evans, General Editor

@ 2014 LifeWay

AdmitAdmit to God that you are a sinner. All persons need salvation. Each of us has a problem the Bible calls sin. Sin is a refusal to acknowledge God’s authority over our lives. Everyone who does not live a life of perfect obedience to the Lord is guilty of sin. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Since none of us is perfect, all of us are sinners (Romans 3:10-18).

The result of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Spiritual death means eternal separation from God. By God’s perfect standard we are guilty of sin and therefore subject to the punishment for sin, which is separation from God. Admitting that you are a sinner and separated from God is the first step of repentance, which is turning from sin and self and turning toward God. BelieveBelieve in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and receive Jesus’ gift of forgiveness from sin. God loves each of us. God offers us salvation. Although we have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God wants to save us. In the death of Jesus on the cross, God provided salvation for all who would repent of their sins and believe in Jesus. “For God loved the world in this

way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

ConfessConfess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to others. After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, share your decision with another person. Tell your pastor or a Christian friend about your decision. Following Christ’s example, ask for baptism by immersion in your local church as a public expression of your faith. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

THE ABC’S OF SALVATIONSome people think a personal relationship with God is something only theologians can comprehend. Actually, God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for everyone to understand. Here are the ABC’s of salvation.

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CONTENTS

SESSIONS

SUGGESTED FOR Title Page THE WEEK OF

Dec. 7 Session 1: Deliverance Is Needed (Esth. 3:1-9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Dec. 14 Session 2: God Provides Deliverance (Esth. 4:6-17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Dec. 21 Session 3: God Provides a Savior* (Luke 2:8-20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Dec. 28 Session 4: God Ordains Restoration (Ezra 3:1-7,10-11; 6:19-22) . . 23

Jan. 4 Session 5: God Commands Obedience (Ezra 7:1-10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Jan. 11 Session 6: God Inspires the Work (Neh. 2:1-8,17-18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Jan. 18 Session 7: Protect Human Life** (Gen. 9:1-7; Ps. 8:4-8; Prov. 24:10-12; Phil. 2:12-16a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Jan. 25 Session 8: Be Faithful in Adversity (Neh. 6:1-19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Feb. 1 Session 9: Do Your Appointed Part (Neh. 7:1-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Feb. 8 Session 10: Get an Understanding (Neh. 8:1-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Feb. 15 Session 11: Return to the Restoring God (Neh. 9:32-37) . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Feb. 22 Session 12: Commit Your Way to the Lord (Neh. 10:28-39) . . . . . . . 55

BONUS SESSION*** Establish Justice in God’s Community (Neh. 5:1-13) . . . 59

*Evangelistic Emphasis **Sanctity of Human Life Emphasis ***For use at any time or sequence

FEATURES

The ABCs of Salvation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From the General Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How to Use QuickSource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Introduction to Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3 Powerful Words for Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Coming Next Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Map of Returns of Jewish Exiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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4 E x pl or e t h e Bi bl e

QUICKSOURCE LEADER GUIDE

WINTER 2014-15VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 2

ERIC GEIGERVICE PRESIDENT,

CHURCH RESOURCES

TONY EVANSGENERAL EDITOR

TOBY JENNINGSMANAGING EDITOR

DWAYNE MCCRARYTEAM LEADER

PHILIP NATIONDIRECTOR, ADULT MINISTRY

PUBLISHING

FAITH WHATLEYDIRECTOR, ADULT MINISTRY

SEND QUESTIONS/COMMENTS TO:

CONTENT EDITOREXPLORE THE BIBLE:

QUICKSOURCE LEADER GUIDE

ONE LIFEWAY PLAZA

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COVER AND INSIDE PHOTOS:

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WRITERS

DAVID JENKINS is a retired pastor living in Gilmer, TX. He writes for many LifeWay Bible studies and periodicals.

JOELLEN TAYLOR has 25 years ministry experience with her husband, Linc Taylor. She is currently serving as missions assistant at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, TN.

Explore the Bible: QuickSource (ISSN 1547-1764; Item 005075279) is published quarterly by LifeWay, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2014 LifeWay.

For ordering or inquiries visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, email [email protected], fax 615.251.5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email [email protected], fax 615.251.5933, or write to the above address.

We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.LifeWay.com/doctrinalguideline.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers®. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

AMP—Scripture quotations taken from The Amplified® Bible. copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by persmission. (www.lockman.org) ASV—American Standard Version (public domain) CEV—Contemporary English Version® Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. ESV— The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV® Text Edition: 2011. All rights reserved. KJV—King James Version (public domain) MSG—Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. NASB— Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. NIV— THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NKJV— Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NLT— Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. NRSV—New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All Web sites in this resource were reviewed and verified on 14 March 2014.

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A WORD FROM THE GENERAL EDITOR

Providence is God using what is frequently called chance or mistakes to stitch events into a tapestry of meaning. It refers to God’s governance of all events as He directs them toward His intended end. The Old Testament Books of Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah provide a beautiful picture of God’s providence over the smallest of circumstances for the purpose of redeeming His people.

Too often we miss rich truths that can be discovered from exploring Old Testament books of the Bible. Ancient peoples and

distant lands don’t always appear, at first glance, to be the most relevant for our own situation. Yet we do ourselves a disservice if we neglect the study of God’s dealings with His people under the old covenant. We miss portraits of the God who calls, chastens, heals, nourishes, fights and provides for, and ultimately redeems His people. We too need this God.

In the New Testament, Paul writes that Old Testament things were written for our instruction (1 Cor. 10:11). If a royal butler together with a theologian can rebuild a nation amid staunch opposition, if an attractive peasant girl can become queen just in time to prevent ethnic genocide, we can be encouraged that there is nothing God cannot do.

We hope this study of Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah will strengthen your faith in the God who orders all things for His renown and for the joy of His people.

Tony Evans

Tony Evans is senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas, and is founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. For more information about the ministries of Dr. Tony Evans, please visit TonyEvans.org.

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6 E x pl or e t h e Bi bl e

TWO WAYS TO USE QUICKSOURCE

AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE EXPLORE THE BIBLE LEADER GUIDE

1. After completing your study using the commentary provided in the Explore the Bible Leader Guide, consult the Exploring Key Words section and the Talking Points page for additional insight or as a review.

2. After creating your initial plans for guiding the group time using the suggestions included in the Leader Guide, supplement and refine your plan using the ideas found in QuickSource. You will also want to consult the Explore the Bible blog (LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible) or Explore the Bible MinistryGrid page (MinistryGrid.com/web/ExploreTheBible) for additional ideas.

AS YOUR PRIMARY RESOURCE FOR PREPARING TO LEAD A SMALL BIBLE STUDY GROUP

1. Read and study the core passage.

Use Exploring Key Words on the first page of the session content to gain an understanding of the passage. Consult a study Bible like the HCSB Study Bible (also available online at MyStudyBible.com) and a Bible commentary like the Explore the Bible Adult Commentary (available at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible in both print and digital formats) to gain additional insight into the passage.

2. Review the outline provided on the Talking Points page (page 2 of each session).

Record ideas and insights gleaned from your personal study time. Note: You may want to make a photocopy of the Talking Points page so you can use QuickSource again in the future.

3. Review the questions on the Discussion Plan page (page 3 of each session).

Identify the questions you believe would work best with the group you are leading. Reword the selected questions to reflect your personality and the personality of the group. Record the reworded questions on the Talking Points page (or the photocopy you made of the page) next to the point related to the question. Remember to arrange the questions so that you are leading the group to a conclusion or action.

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T wo Way s t o Use Q u ick S ou rc e 7

4. Consider ways of using the Object Lesson idea (page 4 of each session).

Brainstorm other ideas sparked by the object lesson suggestion.

5. Read the Dig Deeper feature (page 4 of each session).

Add insights gained from this page to the Talking Points page.

6. Use the Personal Study Guide (PSG).

Scan a copy of the Personal Study Guide (PSG), looking for additional questions and the Bible skill feature. Consider ways of incorporating the Bible skill into the session, recording your ideas on the Talking Points page. Record additional questions from the PSG on the Talking Points page as well.

7. Review and refine.

Consult the Explore the Bible blog (Blog.LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible) or Explore the Bible Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid.com/web/ExploreTheBible) for additional ideas.

8. Arrive early.

The group time starts when the first person arrives. Make sure you are that person so you can set the tone and direction for the group Bible study time.

9. Lead the group in a time of Bible study.

Carry the Talking Points page into the class, using this page as your guide for leading the group.

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8 E x pl or e t h e Bi bl e | Q u ick S ou rc e

INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER, EZRA, AND NEHEMIAHJohn Woolman, an 18th-century American Quaker, dedicated his adult life to the cause of abolishing slavery in colonial America. Woolman possessed such moral power and influence—especially among his fellow Quakers—that he convinced many slaveholders to free their slaves. In doing so, Woolman demonstrated the power of one person, under God, to stand for what is right.

The impetus of Woolman’s example came straight out of Scripture. The Bible is filled with accounts of men and women who trusted in God and took courageous stands to live for Him. Some of them faced the fearful prospect of martyrdom, yet did not back down from their devotion to the Living God. God used such men and women to advance His kingdom purposes.

These Bible studies focus on a trio of courageous, faithful individuals: Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The Bible books named for these individuals are part of the history of Israel, God’s Old Testament people. All three books are set in the fifth century B.C., as the long decades of the Babylonian exile were drawing to a close. Challenges and dangers still abounded for God’s people. Yet God called out bold leaders who were born for such a time as this.

BACKGROUND

Writer(s)—The Book of Esther does not name its writer. Early Jewish and Christian traditions suggest that among the people named in the book, Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and guardian, was in the best position to record the events. The writer possessed great literary skill, especially in developing plot and narrative tension.

Originally, the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah comprised one book, which, like the Book of Esther, do not identify the writer. Early Jewish tradition suggested that Ezra wrote the entire work. Some recent scholars have proposed that Ezra-Nehemiah was written (or at least compiled) by the same person responsible for 1-2 Chronicles. Portions of both Ezra (chap. 8–9) and Nehemiah (chap. 1–7; 12:27–13:31) are written in first person, indicating that the two men originally may have written those sections.

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9I n t roduc t ion t o E s t h er , Ez r a , a n d Neh em i a h

Date(s)—In terms of the events covered in the books, events in Ezra span a period from 538–457 B.C. Events in Esther cover 486–465 B.C., the years of the reign of Ahasuerus over Persia. Events in Nehemiah cover the period from 445 to 430 B.C.

In terms of when the books were written, we cannot be certain. If written by Mordecai, Esther probably was written soon after the events described. Ezra-Nehemiah likely was written soon after Nehemiah’s ministry concluded in 430 B.C.

KEY THEMES

These three books highlight several key themes, revealing that one believer can truly make a difference by demonstrating bold faith in the Living God.

Dangerous times call for courageous stands. Mordecai suggested to Esther that she was born for such a time as the Jews faced under Ahasuerus. The events of Esther’s life unfolded so that God’s providential care for His people was realized. Because of her faith and boldness, God’s people were freed to defend themselves against and, ultimately, be delivered from evil.

Dispirited people need hopeful leaders. Ezra the priest showed how God fulfilled His promises announced by the prophets. He led in the restoration of the patterns of true worship, rebuilt the altar and the temple, and demanded holiness within the community of God’s people. He was God’s man for the time, doing God’s work.

Difficult situations require godly leadership. Nehemiah did more than lead a construction project; he led the people to correct injustices, to return to worship, and to be spiritually renewed.

God will not allow His plan of salvation to fail. Whether behind the scenes (providence) or by direct answer to His people’s prayers, God ensures the success of His purposes. This includes preserving the people through whom He would send the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to provide salvation from sin to all who believe in Him.

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OUTLINES OF ESTHER, EZRA, AND NEHEMIAH

OUTLINE OF ESTHER

I. A Replacement Queen (Esth. 1:1–2:20)

II. A Dangerous Threat to God’s People (Esth. 2:21–3:15)

III. Esther’s Daring Decision (Esth. 4:1–5:14)

IV. The Great Reversal (Esth. 6:1–10:3)

OUTLINE OF EZRA

I. Return from Exile (Ezra 1:1–6:22)

II. Reform Through Ezra (Ezra 7:1–10:44)

OUTLINE OF NEHEMIAH

I. Rebuilding the Walls (Neh. 1:1–6:19)

II. Restoration of the Community (Neh. 7:1–13:31)

The outlines of Esther, Ezra, and Nehemiah are adapted from the HCSB Study Bible © 2010 B&H Publishing Group, pages 806, 756, and 775. Used by permission.

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For additional commentary, see the Leader Guide or Adult

Commentary, available for purchase at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

11Dat e of My Bi bl e St u dy: _________

SESSION 1

DELIVERANCE IS NEEDED

ESTHER 3:1-9 1 After all this took place, King Ahasuerusa honored Haman,b son of Hammedatha the Agagite. He promoted him in rank and gave him a higher position than all the other officials.c 2 The entire royal staff at the King’s Gated bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecaie would not bow down or pay homage. 3 The members of the royal staff at the King’s Gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.f

5 When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage. 6 And when he learned of Mordecai’s ethnic identity, Haman decided not to do away withg Mordecai alone. He planned to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout Ahasuerus’s kingdom.

7 In the first month, the month of Nisan,h in King Ahasuerus’s twelfth year, Pur (that is, the lot) was casti before Haman for each day in each month, and it fell on the twelfth month, the month Adar.j 8 Then Haman informed King Ahasuerus, “There is one ethnic group, scattered throughout the peoples in every province of your kingdom, yet living in isolation.k Their laws are different from everyone else’s and they do not obey the king’s laws. It is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. 9 If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tonsl of silver to the accountants for deposit in the royal treasury.” m

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa Hebrew name of the Persian emperor who ruled from 486–465 B.C. and made Esther his queen; also known as Xerxes I

b The name “Haman” means “magnificent.” He held the position equivalent to prime minister over the Persian Empire.

c “nobles” (NIV); “princes” (KJV); from the Hebrew meaning “to rule over, govern”

d a place of public meeting

e name meaning “little man”; Esther’s cousin who raised her after her parents died; counseled Esther in saving Jews from slaughter

f originally applied to the two tribes of the Southern Kingdom, Judah and Benjamin; later this title was extended to embrace all descendants of Abraham.

g literally “stretch out a hand against”

h literally “the month of flowers”; Nisan was the first month of the Jewish year in which Passover occurred, corresponding to the month of April.

i an object used in casting or drawing lots; consisted of bits or small tablets; the “lot” that fell out first was the one chosen; commonly used to determine the direction of God’s will (see Lev. 16:8-10; Num. 26:55; 34:13; Josh. 7:14,18; 1 Sam. 10:20-21; Acts 1:24-26).

j the twelfth month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding to March and April

k“separate” (NIV); “scattered” (NASB)

l “10,000 talents” (NIV); “750,000 pounds of silver”

m king’s treasure house

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


MORDECAI HONORS GOD ONLY (Esth. 3:1-5)• Haman expected everyone to pay him homage per the king’s

command. When Mordecai refused to do so because of his loyalty to the one true God, Haman responded with a fit of rage.

GENOCIDE PLANNED (Esth. 3:6-9)• Haman cleverly secured a royal edict to eliminate Mordecai and all

members of his people group, the Jews.

• By securing a royal edict, Haman’s plot seemed sure and irreversible.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• God’s people can bring honor to God when facing persecution and

misunderstanding.

• Pride left unchecked opens the door for greater sin, including the evils of ethnic and religious hatred.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

13Se ssion 1 : Del i v er a nc e I s Needed

ESTHER 3:6-9What evidences and effects of pride do you see in Haman and in his responses? How does arrogance set us up to respond in ungodly ways?• Pride and self-centeredness are nefarious and subtle, infecting

the ways we view ourselves and others. Selfishness blocks our ability to value anything or anyone else but self, and justifies any means to remove obstacles between us and what we want.

• Haman’s arrogance, and perhaps his grudge against God’s people, was well known and set him up for an irrational and hate-filled response.

How did the life of every Jewish person living under the reign of King Ahasuerus instantly change when Haman obtained the decree from the king? What effect might the decree have had on the society as a whole? • What options did the Hebrews have after the edict was read?

Ignition of the countdown to genocide had begun. Doomsday was a on the calendar, and none were free to leave.

• Those in the Persian melting pot who opposed God and hated His people were now unconstrained in their threats toward the Jews.

When all you can see is a foreboding fortress of evil around you—unbearably hard steps forward, disease, hopelessness, injustice—how do you stay focused on knowing that God will guide and encourage you? • Remembering the truths we know about God and His ways is

helpful: He is good, we can’t see all He is doing, but we know God can and will save and heal.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWhat helps us as believers to stand firm in our confession of Christ even in fearful situations? What biblical truths can we lean on in times of hopelessness and fear? How can Christ-followers prepare for these kinds of challenges? • Be secure in the truths you know about God from Scripture.

Look for wisdom in what you know to be true, not to feelings or circumstances.

• Determine at your core that you will worship God first, giving His place of priority to no one else.

• Personal Challenge: Opposition, and even persecution, comes to all believers, and we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens. We can trust God to give us the courage we need in the moment to stand for right, even if we have to do it alone.

FOCUS ATTENTIONWhat fears and factors make it difficult to choose the right thing, especially when opposition will certainly come?• When God’s people choose to do and say godly things, opposition,

and even hatred, can quickly spring up against them. We shouldn’t be surprised when this happens, and we can respond wisely by communicating God’s truth and love clearly. Sometimes the opportunity to stand for the right thing is actually a defining moment that shapes and defines our faith journey. We can trust God for courage and wisdom in these moments of decision.

EXPLORE THE TEXT ESTHER 3:1-5Based on Esther 1–2, what can we gather about the character of Esther and Mordecai? How would you explain the relationship between a person’s character and his or her ability to respond to challenging circumstances in a godly way? What can we discern about Esther and Mordecai’s relationship with God? • The Jews were a conquered people living in an alien society at

the pleasure of a succession of fickle kings. Many generations had, in Esther’s time, been born in Babylon, far from the homeland of the Jews (God’s promised land). Esther was queen during the period of exile between the time of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the return of the Israelites back to Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra.

• Mordecai had a profound understanding of both the culture he lived in and the importance of preserving the Jewish people as a nation. He demonstrated solid faith that God would deliver them.

Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman? What can we learn about Haman and Mordecai from their actions? • We don’t know all the reasons Mordecai’s conscience would not

allow him to bow down to Haman. Yet, in that instance, yielding homage to Haman went against everything Mordecai stood for—so much so that he risked his life by remaining standing.

• God wasn’t finished unfolding His plan through His chosen people. He was working through their judgment and for their restoration and deliverance as a nation. And through them, He was also working for the restoration and deliverance of all people through the coming Christ.

What worldly things today pressure us to bow to them? How can believers respond when confronted with conflicting religious and political demands? • Then and now, His followers can stand in polite but firm defiance

against counterfeit gods.

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OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. Anna B Warner. “Jesus Loves Me,” Worship Hymnal (Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 2008), 652.

or brush? Compare the size of the match flame to its potential for destruction.

Say: Haman held a reserve of hatred for the Jews that was ready to burn, and he had gained the influence to make his vendetta into a kingdom-wide genocidal reality.

Ask: When have you recently seen anger and pride burn out of control in a destructive way? How do pride and self-centeredness, like Haman’s, create an atmosphere that’s friendly to out of control anger, like dry grass is to fire?

BOX OF MATCHES As the group begins to focus, take out the box of matches, placing it in plain sight. Remove one match from the box.

Summarize: The nation of Israel was a conquered people living in the cities of Babylon decade after decade under the shifting control of foreign conquering powers. Their homeland was a distant wasteland; the temple in Jerusalem destroyed. As the memories of their promised home faded, God preserved Israel’s uniqueness as His people through prophets and taught them it was possible to remain set apart, even during long seasons of exile. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had lived beautiful examples of faith under duress, but more and more of the Jews only remembered them through stories. As the years passed, it became easier to blend into this Persian/Median melting pot of cultures.

Time and again the identity of God’s chosen people was endangered and His plan seemed failed and far away. But God, ever at work to save His people again, used the faithfulness and integrity of a man named Mordecai.

Call for a volunteer to read Esther 3:1-5. Then ask: How are anger and fire alike? While the match burns, recall Mordecai’s refusal to bow to Haman. Mordecai’s refusal was the flashpoint that ignited Haman’s pride and irrational anger into a dangerous flame. (Note: Refrain from striking the match to avoid setting off smoke alarms.)

Ask: What happens when a lit match or spark lands on dry grass

GOOD GUYS AND BAD GUYSFrom fairy tales to in-depth novels, many good stories revolve around the relationship between a hero and a villain. This passage introduces us to both characters. The villain is Haman—recently promoted to a position above all other officials, ambitious, full of “swagger,” and possessing a cutthroat determination to destroy anything standing between him and his ambitions.

In contrast, we also meet our hero, the mild-mannered Mordecai. As a Jew, Mordecai was part of a small minority of the population of Persia. Yet, through faithful service, he had risen from the place of a former Babylonian exile to a place of leadership in the administration of King Ahasuerus. In fact, Mordecai’s alertness stopped an assassination attempt on the king (see Esth. 2:21-23). In addition, he was a devoted father figure to his adopted niece, Esther (see Esth. 2:7).

Mordecai’s allegiance to the administration of Ahasuerus ceased when Haman required reverence that God alone

deserves. Mordecai was one individual among all the king’s officials. (Look again at the meaning of his name on p. 11.) Many would identify his dissent as small and insignificant in the grand scheme, but not Haman. People often mistakenly think bigger is better. However, Scripture repeatedly affirms how effectively God uses small things: Gideon’s 300-man army defeated the massive Midianite forces (Judg. 7:1-22); merely five loves and two fish fed 5,000 people (John 6:1-13); Jesus said the faith of a mustard seed was sufficient to move a mountain (Matt. 17:20). And ultimately, it was the small team of Mordecai and Esther that averted the destruction of the Hebrew people.

To God, less can be more. Jesus told His followers: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13a). Just as a little salt seasons a much greater quantity of food, our small, devoted actions can make a difference against the challenges we face in this world. Remember the truth expressed in Anna B. Warner’s classic children’s hymn: “They are weak, but He is strong.”1

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 2

GOD PROVIDES DELIVERANCE

ESTHER 4:6-176 So Hathacha went out to Mordecai in the city square in front of the King’s Gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened as well as the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay the royal treasury for the slaughter of the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decreeb issued in Susac ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command d her to approach the king, implore his favor,e and pleadf with him personally for her people. 9 Hathach came and repeated Mordecai’s response to Esther.

10 Esther spoke to Hathach and commanded him to tell Mordecai, 11 “All the royal officials and the people of the royal provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner courtyard and who has not been summoned—the death penalty. Only if the king extends the gold scepterg will that person live. I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the last 30 days.” 12 Esther’s response was reported to Mordecai.

13 Mordecai told the messenger to reply to Esther, “Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace. 14 If you keep silent at this time, liberationh and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal positioni for such a time as this.”

15 Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fastj for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, day or night. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” 17 So Mordecai went and did everything Esther had ordered him.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa servant of the Persian emperor; assigned to Queen Esther; served as faithful messenger between Esther and Mordecai at a critical time

b law, edict, regulation

c capitol of the Medo-Persian Empire

d “instruct” (NIV)

e “mercy” (NIV); “supplication” (KJV, ASV); to be gracious, show favor, or pity (see Job 9:15; Prov. 16:14-15; Ecc. 10:4)

f to seek, require, desire, exact, request (see Neh. 2:3-5; Prov. 21:1)

g a rod or mace used by a sovereign as a symbol of royal authority; while most scepters were made of wood, the description of Ahasuerus’ scepter as being “gold” probably means it was solid gold.

h “enlargement” (KJV); “relief” (NIV)

i “kingdom” (KJV); “royalty” (NASB)

j literally “to afflict soul or self” as a means of appealing to God’s pity. While Jewish fasts had varying degrees of strictness, Esther’s fast appears to involve a complete absence of food.

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


MORDECAI’S REVEAL (Esth. 4:6-9)• Mordecai provided Esther with information about Haman’s plot,

anticipating her taking action.

ESTHER’S HESITATION (Esth. 4:10-12)• Esther was hesitant, fearing for her life if she took action.

• She knew there would be a risk if she approached the king without being summoned.

MORDECAI’S APPEAL (Esth. 4:13-14)• Mordecai appealed to common sense and God’s providence in an effort

to prod Esther to action.

ESTHER’S RESOLVE (Esth. 4:15-17)• Esther agreed to approach the king but only after a time of fasting.

• She left the results in the hands of God, knowing she had little control over the reaction of the king.

• Note: Fasting in Jewish culture was a form of prayer and submission to God.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Believers have the responsibility to act upon the truth we have.

• Obedience can involve risks, but not as great a risk as failing to obey.

• We can plead with others, helping them understand reality.

• We can take action within God’s providence, leaving the results to Him.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

17Se ssion 2 : G od P rov i de s Del i v er a nc e

FOCUS ATTENTIONWhen have you seen God provide the exact thing you needed to help or encourage you? • Mordecai’s act of refusal set off a firestorm of hatred and an

edict, mandating genocide of the Jews. Due to Mordecai’s advice, no one in the palace knew Esther was Jewish. She had the faith, people skills, and position to make a unique difference.

EXPLORE THE TEXT ESTHER 4:6-9Why was Mordecai intent on making Esther understand what was happening outside the palace? How have you experienced God’s equipping, protection, and provision for something He’s called you to do?• Like Esther, we shouldn’t dwell on evil, but we need to be aware

of the spiritual battle taking place against God and His purposes.

• God provided Esther with a trustworthy messenger who could translate, explain the ramifications of the law, and convey crucial messages between her and Mordecai.

What experiences from their history could the Jews draw from to be reminded that God is able to rescue His people? How would you explain the value of remembering and reflecting on God’s faithfulness?• The defining account of Israel’s history, the exodus, provided

evidence and encouragement that God does not forget His people. In fact, He refines them through the difficulty.

Who would you look to as an example of how to live a courageous faith in a dangerous place? How can we pray consistently for Christians in dangerous circumstances today?• Esther faced the possibility of losing her life, but she was the only

Jew in the kingdom who placed her life at risk by choice.

ESTHER 4:10-12 Esther’s response to Mordecai implied, “Do you realize what you’re asking me to do?!?” What might cause you to ask God the same question? • Through prayer, Scripture, and other believers (such as Mordecai

was to Esther), we will be encouraged to be strong and courageous. God won’t abandon us.

What Scripture passages and biblical examples are comforting for you in times of fear? • Upon hearing the news that all the Jews were to be killed Esther

became “overcome with fear” (4:4).

• God gave boldness, conviction, and faith stronger than fear to Joshua, David, Esther, Paul, and so many others—and He does for us as well. Share a time God has helped you overcome fear.

• Esther was hidden in plain sight because neither Haman nor the king knew she was Jewish. Mordecai asked her to move from

relative safety right into the crosshairs—to lay her life down for her people. He wanted her to tap into the faith he had nurtured in her throughout her life.

How can the courage or fear we display affect the body of Christ as a whole?• If we yield to fear in our Christian lives, the people we influence

can get the message that God isn’t strong enough to be trusted. Our actions in every area affect the health of the body of Christ.

ESTHER 4:13-14When have you sensed that God positioned you (or another believer) at just the right place and time to do something for His glory? How did this change your response to the people and situations around you? • As Christians mature, they begin to understand trials and find

opportunities to stand up for the right things as a part of God’s larger plan.

How would you explain Mordecai’s confidence that God would rescue the Jews from extinction some other way if Esther chose not to intervene? • Mordecai knew God had promised to restore them.

Understanding God’s bigger redemptive story, promises, and plan can help us trust Him confidently.

In what ways was Mordecai’s direct statement to Esther in verses 13-14 a turning point for her? • Mordecai didn’t hesitate to remind Esther of truth, even if it

made her uncomfortable or required a costly response.

• There’s more at stake than our own plans, comfort, or perspective. God asks us to yield to His plans over our own.

ESTHER 4:15-17How did God use those days of prayer in Esther’s life? • God used Esther to deliver His people, reminding them who they

were and to Whom they belonged.

• God rescues and is completely able to save.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEIn your experience, what is one outcome of courage and faith in God through hard times? • Hard times, where new levels of trust in God are needed,

enable us to see with clearer perspective and grow us in our understanding of the character of God. Ask: How are our lives different when we pray with Esther’s kind of urgency?

• Personal Challenge: Silently consider this question: If you aren’t taking any risks, are you fully obeying God right now?

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. Billy Graham, “God’s Hand On My Life,” Newsweek, March 29, 1999, 65.

A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

PHOTOS OF FIREFIGHTERS PUTTING OUT A RAGING FIRE OR FOREST FIRE. (Note: This is a continuation of the previous week’s lesson in Esther, where the match was the object lesson. If possible, bring the matches again to show while reviewing the previous week’s truths. Given the historical nature of the book, it is important to connect the larger story.)

Explain: A fire extinguisher is valuable because of its ability, but only useful because of its availability. If it’s not in the right place at the right time, it can’t be used to put out fires. Having a healthy understanding and awareness of where God has put us makes us more useful to Him.

Being in the right place at the right time goes beyond the physical. When we remain focused on the Lord throughout every aspect of our lives, we are right where He wants us to be, available to be used by Him as He sees fit.

God used Esther to put out the fire of hatred and genocide Haman ignited. God had placed her in just the right place at just the right time to be used to bring reason and justice to the situation.

Ask: How does this fire extinguisher symbolize Esther’s life? How might God use you where you’ve been placed to bring glory to Him?

DIVINE GUIDANCETo encourage Esther to risk interceding with the king about averting Haman’s plan, Mordecai appealed to the idea of God’s providence (see Esth. 4:14b). Was Esther’s selection as queen a tribute to her natural beauty and charm? Was it simply good fortune? Or was this actually the fulfillment of a divinely orchestrated plan? Mordecai suggested that everything occurred in just such a way so that Esther would be strategically placed where she could prevent a massacre of the Hebrew people.

While Esther accepted her role as an agent of God’s plan, we see also that she was very intentional in her own actions, beginning with fasting and prayer (see Esth. 4:16). We witness here a balance between God’s endeavors to bring about His chosen plan alongside Esther’s choice to influence this same outcome.

The dynamic working relationship between the sovereignty of God and the free will of humanity is beyond our ability to

grasp fully. However, what Christians can do is make choices in harmony with God’s great schemes. Like Esther, we should pray for faith to know and to do His will. Rest assured, God wants us to be where He lead, even more than we want to be there. As the proverb leads, “Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths” (Prov. 3:6).

It is comforting to know that in an infinite number of ways, God is at work to bring us where we need to be to fulfill His purpose. In dimensions beyond number—with us, through us, for us, and even in spite of us—His kingdom comes together. Billy Graham said, “I am convinced one of the joys of heaven will be discovering the hidden ways that God, in his sovereignty, acted in our lives on earth to protect us and guide us so as to bring glory to his name, in spite of our frailty.”1

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 3

GOD PROVIDES A SAVIOR

LUKE 2:8-20 8 In the same region, shepherdsa were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.b 9 Then an angel of the Lordc stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good newsd of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior,e who is Messiahf the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”g

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!h

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehemi and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough.i 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditatingj on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa responsible for defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and earning their trust; Jesus called Himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11); later associated with the office of pastor (see John 21:16; 1 Pet. 5:1-2)

b a literal flock of sheep; in other places, the word is used metaphorically of Christ’s followers (see Matt. 26:31; Luke 12:32; Acts 20:28).

c supernatural being who bears a message on behalf of God; in the KJV, “angel of the LORD” occurs approximately 64 times, always in the singular.

d from the Greek meaning “evangelism”; refers to the glad tidings of the coming kingdom of God—of the salvation to be obtained through Christ and what that means for the believer

e literally “one who saves”; refers to Jesus Christ (see John 4:42; Acts 5:31; Eph. 5:23; Phil. 3:20; 1 Tim. 2:3; 2 Tim. 1:10, Titus 1:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:2,18; 1 John 4:14).

f “anointed one”; “Christ” (KJV, NASB)

g The place in a stall or stable where the food of cattle was placed. An ancient manger could be a free-standing trough, or a ledge or “shelf” in a wall on which food for the animals was placed. This resting place of the baby was the unique characteristic that led the shepherds to Jesus.

h The people whom God favors are those who have found God’s undeserved grace through His Son Jesus Christ.

i approximately six miles south of Jerusalem; prophesied as the birthplace of Jesus in Micah 5:2

j “pondering” (ESV, NASB); to bring together in one’s mind; confer with one’s self; to treasure

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


THE SAVIOR ANNOUNCED (Luke 2:8-14) • Angels announced the arrival of the Savior to shepherds and praised

God for showing His favor.

THE SAVIOR FOUND (Luke 2:15-16) • The shepherds sought Jesus based on the angel’s message about

Jesus’ birth.

• They found Jesus just as He had been described by the angel.

THE SAVIOR PROCLAIMED (Luke 2:17-20)• The shepherds told others, including Joseph and Mary, what the angel

told them about the One they found.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• The gospel message still amazes and awes people today.

• We can find evidence that Jesus came as the Messiah to provide salvation.

• Believers are responsible for telling others about the Messiah, focusing on the truth of the gospel.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

21Se ssion 3 : G od P rov i de s a Sav ior

FOCUS ATTENTIONHow do you and your family members typically respond when something shocking and unpredictable happens? • We are a people accustomed to making plans. Disappointment,

irritation, or even fear can overwhelm the enjoyment of an unexpected outcome, even if it’s a good one.

EXPLORE THE TEXT LUKE 2:8-14Why might God have chosen to announce His Son’s birth to shepherds? • Think of all the places in Scripture we read about shepherds or

sheep. This seems to be a picture that’s dear to God with many implications that help us understand the character of God and our own helplessness without the Shepherd.

• It’s amazing to think that these shepherds who raised lambs whose blood temporarily covered the sins of the people got to meet the Lamb of God first.

What significance do you see in the angels’ appearance happening at night? • The sheep were most vulnerable at night. Some shepherds slept,

while others listened to every noise, keeping alert in the stillness.

• The hillsides around Bethlehem slope significantly and are filled with caves. The angels’ voices reverberating off the rocky slopes and supernatural light bathing every inch of ground surely stunned the shepherds. What if the angel “choir” was more like an army bursting forth in an exultant victory chant? The shepherds were among the few privileged to see, like Elijah’s servant, the divider between earth and heaven drawn back for a moment.

• It’s hard to escape the significance of the Light of the world arriving in the middle of a night dark as pitch. It’s important to understand darkness in order to fully appreciate the gift of light. Nothing illustrates the reality of being lost as well as disorientation in a completely dark place.

• Sin brings about separation, confusion, and death. They were, and we are, a people desperately in need of Light.

Why did the angel identify Jesus so specifically as “Savior” and “Messiah the Lord” (v. 11)?• No secrecy surrounded Jesus’ identity. All of history—specifically

the promises made to Adam and Eve, Abraham, and all of Israel—was made whole and given meaning by the arrival of Messiah. God’s Word was verified, and Jesus was the proof.

LUKE 2:15-16Explain the significance of the shepherds finding everything just as the angel said it would be. • The angel’s proclamation confirmed everything the shepherds

were told—most importantly Jesus’ identity.

What can you appreciate about the immediacy of the shepherds’ response? • Not everyone in Jesus’ day responded immediately to the

good news that Jesus had come. Responsiveness to God says something about a person’s heart condition.

• The shepherds may have been simple men in regard to education, but they knew a God moment when they saw it. Granted, this bright moment would have been hard to miss, but many who saw miracles still did not follow.

Who else in Scripture, besides the shepherds, responded immediately once they realized who Jesus was? • The childlike faith Jesus pointed to in Mark 10:15 as genuine

is known by responsiveness. Children respond in love without processing first or worrying—willingly responding and trusting God to have answers for the questions that will come later.

LUKE 2:17-20What qualified the shepherds to be the first news-bearers regarding the birth of Christ? How did they respond? • We don’t need special knowledge to share the wonder of Jesus

with people. We just need to have met Him ourselves.

• People respond to genuinely transformed lives.

What would it have meant to Mary and Joseph to see the shepherds and hear their story? • The appearance of the shepherds confirmed God was at work.

This confirmation came at a welcome time, since every new parent feels vulnerable when considering the responsibility of raising a baby; yet they were charged with rearing God’s Son.

• The shepherds responded to seeing Baby Jesus and gave all honor and recognition to God for sending Him—and for including them in the celebration.

Since the message of Christ is entrusted to us, what is our responsibility regarding that message? • The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 gives us clear

instruction from Jesus. We are to bear the good news of who Jesus is and what He’s done everywhere we go.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEHow do you think the shepherds are a good model for people today? • Perhaps most of us are more similar to the shepherds than to

anyone else in the Nativity account. We are pursued by God, amazed at His goodness in sending Jesus, and we have the opportunity to respond the way they did.

• Personal Challenge: Record the pattern the shepherds left for us on a prominent place you’ll see every day. Give some thought this week to mimic the shepherds: 1) hear, 2) respond, 3) share.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. Charles Wesley, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Worship Hymnal (Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 1991), 88.

SEVERAL SHEPHERDS FROM NATIVITY SETS—AS DIFFERENT AS POSSIBLE.Bring several shepherds from Nativity sets you have, or enlist class members to bring the shepherds from theirs.

Explain: Though all the shepherds will be different, they will have the same expressions on their faces—likely calm, serene, and peaceful. We are so used to the cultural images we see regarding the night of Jesus’ birth, but let’s imagine the shepherds’ faces.

Ask: What do you think the shepherds’ faces would have really looked like at the angel’s announcement? When the multitude filled the sky to declare glory to God? (The Bible doesn’t mention singing.)

At the manger, they experienced the proof of everything the angels said.

Ask: What might your face have looked like? Encourage the group to demonstrate what their faces may look like or to draw or use text emoji to illustrate their expressions.

Lead in a discussion of how we can maintain childlike expressions of wonder and amazement at Christ throughout our lives.

HOME SWEET HOMEThe word “nativity” comes from the same Latin origin as the word “native.” Yet the irony is that, in the Nativity story, none of the characters were in their native place: the shepherds left their fields; Mary and Joseph were away from their home of Nazareth; later the wise men travel from a foreign land in their quest to find the one born King of the Jews; and most amazing is that Jesus left His heavenly home to dwell in our world.

For most folks, the Christmas season holds a close association with home. People make great efforts and travel long distances just to be home for Christmas. Yet when Jesus was born, He left His native heaven to be with us. As John puts it in the first chapter of his Gospel: “The Word became flesh and took up residence among us” (John 1:14). Paul describes Jesus’ journey in this way: “(Jesus) who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men

(Phil. 2:6-7a). The familiar Christmas carol, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” offers this simple yet profound theological statement: “Mild He lays His glory by.”1 Think of it! He came to where we are so we could go to be where He is!

Yet in the story of the Nativity we do find the characters eventually returning home. The shepherds are the first. But because of their encounter with Jesus, they go back as far different people than when they arrived. Returning to their fields, “they reported the message they were told about this child, all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:17-18).

The good news of Jesus’ arrival continues to bring great joy to those who receive it. It is the privilege of those people who have received the good news to evangelize by sharing the message of the Savior’s birth to all who will hear. Someone told you about Jesus’ birth. Who will you tell?

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 4

GOD ORDAINS RESTORATION

EZRA 3:1-7,10-11; 6:19-22 3:1 By the seventh month, the Israelites had settled in their towns, and the people gathered together in Jerusalem.a 2 Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers the priests along with Zerubbabelb son of Shealtiel and his brothers began to build the altar of Israel’s God in order to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God. 3 They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the LORD even though they feared the surrounding peoples. 4 They celebrated the Festival of Boothsc as prescribed, and offered burnt offerings each day, based on the number specified by ordinance for each festival day. 5 After that, they offered the regular burnt offering and the offerings for the beginning of each month and for all the LORD’s appointed holy occasions, as well as the freewill offerings brought to the LORD. 6 On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, even though the foundation of the LORD’s temple had not yet been laid. 7 They gave money to the stonecutters and artisans, and gave food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so they could bring cedar wood from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, according to the authorization given them by King Cyrusd of Persia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 When the builders had laid the foundation of the LORD’s temple,e the priests, dressed in their robes and holding trumpets, and the Levitesf descended from Asaph,g holding cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as King David of Israel had instructed. 11 They sang with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; His faithful love to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’s house had been laid.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:19 The exiles observed the Passoverh on the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 All of the priests and Levites were ceremonially clean, because they had purified themselves. They killed the Passover lambi for themselves, their priestly brothers, and all the exiles. 21 The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa Both Micah (Jer. 3:12) and Jeremiah (Jer. 7:14) prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem for her unfaithfulness to God. This destruction occurred at the hands of the Babylonians in 587 B.C. During the days of Ezra, the city was being rebuilt.

b grandson of King Jehoiachin; taken to Babylon in the first exile in 597 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar

c or “Feast of Tabernacles”; one of three pilgrimage feasts; reminder that their ancestors dwelt in tents in their wilderness journeys (see Lev. 23:34; Deut. 16:13,16; 31:10; 2 Chron. 8:13)

d founder of the Persians who defeated the Babylonians. His decree in 539 B.C. (see 2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4) set free the captive Hebrews that Babylon took during its rule.

e The people who saw the first temple wept as construction began on the second because they knew it would not compare to the splendor of the first.

f consecrated to God to perform the duties at the tabernacle (Ex. 29:1; Lev. 8:1); assisted the priests in their responsibilities (see 1 Chron. 6:31-48; 23:1-13,24-32; 2 Chron. 29:12-19).

g Following tradition established by David, Asaph’s descendants sang in the temple daily.

h “to spare”; an annual celebration of the exodus, commemorated with a meal, imitating the last meal of the Hebrews as slaves in Egypt

i Paul referred to Christ as “our Passover [who] has been sacrificed“ (1 Cor. 5:7; see also 1 Pet. 1:19).

j Hebrews who were not part of the exile but had remained faithful to the Lord. A New Testament title for Christians is “saints,” meaning “holy ones” who are separated from evil and devoted to God.

k Unleavened bread reflected the fact that the people had no time to put leaven in their bread before their hasty departure from Egypt.

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NOTESwith all who had separated themselvesj from the uncleanness of the Gentiles of the land in order to worship Yahweh, the God of Israel. 22 They observed the Festival of Unleavened Breadk for seven days with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful, having changed the Assyrian king’s attitude toward them, so that he supported them in the work on the house of the God of Israel.

THE ALTAR REBUILT (Ezra 3:1-7)• A first step in reestablishing Jewish worship was rebuilding the temple

altar. The temple altar was required for sacrifices to be made.

• The rebuilding of the altar made it possible for the exiles to be obedient to the law, including the observance of the Festival of Booths.

THE TEMPLE FOUNDATION REESTABLISHED (Ezra 3:10-11) • The exiles focused on the rebuilding of the temple.

• The leaders followed the practices established by David as they celebrated the rebuilding work on the temple.

• Although opposition to the work surfaced, eventually the temple was completed.

WORSHIP RESTORED (Ezra 6:19-22)• Upon the restoration of the temple, the Jews observed the Passover

and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

• This marked the renewal of religious life for the Jews who could once again live and worship in obedience to God’s Word.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Worship of God involves a sacrifice through which we find our greatest

joy (Rom. 12:1).

• Believers are to follow biblical guidelines for worship without compromising personal and cultural expression.

• We can acknowledge God’s grace and goodness by participating in regular worship.

@ 2014 LifeWay

DISCUSSION PLAN

25Se ssion 4 : G od Or da i ns R e s t or at ion

FOCUS ATTENTIONIs there a certain home place that gives meaning to the past and origin of identity for you? Why do you believe families, schools, churches, athletic teams, and military units all place priority on reunions and homecomings? • Returning back to our roots gives a context and a frame for our

future. For Christians, reflecting on God’s great gift, Jesus Christ, gives proper perspective on everything else.

• The people knew that their own disobedience and idolatry had required the discipline of God and resulted in their humiliation and exile from their land. Once again, God acted in mercy and brought them home—physically and spiritually.

EXPLORE THE TEXT EZRA 3:1-7What do these verses reveal about sin and God? • Hopes and dreams, as well as healthy relationships and our

view of self, others, and God, can be wrecked by sin. God is the only one who can bring restoration in these wasted and broken places.

• God’s ability to deliver and restore a relationship with His people is evident throughout Scripture. Being brought to right relationship with Him through Christ is the ultimate demonstration of restoration and renewal—from death to life.

What parallels do you see between the exiles’ return and the scattered stones of the altar being identified, gathered, and carefully put back into place? How did restoring sacrifices in Jerusalem help ready the people for the coming Messiah? • Though the altar builders faced fierce and persistent opposition

from others who had moved into Jerusalem, their desire to honor God motivated them beyond the fear.

• If the next generation of Israel—and the ones to follow—were to know God and worship Him, they needed the temple for the Day of Atonement. Provision for the covering of sin had to be made so the nation of Israel could be in right relationship with God—that is, until Jesus made the once-for-all blood payment.

• The sacrifices of animals at the altar were a constant reminder of the severity of sin. Though the people expected Him differently, the Messiah would not come as a political leader, but as the sacrificial Lamb, to take away the sins of all people.

EZRA 3:10-11What indications do you see that God preserved Israel’s identity during exile? • Scriptures had been preserved, along with an understanding

of the roles of priests, Levites, and the descendants of Asaph (temple singers and musicians).

• It’s likely that Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other priests working to rebuild the altar and the temple foundation had never even seen it before its destruction. Their fathers demonstrated great faith in God by teaching their sons priestly principles without knowing if or when they would return to Jerusalem or rebuild the temple.

How does participation in worship encourage the worshiper? How does our worship affect other members of the community of faith?• Returning from exile brought exceptional significance for the

people. When context or circumstances drive people to want more of God, worship is sweet and brings deep healing in the soul.

• Unified, corporate worship is vital. One way believers enjoy unity is to celebrate with joy when God delivers and restores. Remember to take time to hear about other believers’ journeys and celebrate God’s faithfulness with them.

How hard are you willing to work to lay the proper foundational disciplines for your family’s faith? • Many times we don’t want to put the work into preparation

steps, or spend time on important behind-the-scenes effort that we think won’t show, like the foundation of the temple. Yet Israel needed complete restoration—and that meant no shortcuts.

• The foundation of a believer’s life is Jesus. Everything else rests on the framework of knowing Christ as Savior. Surrendering to Christ and embracing His death on the cross as payment for our sin is the essential relationship on which all others depend.

EZRA 6:19-22How do you feel when things are made right in a strained relationship? How do you think the Israelites felt when they could once again live in right standing before God? • The words “joy” and “joyful” are used multiple times to

describe the Israelites’ frame of mind as they worshiped God and remembered His faithfulness in the past and in their own lives.

• As Christians, we have deep, unchanging reasons to be joyful no matter our circumstances.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE• What lessons will you take away from these passages about the

faithfulness of God and His people? How can you know that God always wants to restore those who are far from Him?

• Personal Challenge: Today, reflect on the moment when your relationship with Jesus Christ began. Spend time recording what/where you were before being saved and how that decision has influenced your life.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


Pray with the group for courage to recognize the need for and to yield to God’s restoring power.

PAINT ROLLER—HANDLE WITH ROLLER Display a paint roller with a handle. Share about a time you have painted a room, and the difference it makes. Paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to change the look of a room in your home or office.

Share a time your home needed a fix that paint couldn’t help. There are some things paint can’t fix—like holes in the wall,

structural damage, and so forth. The only thing a coat of paint can do is change the outward appearance.

Israel needed a total reset, in more ways than one. No shortcuts, temporary, or outward appearance spruce-ups would make a difference. When the exiles returned home, family by family, the Jerusalem they saw was much different than the one their parents and grandparents had been forcibly removed from. The temple was completely ruined, stones scattered and pushed down the mountainside.

Physical rebuilding, spiritual renewal, rekindling, and reforming the Jewish society in their homeland were all desperately needed. God had readied the right people to lead this process and opened the way through the Persian king.

We often try to gloss over or conceal our need for God to do major work in our hearts, priorities, and relationships—which is about as helpful as painting over a hole in the wall and expecting it to be fixed.

NEVER BEYOND REPAIRThe Book of Ezra records a season in the history of the Hebrew people when God fulfilled the prophetic words of Jeremiah (see Jer. 27:22). In Ezra, restoration is the theme. But the greatest restoration needed was far more than just the geographical return to their homeland. They needed to be restored spiritually.

Ezra tells of steps the Hebrews actively took to express their faith in the Lord. Note that this spiritual restoration also included the restoration (rebuilding) of the temple and the restoration (reinstitution) of the religious festivals of Booths, Passover, and Unleavened Bread—outward reflections of an inward restoration that God was doing in His people.

God is in the restoration business. The beloved words of the 23rd Psalm exclaim “He restoreth my soul” (Ps. 23:3a, KJV). Home improvement TV shows often feature restored houses, vehicles, and furniture. With work and expertise, these items return to their original splendor. Like the ancient Hebrew

children, our lives are in desperate need of restoration. The sins, mistakes, and transgressions we commit destroy

the beauty of our souls beyond our ability to repair. We are no more capable of restoring our own soul than a scuffed, scarred, and scratched piece of furniture is capable of restoring itself. Fortunately, the Lord restores us through the skillful touch of His grace. As a result, Paul says, “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).

A skilled craftsman sees an item not for what it is but for what it can be. He or she knows there is richness in a relic, art in an antique, and wealth in something weathered. Likewise, God lovingly sees us for the treasure He can make us, not the sinner we have made ourselves. The heavenly home He promises is a holy place restored from the curse of sin (see Rev 22:3a). Until then, He is faithful to continue working His restoration in us (see Phil. 1:6).

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 5

GOD COMMANDS OBEDIENCE

EZRA 7:1-10 1 After these events, during the reign of King Artaxerxesa of Persia,b Ezrac— Seraiah’s son, Azariah’s son, Hilkiah’s son, 2 Shallum’s son, Zadok’s son, Ahitub’s son, 3 Amariah’s son, Azariah’s son, Meraioth’s son, 4 Zerahiah’s son,Uzzi’s son, Bukki’s son, 5 Abishua’s son, Phinehas’s son, Eleazar’s son, Aaron the chief priest’s son 6 —came up from Babylon.d He was a scribee skilled in the law of Moses,f which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested because the hand of Yahwehg his God was on him. 7 Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servantsh accompanied him to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.i

8 Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, during the seventh year of the king. 9 He began the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month since the gracious hand of his Godj was on him. 10 Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa the Greek form of the name for the Persian king, Longimanus; reigned between 464 and 425 B.C.

b means “pure” or “splendid”; the empire of Persia (550 and 330 B.C. ) encompassed the territory from India to Egypt. It also included the whole of western Asia, the Arabian Desert, the Persian Gulf, and portions of Europe and Africa.

c a descendant of the ancient priest Aaron; a priest by birth. Ezra received permission from Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem to teach the law of the Lord.

d capital of the Babylonian Empire; Hebrews were taken into exile in Babylon following the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 597 B.C. Later, after Babylon fell to the Persians in 539 B.C., the Hebrews were permitted to return to Israel.

e part of the priests and Levites; while scribes carried out various other functions—such as recording events and transcribing copies of the law—during the exile in Babylon, educated scribes became the experts in God’s written Word—copying, preserving, and teaching it.

f ancient laws of the Hebrews attributed to Moses and contained in the first five books of the Old Testament. As a scribe, Ezra was a student of the law.

g The “hand of the Lord” is the symbol of His power (Ps. 138:7; 1 Pet. 5:6), denoting His favor (Ezra 7:6,28; Isa. 1:25; Luke 1:66), punishment (Ex. 9:3; Acts 13:11), protection (Ezra 8:31; Ezek. 1:3; John 10:29), and the fear it causes (Isa. 19:16).

h It’s estimated that Ezra organized 40,000+ Hebrews to return with him to Israel.

i interpreted as 458 B.C. (see Dan. 9:24-27)

j The hand of God usually carried a negative conno-tation, but not in the Books of Ezra or Nehemiah.

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


EZRA’S HERITAGE (Ezra 7:1-6)• As a direct descendant of Aaron, Ezra was uniquely qualified to be a

leader in the return.

EZRA’S JOURNEY (Ezra 7:7-9) • Ezra was part of a larger group that traveled to Jerusalem to

reestablish the Jewish nation. This reestablishing was part of God’s redemptive plan.

EZRA’S GOAL (Ezra 7:10)• Ezra arrived in Jerusalem with a clear goal of teaching God’s statutes to

His people.

• To do so, Ezra would need to know those statutes and be an example for all to see.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• God gifts individuals to serve His people, placing them in positions

where they can best use their gifts and talents. It is within this serving that we find our greatest liberty.

• God is at work bringing about His plan of redemption.

• Teaching others the truths of God requires us to be students and examples.

@ 2014 LifeWay

DISCUSSION PLAN

29Se ssion 5 : G od Com m a n ds Obedi enc e

FOCUS ATTENTIONHow would you describe the purpose of obedience? In a military setting? When your child faces an unseen danger? In daily life? What’s the relationship between trust and obedience?• Our obedience displays our trust of the one asking us to obey.

God asked Israel to be His faithful people. In delivering them out of exile and bringing them home, they had a new opportunity to live obedient and fruitful lives, trusting He had their best in mind.

EXPLORE THE TEXT EZRA 7:1-6Based on what you know about Aaron and the priesthood, why was Ezra’s heritage important to include in this passage? How important would the role of a scribe be in the context of exile?• Ezra had a responsibility by birth to be devoted to God in the line

of the priesthood.

• With no other routines of temple worship in place, the keeping of God’s Word during exile took on an even greater role in the preservation of Israel.

What role did Ezra’s reputation play in his involvement in God’s plan for Israel?• As a scribe, Ezra was occupied with carefully copying the Scripture,

and reading and wisely interpreting it for others.

• There is no effective substitute for spending time reading and studying God’s Word.

Based on Ezra and other biblical examples, how would you describe the life of someone who has the favor of God? • God’s favor does not necessarily correlate with material success.

He often removes obstacles and opens doors to make a way for the efforts of His people to share the truth of Christ. God’s favor isn’t about us—it’s about Him.

EZRA 7:7-9How was God’s provision for Ezra evident? For His people? How has He shown His provision for you? How could God’s provision be viewed as preparation? • Perhaps Ezra reflected on God’s faithfulness to keep His promises

as he traveled the ground he had studied in Scripture. God had indeed made a great nation of Abraham’s descendants and was returning them to the land.

• Early in Ezra’s life God gave him a job to do: learn the Scriptures. Because he had been faithful in his study through the years of his life, Ezra was ready for the crucial task he faced.

• God made a way for His Word to be preserved through the exile (and through all other generations). He also provided all the talents and skill sets needed to start fresh and rebuild from scratch in Jerusalem in the host of returning exiles.

How would you describe your journey from exile to freedom, from death to life, in your relationship with God? How do you think God could use your journey from exile to freedom to encourage others? • Serving within the gifts and talents God gives us is where we

find our greatest liberty.

EZRA 7:10How might Ezra’s lifelong determination to study, obey, and teach God’s Word have made him useful in ways he could not have foreseen? Why do you think God doesn’t give us the entire vision He has for our future? • We have a responsibility to one another to function as mature

believers. Handling Scripture humbly and accurately and helping others to do the same is a blessed responsibility of every believer.

• While we aren’t given much information about the ways God may use us in the future, we do have a few solid assurances: God will be with us, and nothing we go through is wasted if we surrender it to Him. We are to trust God and be ready.

How did Israel’s years of exile and then return to a destroyed Jerusalem necessitate Ezra’s determination to know and teach the law of the Lord? • Scripture was the one continuous reminder of God’s relationship

to them. They looked to it for comfort and their source for restoring the temple and worship practices. Ezra’s role as caretaker and teacher of the Law was crucial.

What could we be giving up if we ignore opportunities to spend time in individual Bible study and prayer?• We allow Scripture study and prayer to be crowded out of our

days, and out of our conversations by matters that seem more urgent in the moment.

• We assume we’ll have more time to study later.

• We wouldn’t put a thirteen year old behind the wheel of a car because they lack wisdom to make good driving decisions; but we often don’t think twice about facing life’s challenges without applying the wisdom of Scripture.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE• How has Ezra’s life inspired you to study Scripture and focus on

intentional mentoring relationships? How have you personally experienced liberty through obedience to God’s Word?

• Personal Challenge: This week, share what God is teaching you through His Word with one person. Take time to hear from his/her journey with the Lord as well. Discipline yourself to spend time in Scripture in some new ways.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. G.K. Chesterton, “What’s Wrong with the World?” The American Chesterton Society. Online. Cited June 18, 2014. www.chesterton.org.

BREAD OR ANOTHER FOOD ITEMBring some bread or other food item to share with the group. Before the session, enlist someone who has made the food many times to share his or her process. Ask the volunteer to explain how he or she learned to make bread and how long it took to perfect the recipe.

Explain: Making great bread is more of an art than a science. Though anyone can follow a recipe, it takes experience to get the feel of the dough, knead just the right amount, or know when to add a pinch of flour. The only way to gain the experience is to make bread—and make more bread, and make more bread.

Ask: In what other aspects of our lives do we get out of the process what we put into it? How does that same principle apply to Bible study?

We can’t pass on knowledge and understanding that we don’t

have. In order for Ezra to feed the Word of God to the families of Israel as they returned from exile—and help them live in it—he needed working knowledge of God’s Word himself. He had devoted himself to a lifetime of study as a scribe. As he began to understand the magnitude of resettling Israel into its homeland and its relationship with Yahweh, Ezra recommitted himself to study and obey Scripture so he could model and share it well.

People learn best by discovery and experience, which doesn’t just come second-hand.

SELF-AWARENESSIf you could change one thing about your church, what would it be? I’ve received a wide variety of replies to that inquiry. Responses often relate to facility items, ministry needs, or worship preferences. But one gentleman’s answer stands far and above any other reply. This man simply said, “The one thing I would change is me.” Ezra had a passion for God to use him to change the direction of his people. But notice that he first desired to change himself by studying and obeying God’s law. This spiritual growth became the foundation upon which he later taught God’s ways to a generation of Hebrews.

Jesus affirmed the priority of self-examination and self-improvement through an extraordinary illustration:

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself don’t see the log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly

to take out the speck in your brother’s eye” (Luke 6:41-42).Notice that by the end of both Jesus’ story and Ezra’s story,

everyone’s life improves. Two brothers see better because the first addressed his own shortcomings and then assisted his brother. The Hebrews revive their faith because Ezra looked first at himself, then taught a nation.

A beloved story tells of the London Times requesting people to submit their answer to the question: What’s wrong with the world? G.K. Chesterton’s simple reply was, “Dear Sir, I am.”1

Acknowledging our personal shortcomings is essential for improving our discipleship. But the greatest impact our lives make is when we, like Ezra, take what we have gained and apply the ministry of teaching to others. Heaven alone can measure the impact of a life that studies, obeys, and teaches God’s ways to others.

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 6

GOD INSPIRES THE WORK

NEHEMIAH 2:1-8,17-181 During the month of Nisana in the twentieth yearb of King Artaxerxes,c when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, 2 so the king said to me, “Why are you sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression.”d I was overwhelmed with feare 3 and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buriedf lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king asked me, “What is your request?” So I prayedg to the God of heaven 5 and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judahh and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” 6 The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So I gave him a definite time,i and it pleased the king to send me. 7 I also said to the king: “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governorsj of the region west of the Euphrates River,k so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. 8 And let me have a letter written to Asaph,l keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress,m the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my requests, for I was graciously strengthenedn by my God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let’s rebuildo Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” 18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and they were encouraged to do this good work.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa first month in the Jewish calendar; three months had passed since Nehemiah learned about Jerusalem (see Neh 1:1).

b approximately 445 B.C.

c most likely the king also known as Longimanus; this would be the same individual to whom Ezra made his appeal in Ezra 7.

d “sadness from the heart”; the Hebrew word is typically translated as “evil” or “wickedness.”

e “very much afraid” (ESV) or “sore afraid” (KJV)

f “the place of my fathers’ tombs” (NASB)

g Nehemiah routinely prayed in intense moments (see Neh. 1:5-11; 4:5; 6:14; 13:14,22,29,31).

h the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon Solomon’s death

i “appointed time” (see Esth. 9:27,31; Ecc. 3:1)

j occasionally translated as “captain”; during the Persian Empire, the homeland of the Hebrews was portioned out among “governors” who were under the rule of the Persian king.

k The Persian Empire at this time reached from the India to the Mediterranean. The Euphrates was considered a natural divider of its two parts, eastern and western.

l different than the worship leader in Ezra 3; this man was the keeper of the royal forest.

m often translated “palace” (KJV)

n The “laying on of hands” is biblically understood as a conveying of blessing.

o Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonian army in 587 B.C.

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


DISTRESS EXPOSED (Neh. 2:1-3)• The condition of Jerusalem left Nehemiah distressed to the point that

he could no longer hide his feelings.

• Note: Point to Nehemiah 1 to define Nehemiah’s distress.

• Explain that Nehemiah had reminded God of His promise to restore His repentant people, knowing that some had already returned.

REQUEST PRESENTED (Neh. 2:4-5)• After praying, Nehemiah presented his request to be allowed to go and

rebuild Jerusalem.

• Nehemiah was characterized as being a man of prayer.

PREPARATIONS MADE (Neh. 2:6-8) • Nehemiah’s response to the king’s question and the securing of

letters indicates that Nehemiah had some type of plan in mind for the rebuilding project.

REBUILDING BEGUN (Neh. 2:17-18) • Nehemiah led the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit to rebuilding the

city for the glory of God.

• He realized completing this work would be an act of God’s grace.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Believers should be broken-hearted when God is dishonored.

• Believers can ask God for direction, knowing He will answer.

• Preparation is required for fulfilling God’s plans.

• As God places opportunities in front of believers, they should willingly accept the task.

@ 2014 LifeWay

DISCUSSION PLAN

33Se ssion 6 : G od I nspi r e s t h e Wor k

FOCUS ATTENTIONWhat thoughts are stirred in you when you see an old structure, laying in ruins from 100 years ago? • We can find photos of old abandoned mansions and castles

all over the world. While fascinating, we likely don’t consider rebuilding them; they’re too far gone.

• When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem’s temple, houses, and walls were crumbled and desolate, he was devastated.

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 2:1-3What does Nehemiah’s prayer reveal about his relationship with God? • Nehemiah trusted God to hear his prayer, and that God could

intervene. Nehemiah repeated God’s promises, and also confessed his sin and the sin of his people.

• Nehemiah saw people’s sin, but he was also moved to compassion. He acknowledged God as their only hope of physical and spiritual restoration. We must look past people’s sin to their need for restoration through Jesus Christ.

What effect would praying with such passion and regularity have on your everyday life?• Many of us are not moved enough by the consequences of sin

we observe around us to pray fervently for the salvation of our neighbors and friends.

What can we learn from Nehemiah about facing fears with boldness? When have you courageously faced a circumstance when the outcome could not be predicted?• Nehemiah appealed to the king about Jerusalem on a personal

basis, but also took great risk because he was asking the king to allow a subjugated people he ruled to strengthen themselves.

• Nehemiah approached the king carefully and with wisdom. He waited for the right time to approach an unpredictable king.

NEHEMIAH 2:4-5How might Nehemiah’s prayers have helped prepare him for the king’s questions? • Frequent, fervent prayer has a way of changing the lens with

which we view God, people, and our circumstances.

• When we prayerfully submit ourselves to God’s work, He can more easily direct us, and we can be more resolute in obedience.

How would you describe the relationship between prayer, wisdom, and courage? What overwhelming life circumstance do you need to surrender to God?• Again and again in Scripture, followers of God are exhorted to

be strong and courageous, and to not give in to fear.

• We act on what we value, more than on what we believe. What things do you value more than you value others’ opinions of you?

NEHEMIAH 2:6-8 In what other passages have you seen God use unbelieving leaders to accomplish His purposes? • From Pharaoh to Pilate, and many in between, we see God work

through the decisions of unbelieving influencers. Joseph said about the treachery of his brothers, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result …” (Gen. 50:20).

How do being prepared and yielding control to the will of God work together?• The more we plan and prepare, the more territorial we tend to

be over our work. But without proper planning, not much gets accomplished. When thorough planning meets total surrender to the Lord, honorable work yields kingdom results.

How does Nehemiah’s example encourage you to trust God’s leading in your circumstances? What actions will you make time for in the next week?• The impact of prayer on Nehemiah’s resolve and wisdom can’t

be denied.

• Spend time in prayer, contemplating godly visions for your relationships, your priorities, and so forth. Then, prayerfully create an intentional plan to develop those visions.

NEHEMIAH 2:17-18How did Nehemiah’s integrity influence the king? How can the character and integrity of a person affect the way you respond to him/her?• Nehemiah’s vision for rebuilding gave credibility to his request.

The king trusted Nehemiah to return within a specified time frame and to deal with the king’s resources in an honorable way.

How do we recognize God’s favor in people’s lives today?• Many times there is a correlation between prayer and the

working of God’s favor in someone’s life. Surrendering to God’s will opens the door to be used by Him to further His kingdom.

• When obstacles and barriers are overcome in the face of efforts to bring people to Christ, God’s favor is at work.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWhen does work bring honor to God? • Nehemiah responded to the news of Jerusalem’s complete

destruction by grieving and praying for four months. During that time God gave him vision and a plan. When the time was right, Nehemiah was ready, and he recognized God’s prompting to act.

• Personal Challenge: Write a prayer, using Nehemiah’s prayer in chapter 1 as a general model. Pray the prayer several times throughout the week. Share with someone in your group during the next gathering how praying this prayer throughout the week has changed and/or inspired you.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


BOTTLE OF YOUR FAVORITE MARINADE FOR STEAK OR CHICKEN Display the bottle of marinade. Ask the group what their favorites are for steak and chicken, and to describe the flavor of their favorite.

Ask: What is the purpose of the marinade? Possible answers include: to make the meat tender, to enhance the flavor, to influence the outcome of cooking/grilling for the better.

Explain: Essentially, the longer the meat soaks in the marinade the more flavor it absorbs.

Prayer has a similar effect on us. When we faithfully remain in prayer, our words, attitudes, worldviews, and relationships are seasoned with the wisdom of the Lord. When the heat is on, we can respond genuinely in ways that glorify God.

Because of prayer and preparation Nehemiah was ready to respond to the king wisely at the right time.

God’s Word commands us to “pray constantly” (1 Thess. 5:17).Ask: What are some practical ways you can allow prayer to

further saturate your everyday moments?

AN AUDACIOUS REQUESTNehemiah pursued God’s clear and ambitious plan that Jerusalem be restored. But he could not do this work alone. In spite of all his godly devotion, Nehemiah still needed resources beyond his own ability to supply. To accomplish this plan, Nehemiah required the help of God and the king.

Sometimes the path of faith is witnessed in the ability to make an audacious request. Scripture records numerous examples of such appeals to the Lord. Joshua asked that the sun and moon stop moving (Josh. 10:12-13). Elijah called for God to show His power, and fire fell down from heaven (1 Kings 18:37-38). A Roman Centurion pled with Jesus for the life of his servant, and he was saved (Matt. 8:5-13).

Nehemiah also needed to make a daring and intimidating request to Artaxerxes. After significant time in prayer, Nehemiah went to this pagan king and made an audacious request for the king’s blessing and support.

No one can accomplish God’s purposes single-handedly.

Therefore, we routinely must ask for assistance from others. Remember, God wanted the wall in Jerusalem built more than Nehemiah wanted to build it. Nehemiah would succeed in building the wall because that was what God wanted; God’s gracious hand was upon Nehemiah, causing King Artaxerxes’ heart to grant the request (see Neh. 2:8b).

Service to the Lord often requires us to recruit the assistance of others. While this may be difficult and even intimidating, we must ask in faith. Some requests may be to people who do not share our spiritual convictions. If the request for help is denied, we usually are no worse off than before. What do we have to lose? But we are likely to find that the grace of the Lord’s hand is upon us and our appeal is received with favor—and perhaps even from a non-believer.

“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7).

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 7

PROTECT HUMAN LIFE

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa used in the same manner here as told to man and woman (Gen 1:22,28), living creatures (Gen. 8:17), Ishmael (Gen. 17:20), Jacob (Gen. 28:3; 35:11), and all Israel (Gen. 47:27)

b affirms humanity’s authority over creation

c to seek; the respect for life shows that it’s a gift of God and is to be treated with reverence

d used figuratively in reference to God’s blessings on humankind

e an expression describing authority of one over another; used in the New Testament to refer to the Lord’s authority (see 1 Cor. 15:25-27; Eph. 1:22, Heb. 2:8); used in the Old Testament to describe David’s defeat of his enemies (1 Kings 5:3)

f to be delivered from overwhelming people or forces

g describes those who are involuntarily or forcibly moved

h also used to describe the Jewish defeat of their enemies in the days of Esther (see Esth. 9:5)

i “pondereth the heart” (KJV); meaning to regulate, measure, or estimate

j a word meaning both to guard and to preserve

k to do that which results in accomplishments; as Christians, we are in between what God has begun and what He is yet to complete.

l a life that stands in contrast to the corruption around it; the word translated “pure” can also mean “harmless.” It’s the same word used in Jesus’ instructions that His disciples be “as harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16).

m literally “the word which gives life”

GENESIS 9:1-79:1 God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiplya and fill the earth. 2 The fear and terrorb of you will be in every living creature on the earth, every bird of the sky, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are placed under your authority. 3 Every living creature will be food for you; as I gave the green plants, I have given you everything. 4 However, you must not eat meat with its lifeblood in it. 5 I will require the life of every animal and every man for your life and your blood. I will requirec the life of each man’s brother for a man’s life. 6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in His image. 7 But you, be fruitful and multiply; spread out over the earth and multiply on it.”

PSALM 8:4-88:4 what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? 5 You made him little less than God and crownedd him with glory and honor. 6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet:e 7 all the sheep and oxen, as well as the animals in the wild, 8 the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea that pass through the currents of the seas.

PROVERBS 24:10-1224:10 If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited. 11 Rescuef those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling towardg slaughter.h 12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs heartsi consider it? Won’t He who protectsj your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?

PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16a2:12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work outk your own

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NOTESsalvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure,l children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. 16a Hold firmly to the message of life.m

PART OF OUR PURPOSE (Gen. 9:1-7)• Following the flood, God reminded Noah of humanity’s responsibility to

oversee creation, including the protection of life—especially human life.

• Be careful to explain that the value of humanity is based on our being created in the image of God (Gen. 1; 2).

VALUED IN HIS CREATION (Ps. 8:4-8)• The psalmist declared his amazement with God’s created order,

identifying humanity as the crowning point within that creation.

• The writer of Hebrews viewed Psalm 8 as being fulfilled in Jesus Christ, linking salvation and creation (see Heb. 2:9).

CALLED TO ACTION (Prov. 24:10-12; Phil. 2:12-16a)• God calls His followers to represent His interests to a fallen creation.

• Solomon and Paul reminded their readers that God holds everyone responsible for valuing and protecting human life within His creation.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Although we are sinners living in a fallen world, God still holds us

accountable to value and protect all human life.

• God created humans in His image, bestowing on humanity the highest value.

• God’s people are to act in accordance with God’s concerns, being people who value all human life.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

37Se ssion 7 : P ro t ec t Hu m a n L i fe

FOCUS ATTENTIONWhat does human individuality reveal about our Creator? • Our uniqueness is important to us, but we must remain aware

that we all share the most important quality as human beings—the image of God, placed there by our Creator.

• Being made in the image of God gives us family identity. We were created to be with Him as part of His family.

EXPLORE THE TEXT GENESIS 9:1-7 What commands and guidelines did God give Noah and his family in this passage? • God has dramatically proven life is valuable and should be

lived honorably by saving Noah’s family and all the animals in a complete do-over for the human race. When God began to speak, He gave guidelines for foundational views He wants people to have. By stating the penalty for taking a human life, He reaffirmed the worth of even one person’s life.

How do the words of God in this passage delineate human life differently than animal life? In what terms did God describe the worth of a person’s life?• God clearly established the worth of a murder victim’s life. If you

take a life, there’s nothing worth enough to pay for what you’ve done, other than your very life.

What kind of relationship between man and the rest of creation was defined by God after the flood? • As members of the body of Christ we have been given personal

responsibility to love, care, and protect the lives of those God places in our path, both believers (see John 13:35) and unbelievers (see Luke 10:36-37).

PSALM 8:4-8How is spending time observing the wonders of creation worthwhile to you? • The perspective gained by watching the ocean horizon, or

realizing the vastness of a starry sky is healthy, and checks our pride and self-focus.

What in this passage ascribes unique value to people, in addition to being image bearers of God? • Jesus’ death on the cross validates the worth of all people.

• Man’s role and position of authority over creation is God-given, not earned.

• Being entrusted with responsibility gives us a sense of worth.

How is God’s creation of mankind a testimony to His majesty and His loving kindness?• If God, able to create in minute intricacy and expansive grandeur,

chooses to value and relate to each person in their weakness, why would we ever think we don’t need to do the same?

How does God want His people to view those with physical disabilities, developmental delays, mental illness, the ill, the elderly and the unborn? What other passages would you look to for a correct view?• Jesus treated women, children, the broken, and the diseased

with dignity, considering them all to be worth His time and attention, even when no one else in society did. All are worthy of knowing Him.

How can Christians value, protect, and show worth to the unborn and weak without alienating those who don’t understand their own Imago Dei, or “image of God”?• Usefulness, achievement, and convenience have become idols.

Christians must speak and live truth about God-given dignity.

• When people begin to grasp their inherent worth, they see the fact that Jesus would die for them in a new light. They can begin to catch glimpses of their incredible value in God’s sight.

PROVERBS 24:10-13; PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16aWhat is our God-given responsibility to other believers? To others in general? • To “do nothing” means to be truly lazy. How does this compare to

being “lukewarm” in our devotion to Christ (Rev. 3:16)?

What examples would you point to from Philippians 2:12-16 that demonstrate being other-oriented rather than self-oriented? • The ultimate message of life is the gospel.

• Christians who held firmly to the message of life in the first century would have lived very differently than the Roman-influenced culture. The ripples of the gospel in someone’s life cause awareness of the preciousness of every life.

What role does pride have regarding hiding our weaknesses from others? In seeing other’s weaknesses? • Pride is one of the most pervasive and shape-shifting sins, as

well as the root of many wrong attitudes. We cannot be prideful and truly love others simultaneously.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE What has God asked you to change through this study?• Understanding the eternal value of each life motivates us to

kindness, generosity, protection, patience, and awareness of others. God-honoring interactions with people are the most important tasks of our week.

• Personal Challenge: Write an action or attitude change you have determined to make that will reflect the value of your own life or someone else’s in a better way. How can you reach out to those you might have shunned or otherwise avoided before to now show them God’s love?

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OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. R. Mark Baxter, Finish: Starting Is Easy, But Finishing Makes the Difference (Mustang, OK: Tate, 2010), 35.

AN ITEM YOU VALUE THAT HAS NO MONETARY WORTHDisplay the object and explain its value. Ask the group if they have something that is not monetarily valuable, but is extremely valuable to them because of whose it is/was or what it represents to them.

Ask: What does the item reveal about you? Your values? Your life history?

(Another example could be a blank canvas, paints, and a paintbrush. Ask: What could you do with the paints? If DaVinci used the brush, what would be the value—as opposed to an average person who painted an image?)

Ask the group to describe in their own words what it means for something to have “value.”

Ask: What makes a person valuable?Now imagine the person without any abilities or skills. What

makes the person valuable? What things do all human beings have in common that make

them valuable?

DO THE NEXT RIGHT THINGCharles Thomas Studd spent a distinguished missionary career serving in China, India, and Africa between 1885 and 1931. His motivation for such devoted service is evident in his most familiar quote: “Some wish to stay within the sound of church or chapel bell; I’d rather run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”1

A congregation of believers ministering as God intends functions as a “rescue shop.” God’s people are called not only to stand in contrast to a lost world without Christ but also to stand in-between a lost world and death, rescuing as many as will receive the message of life held out to them.

Scripture challenges all Christians to affirm both the high value God places on human life and to embrace the responsibility to protect human life. This duty holds true for any human being, whether preborn, elderly, or any stage of life, forced against his or her will toward death (see Prov. 24:11).

So, how do you respond to the disregard for the sacredness of life? Too often the response is idle inaction.

The failing for many Christians regarding this duty is not a sin of commission but rather a sin of omission. James’ epistle defines it this way, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it” (Jas. 4:17). Over a lifetime, we are far more likely to regret inactions and omissions more than mistaken actions.

How can you and your church be a “rescue shop” to those people for whom “death is coming?” Where can you volunteer? What resources can you provide? How much can you give to preserve life? No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Be a champion for life.

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SESSION 8

BE FAITHFUL IN ADVERSITY

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa a man who held a position of authority at the time Nehemiah was preparing to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in 445 B.C.; he was related by marriage to the son of Eliashib, the high priest.

b an Ammonite official (Neh. 2:2) who, along with Sanballat, opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile

c name meaning “rain storm”; Geshem was probably the chief of an Arabian tribe that had settled in Southern Palestine during the exile in Babylon.

d “unsealed letter” (NIV); probably a reference to the common use of an ostracon, a fragment of pottery containing an inscription

e While it can be used to describe rebellion toward God, here Nehemiah is accused of treason against the Persian King.

f “reports” (ESV, NASB)

g “frighten” (ESV); “made us afraid” (KJV)

h “their hands shall be weakened from the work” (KJV)

i a name meaning “one who hears or obeys the Lord”

j It’s unknown why Shemaiah was confined.

k The sixth month of Hebrew year, Elul included parts of August and September.

l In Scripture, this word appears only in its plural form. It carries the idea of free birth.

m writings by public authority and sent by public courier

NEHEMIAH 6:1-19 6:1 When Sanballat,a Tobiah,b Geshemc the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the gates— 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” But they were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply. 5 Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letterd in his hand. 6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel.e This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king 7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: “There is a king in Judah.” These rumorsf will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together. 8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” 9 For they were all trying to intimidateg us, saying, “They will become discouragedh in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen me. 10 I went to the house of Shemaiahi son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restrictedj to his house. He said: Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you tonight! 11 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can I enter the temple and live? I will not go.” 12 I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me. 14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me. 15 The wall was completed in 52 days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul.k 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. 17 During those days, the nobles of Judahl sent many lettersm to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath

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NOTESto him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 19 These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

WHEN FALSELY ACCUSED (Neh. 6:1-9)• Several area leaders, including Sanballat, sought to intimidate

Nehemiah by accusing him of treason against the ruling king.

• The accusations were made publicly so Nehemiah responded in a public fashion.

• Nehemiah stayed on task by focusing on the value of his work.

WHEN PROMISED FALSE SECURITY (Neh. 6:10-14) • Shemaiah called for Nehemiah to lock himself in the temple to avoid

being assassinated.

• Entering the temple would have been grounds for Nehemiah to be put to death.

• Nehemiah stayed on track by focusing on the faithful reputation needed by a leader to complete the task.

WHEN FACTIONS ARISE (Neh. 6:15-19)• Tobiah constantly sought to derail the rebuilding project, using

information from people within the city.

• Nehemiah stayed focused on the task and the walls were finished.

• Some of this opposition continued after the walls were complete.

• As a result, the enemies of Jerusalem became the ones intimidated, realizing God’s involvement in the rebuilding.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Opposition should be expected by leaders seeking to be obedient

to God.

• Obedience to God will enable us to see false promises and short cuts that may dishonor Him.

• Remaining focused on our God-given tasks will enable us to see the tasks to completion for His honor.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

41Se ssion 8 : Be Fa i t h f u l i n A dv er si t y

FOCUS ATTENTIONWhen have you seen a great achievement come as a result of sheer perseverance? What drives us to press on until completion, no matter how long it takes? • Many of us have creative projects we’ve begun and eventually

laid aside because of busyness or loss of interest.

• Noah was certain of what God wanted him to do and worked for many decades to see it done. What an incredible validation it must’ve been to see the animals coming over the horizon!

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 6:1-9What can we learn from Nehemiah’s example in responding to his reputation being attacked? • Resisting the urge to fight back requires self-control.

• We can pray for discernment against manipulation, fear, or rejection. God will provide us with wisdom and courage.

What motives of Sanballat are revealed in this passage? What tactics did he try in order to intimidate Nehemiah?• Understanding the motives and spiritual needs of those who

oppose God-directed work helps Christians to keep proper perspective. We are to pray for those who oppose God.

What attitudes and actions of the attackers do you see elsewhere in Scripture?• Intimidation and distraction are favorite tactics of Satan.

How could a response like Nehemiah’s to Sanballat help encourage and inform the people-pleasers you know? • The need for approval of those around us is a powerful motivator.

When all eyes in the room turn on us, we tend to respond in the moment to please those who are watching and evaluating.

• When we rely on God’s strength for our circumstances, we can persevere through times when we feel alone in following God.

• We can trust God to remove obstacles to His work.

NEHEMIAH 6:10-14 What factors revealed in the passage seem to have enabled Nehemiah’s discernment?• When we ask God for clear insight, He will not lead us to

anything outside His commands.

• When we know the Bible well, we can more easily recognize the truth about a situation.

How did Nehemiah respond to his fear that God would not choose to keep him safe?• Nehemiah’s enemies knew if they could get him to live in fear,

the momentum needed to finish the gates would be lost.

• We are often tempted to doubt that God has our best interest in mind or to put our own well-being, comfort, and perceived security above the calling God gives.

What do you believe helped Nehemiah withstand the threats that surrounded him?• Nehemiah knew that God had led him to this point and that He

would give him strength to face whatever was next. His confidence in God helped inspire those who followed him to trust God.

How can we guard against losing focus? • Christians are not defined by past mistakes. We are all in deep

need of mercy during times we choose not to obey, or not to finish in obedience; we are given grace through Jesus Christ.

NEHEMIAH 6:15-19How would you explain Nehemiah’s lack of need to contend with Sanballat and Tobiah?• The unity of the builders could have easily splintered had

Nehemiah responded defensively or become argumentative or combative with Sanballat and his group. The whole effort to rebuild the wall could have ground to a halt.

• Nehemiah dealt with the divisive attempts directly and calmly, which diffused the potential for widespread fear and conflict.

How did God use Nehemiah’s integrity and perseverance to His glory and to further protect Israel?• God’s work in a person’s life—His shaping of a heart—is never

wasted. He uses those who are yielded to Him. By honoring God with his life in captivity, Nehemiah was made ready for this specific calling to rebuild Jerusalem.

Describe ways we can look to Nehemiah 6 for encouragement as we try to live out Proverbs 4:23-27. • One of the beautiful qualities of the body of Christ is being able

to look ahead to Christ followers who are a little further down the road. Lunch or coffee with someone who has walked with Christ vibrantly rekindles our resolve to faithfulness.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWhat determinations can we make to keep ourselves from becoming distracted from bringing glory to God? • We are constantly tempted to make everything about us. When

God is at work, obstacles are really His problem, not ours. When we keep our focus on Him, rather than on distractions and obstacles, we remember to trust Him. He can and does make a way for His work to go forward.

• Personal Challenge: How could you trust God differently, and deeper, throughout the coming week? Look at your calendar; look at your prayer list; think about your family; consider your friends and family. How can you entrust new aspects of all these parts of life to God? In what areas will you ask God to do a work of rebuilding?

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OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. “Gettysburg National Cemetery,” National Park Service. www.nps.gov. 2. Winston Churchill, “Never Give In,” Oct. 29, 1941. www.winstonchurchill.org.

A TABLE, CHAIR, OR STOOL WITH A MISSING LEGFind a chair or stool leg in your house that could be removed and taken to the Bible study group meeting without too much trouble. (Option: Instead of carrying in a piece of furniture, consider turning the object into a contest. Gather construction paper, scissors, and duct tape. Then instruct the group to make their own stools with the supplies.)

If your group made their own stools, identify the best-made stool. Ask the person who made it: Would you trust the stool to hold you? What would you trust it to hold?

Explain: We don’t normally give much thought to the legs of our kitchen table or chairs. The legs are built with enough strength to hold them up. Sounds simple, but if we measured the burden of our table or chair legs for a couple of weeks, we would see they carry a great and certainly shifting burden.

Our tables hold everything from dinner to stacks of school books, bags of groceries, gym bags, and boxes of camping supplies. They’ve even had people perch on them from time to time.

I’m glad the legs persevere with resolve and don’t worry about obstacles or heavier weights that might come in the future. I want to have the kind of faith that trusts God to give strength for standing, and doesn’t fear the burdens.

Ask: In what ways can we resolve to focus on the God-given tasks before us instead of future obstacles and burdens?

NEVER GIVE UPThe closing episode of the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg was a bold attempt by the Confederate army to break the line of the Union troops. Known as “Pickett’s Charge” this assault sent approximately 12,500 troops over an open field for three fourths of a mile. Their ability to resist this charge gave the Union army a significant victory.1

In Nehemiah 6 we read about a great “charge” by the opponents of Nehemiah to stop the rebuilding project he was overseeing. Nehemiah’s ability to stand his ground against these efforts enabled the work to be completed in only 52 days.

The effective disciple puts on “the full armor of God” so that he is able to resist all the “tactics of the Devil” (Eph. 6:11). The methods used against Nehemiah are familiar: mocking, physical threats, distraction, starting false rumors, and entrapment. They are some of Satan’s favorite tools to intimidate and disrupt Christians from carrying out God’s will.

Some people conclude that the Lord’s work will meet no

significant resistance. After all, our God is stronger than any other power. Yet time and again Scripture reveals that opposition to God’s agenda is normal. Jesus said “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me” (Matt. 5:11). Notice He says “when they insult” not “if they insult.” Following Jesus inevitably meets resistance; our best response is to do the work God calls us to do with persistence.

The ideal way to silence critics is simply to finish the task. In the intense days of World War II, Winston Churchill delivered these emphatic and inspiring words to the Harrow School: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”2

Resist Satan’s charge. Stand your ground. Finish the task. And never give up!

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SESSION 9

DO YOUR APPOINTED PART

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa Nehemiah transferred those responsible for the temple to protect the city at its wall entrance. The danger was not over for Jerusalem just because the walls were complete.

b among those who returned with Ezra; David established a group of vocational singers during his reign as king (2 Sam. 19:35). The singers and Levites were used for the city’s defense.

c Leaders Nehemiah could trust to handle the responsibility of being in charge of Jerusalem.

d showing reverence to God; to fear God is to know Him (Prov. 9:10), to find refuge in Him (Ps. 34:11,22), and to obey Him (Prov. 8:13).

e “watch” (KJV); used to describe a station, an individual, or a division of time (e.g. “night watch”)

f “enrolled” (ESV, NASB); “reckoned” (KJV); the purpose of this registration was to help repopulate Jerusalem (Neh. 11:1-2).

g king of Babylon 602-562 B.C.; he was the son of Nabopolassar and inherited the throne upon his father’s death. Nebuchadnezzar served as a general under his father and was a brilliant strategist. His armies destroyed Jerusalem in 584 B.C. and carried off the nobility into exile.

h the head of the tribe of Judah at the time of the return from the Babylonian captivity

i returned from exile with Zerubbabel; named as the father of Pedaiah who helped repair Jerusalem’s wall (see Neh. 3:25)

Note: The list of names in Nehemiah 7:7 and following is almost identical to the list in Ezra 2:1-70. Some believe Nehemiah used this list in arranging the repopulation of Jerusalem.

NEHEMIAH 7:1-81 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had the doors installed, the gatekeepers,a singers,b and Levites were appointed. 2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah,c commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared Godd more than most. 3 I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their postse and some at their homes.” 4 The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet. 5 Then my God put it into my mind to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be registeredf by genealogy. I found the genealogical record of those who came back first, and I found the following written in it: 6 These are the people of the province who went up among the captive exiles deported by King Nebuchadnezzarg of Babylon. Each of them returned to Jerusalem and Judah, to his own town. 7 They came with Zerubbabel,h Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of the Israelite men included: 8 Parosh’si descendants 2,172.

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NOTES

TALKING POINTS


A ROLE TO PLAY (Neh. 7:1-3) • Once the city was secure, Nehemiah organized the people to watch the

entrances.

• The times and practices were clearly communicated so everyone knew their roles and responsibilities.

• Highlight the condemning words used to describe the nobles of the Tekoites who failed to help rebuild the walls (Neh. 3:5).

A PLACE TO BELONG (Neh. 7:4-8) • Nehemiah led the city leaders to take a census.

• The count reinforced the idea that everyone present was important and pointed to God’s faithfulness to His promises to Abraham.

• This census would also establish the validity of residency for those who returned.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• God continues to call His people to do kingdom work.

• Each role or responsibility carried out by a believer is important in the advancement of the gospel.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

45Se ssion 9 : D o You r A ppoi n t ed Pa rt

How did bringing the heads of families, nobles, and officials together help solve the problem of defense? • Throughout Scripture, God dealt with His people as a whole.

One person’s sin affected the whole community. Every household had a vested interest in making sure their family members and neighbors were right before God.

• Heads of families had a responsibility to the nation. They were no longer dispersed in a foreign land. These fathers and grandfathers could now redefine for their sons and daughters what it meant to be the nation of Israel.

How did the results of the census reveal God’s faithfulness to Israel throughout the generations, whether they were peaceful or difficult?• God had once again preserved His people through a season of

exile. They had not become Babylonian, or Assyrian, or any of the other nationalities they were undoubtedly exposed to.

• God wasn’t finished writing their story, or using them to write the story of all of humanity. He was faithful to them.

• Identity and security are strongly influenced by a sense of belonging. God reaffirmed to the people, “You belong with Me.”

What role did unity and cooperation play in the success of Ezra and Nehemiah? • Constructing a stone wall so large in 52 days was an incredible

accomplishment. Teamwork, sweat, and effort, of course—but also a stunning feat of leadership. People followed Nehemiah, even when it cost them.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEHow do these passages show that every Christian has a specific role to play in the body of Christ? • Being a non-participant is really not an option.

• We each have a specific journey of faith to walk in submission to Christ with unique things God will ask us to accomplish for Him.

• We have a responsibility to each other. We are to influence, encourage, teach, model, and inspire other believers by the way we trust and obey God every day. It’s simple, but not easy. God does not intend for us to walk alone.

Nehemiah likely never dreamed that God would use him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. • Personal Challenge: Think about the specific roles we see

in Nehemiah 7:1-8. How do you see your role in the body of Christ? If you haven’t taken a survey to help you determine your spiritual gifts, consider setting aside time for it. (One is available online at www.lifeway.com.) God gifts every Christian to benefit His global church. Ask God to reveal the ways He has gifted you, through Bible study, prayer, and the affirmation of other believers.

FOCUS ATTENTIONDid you play the game Red Rover as a child? Do you remember the feeling when the other team was trying to assess the weakest point in the line to break through? • Everyone clasped hands tightly, taking ownership in their part of

the line. No one wanted to allow the other team to break through.

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 7:1-3How did each person’s commitment to their assigned role affect the people as a whole? • Every member of the body of Christ affects the others. Our

behavior and choices affect the health of the whole body, one way or another. In Jerusalem, the negligence of one affected the safety of everyone’s lives.

• In light of the duplicity Nehemiah had experienced from some of the residents in the Jerusalem area, he needed to make sure he was leaving an honest man in charge. Resistance still abounded.

How might the experience of standing guard have galvanized the people into a whole?• Israel was experiencing healing and restoration. They needed to

learn how to be a unique people in their homeland again.

• Coming together to protect Jerusalem for the first time in eighty years was formative. Those who chose not to participate (like the Tekoites in Neh. 3) were isolated from the deepening of community relationships, ultimately making them feel left out. It also left an extra burden for other community members to carry.

What other passages would you point to that affirm the value of hard work or work ethic? • Colossians 3:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 16:3; and

Proverbs 10:4 all speak of the good of work and its benefits. For the Christian, hard work gives glory to God.

Explain the importance of defending a Christian home today. How is defending different from simply protecting?• We can’t shut ourselves completely away from the world, but we

do have responsibilities as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors to wisely defend the hearts of family members from harmful pressures.

NEHEMIAH 7:4-8How might Nehemiah’s census have inspired each family to understand the value of their cooperation? • There were crucial times in Israel’s history when God required

that a census be taken, to gather the people together.

• A city with no population was hard to defend. There was a small pool of defenders to draw from, and those who lived outside had less ownership.

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OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. Foy Valentine, What Do You Do After You Say Amen? (Waco, TX: Word Books, 1980), 27.

BASKETBALL, BASEBALL, FOOTBALL, SOCCER BALL, HOCKEY PUCK, TENNIS BALLBring a collection of the above items, or other team sports balls. Pass them out in the group and ask the group to explain what happens in each game if your team is missing one or more players on the field, especially on defense.

Explain: Openings or holes in defense are areas of the greatest weakness. Vigilance is required by everyone in order for the whole group or area to be safeguarded. Nehemiah called on each household to contribute to the defense of the city at the wall and in the area of their homes, and he expected everyone to respond. They couldn’t afford to have even one weak spot.

Point out which sports require the most team work. Ask: What happens if everyone on the team became concerned about themselves, only playing for their own stats? What would the end result of the competition most likely look like? Compare a team who plays for themselves to the teamwork needed to complete the work of the wall.

Ask: In what ways can we focus on ourselves (individually or inside the church walls) more than the work the church as a whole needs to accomplish together for God? How can we guard against spiritual vulnerabilities in our relationships with God? In our church or small group?

THE BODY OF CHRISTThe completion of the walls around Jerusalem must have looked most impressive from the outside. From beyond the wall, the work certainly appeared accomplished. But had these Hebrews fully completed their responsibilities? Not really. There remained much more to do on the inside of the walls. These physical fortifications alone would not grant the city the needed levels of functionality and protection. For the city to function, the ongoing contribution of the people was required. It was necessary for guards to be on watch, worship leaders to take their roles, administers to assume responsibility, and for families to occupy the city. Nehemiah counted people because people count! Construction alone may enhance God’s kingdom, but it will never complete the work of God. The presence and ministry of His people are primary.

Foy Valentine’s modern-day parable makes the point: “A great congregation, strong, upright, loyal, and determined to erect a house of worship worthy of their great God. ... After many

days of diligent work they completed the construction of a truly fabulous edifice. Incorporating consummate design, superb engineering, intricate workmanship, and the finest materials gathered from around the world, the building was finally dedicated in a glorious celebration of splendor and rejoicing. At the close of the service the people watched in amazement as, the form of a giant hand appeared like in the time of Daniel the prophet. Slowly the finger of this hand wrote against the wall of the church in tall, bold letters: ‘Now, build Me a church.’”1

Jesus warned about spirituality that was only concerned with outward appearances. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence!” (Matt. 23:25).

Like the walls of Jerusalem, people can appear impressive and complete from the outside, but true spiritual welfare is determined within. God’s desires are accomplished with His ongoing work both with and within His people.

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SESSION 10

GET AN UNDERSTANDING

NEHEMIAH 8:1-12 1 All the peoplea gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate.b They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Mosesc that the LORD had given Israel. 2 On the first day of the seventh month,d Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding.e 3 While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentivelyf to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platformg made for this purpose. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood beside him on his right; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra praisedh the Lord, the great God, and with their hands upliftedi all the people said, “Amen, Amen!”j Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. 8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translatingk and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.” 11 And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” 12 Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa The inclusion of women and children in this assembly indicates this was an extraordinary occasion.

b a Jerusalem gate, restored by Nehemiah, on the east side of the city; This location, rather than the temple area, may have been chosen so women and children could be in close attendance.

c literally “torah of Moses” or “instruction of Moses”; this phrase is first found in Joshua 8:31-32, where Joshua writes “the law of Moses” on an altar at Ebal. The contents from which Ezra read are not specified, but the people regarded this book as authoritative (Neh. 8:5-6).

d Ezra arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month (Ezra 7:9). Thus, he was in the area for two months before this story took place.

e discernment, perception, consideration, observation

f “the ears of all the people were attentive” (ESV, KJV)

g often translated “tower”

h “blessed” (NASB, KJV, ESV); often used when pointing to God as the object of the reference

i Lifting the hands in worship often accompanies prayer and praise to God (see Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; 1 Tim. 2:8).

j literally “that which is true”; the repetition expresses the emphatic degree of the crowd’s agreement.

k Apparently many of the people could not understand Hebrew. Therefore the Levites translated into the commonly-spoken Aramaic language.

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


DESIRE THE WORD (Neh. 8:1-3)• The people called for Ezra to read the law of Moses to them.

• The city gathered for the express purpose of hearing God’s Word.

PREPARE TO HEAR (Neh. 8:4-8)• Platforms were erected so that all who were present would be able to

hear the reading of the law of Moses.

• Levites were assembled so explanations could be offered to the people.

MOVE BEYOND LISTENING (Neh. 8:9-12)• The purpose of the reading was to gain understanding of the words

being read with the anticipation of obeying.

• The reading led to weeping, followed by celebration.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Believers should desire to hear God’s Word on a regular basis.

• God’s people grow in faith by gathering for the purpose of hearing and understanding God’s Word.

• Reading Scripture includes seeking to understand the passages in the context of the whole and acting on that understanding.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

49Se ssion 10 : Ge t a n Un der s ta n di ng

FOCUS ATTENTIONHow does our spiritual nutrition compare to our physical nutrition? • We’ve known for many years that lean protein is one of the best

sources of energy and is necessary for our diet. We exercise and monitor our nutrition carefully, making sure to get enough meat and vegetables. What if we managed our spiritual health with that kind of vigilance?

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 8:1-3What could the fact that the people initiated the reading of Scripture say about them? • Every seven years the people were to read the law of Moses all

together at the Feast of Booths. It had been more than eleven times that long since they had read it in Jerusalem.

• The spiritual thirst of the nation is palpable in Scripture. Knowing they were to read Scripture together, it was one of the first things they did after rebuilding the wall and settling into their homes.

Why was it important that whole families be present and listen attentively?• The children present that day would never forget the image of their

parents and grandparents—along with the largest crowd they’d ever seen—listening, worshiping, and bowing before God.

• We are to model, not just talk about, submission to God to younger believers.

How must the people have responded when Ezra read passages like Deuteronomy 28:36-37?• They had lived this passage for the past eighty years. Surely most

families had lost many members in the conquering of Jerusalem, dispersion, and exile.

• When Scripture brushes a tender spot in our hearts, we respond suddenly and honestly.

NEHEMIAH 8:4-8How do the different postures of worship we see in this passage reflect the seriousness of the people about what they were hearing?• The people in the crowd were more intent on being respectful

and attentive than on being comfortable. We too often allow ourselves to be distracted by our own discomfort.

• Worship was active and participatory, not observational.

• The people responded in a holistic way—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, demonstrating Deuteronomy 6:5-8.

What elements in this passage point to the importance of time spent studying and teaching Scripture?• Ezra and Nehemiah certainly felt that the whole community

needed to hear matters of business regarding their new life in

Jerusalem. However, the time was spent reading Scripture. There seems to be agreement all the way around about its priority.

• Difficult circumstances sharpen our desire to hear from God.

• Understanding the value of the Bible as completely different from any other written work causes us to want to read it. The more we grasp its living, authoritative quality, the more we treasure it.

• The amount of time we spend reading the Bible, both corporately and individually, directly correlates to our familiarity with it.

NEHEMIAH 8:9-12What caused the people to weep as the meaning of the Scripture sank into their hearts? When was the last time Scripture moved you to tears or to action? • We can expect interacting with the living Word of God to

involve our emotions (see Heb. 4:12). The process is dynamic and productive. In a sense, it does surgery on our hearts.

How did Israel’s circumstances bring meaning to their weeping and their celebrating? • Hearing God’s promises to Adam, Noah, Moses, and the story of

the great exodus must have been like soothing medicine when applied to the backdrop of exile and their recent deliverance.

• The people identified with the treks across the desert, carrying everything they owned. They identified with the stories of being conquered, punished, and being brought home and restored.

• The families of Israel remembered in a new way who they were.

How would you explain the pattern in these verses of joy and generosity in response to encounters with God?• When we allow Scripture to penetrate our hearts, the Holy Spirit

can shape and mold us. We come away changed, better focused on living God’s plan for us.

• Any time we encounter God, we want to celebrate and to share the comfort, truth, and security He’s given us.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEThe impact and importance of Scripture sharpens to crystal clarity as we imagine the crowds of people pressed in together to hear. Hours passed as they listened, learned, and understood God’s plan in a new way. • There is incredible value in reflecting on God’s faithfulness

throughout the past.

• Personal Challenge: Spend time today reading, individually or together with a family member, from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, or Deuteronomy—the books of the Bible that would have been read that day. Reflect on and journal about God’s faithfulness to you in response to your reading.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


CORD THAT CONNECTS YOUR PHONE TO YOUR COMPUTERAsk the group to recall stories about updating or upgrading a cell phone. Encourage them to share their fears when doing so.

Explain: Any time you have aging software on your phone, you’ll soon need an update. Eventually your phone will work less and less efficiently until you update it.

But updating your phone or your computer can be scary. What if you lose your contacts and photos? What if you don’t like the new way it operates or if you have to learn a new system? What if you spent the time upgrading and then never used the new features?

We’re often not big fans of change, after all.Israel’s people needed an update in their relationship with God.

They had been looking backward and trying the best they could to remember.

Ask: What changes can you make to keep regularly updated with God? In what ways can we hear from God but not take the time to apply what He’s teaching us to our lives?

FULLY CHARGEDWe all have items that occasionally need recharging—laptop computers, cellular phones, computer tablets, or power tools. Yet among that list also should be our personal and collective spirits. Sometimes the word we use for this experience is “revival.” Today’s study features a time when God’s people were “recharged” to a deeper devotional. Aided by quality leaders like Nehemiah and Ezra, the people were now well-housed, well-defended, and well-governed. But there still was something missing. They needed a revival of heart and life to fill the spiritual vacuum that remained.

Key to their spiritual intensification was their emphasis upon Scripture. Jesus’ prayer for His disciples affirmed the spiritual blessing received through God’s Word: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). In this story, the place, platform, and posture of the people all demonstrate their high regard for God’s Word. Even the messenger, Ezra, was over-shadowed by the message expressed in the sacred ancient

text. Then as now, the reading and hearing of Scripture is like looking into a mirror. Through it people see the Heavenly Father’s holiness and their own sinfulness.

Basic economics compares supply verses demand. In Nehemiah’s day, the supply of God’s Word was down and the demand was up. Therefore steps were made to supply the demand. As a result, revival took place. For spiritual renewal to occur both in individual hearts and churches alike, we must possess, like the ancient citizens of Jerusalem, a hunger for God’s truth.

Revival is God’s work. We cannot make ourselves become divinely recharged no more than we can make ourselves fall asleep to become physically recharged. But we aid the arrival of sleep by creating a quiet, dark, comfortable, and restful environment. Likewise, we enhance the likelihood of revival when we create a featured place in our lives for God’s Word. Then we can anticipate becoming fully charged in Him.

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SESSION 11

RETURN TO THE RESTORING GOD

NEHEMIAH 9:32-37 32 So now, our God—the great, mighty, and awe-inspiringa God who keeps His gracious covenantb—do not view lightly all the hardships that have afflicted us, our kings and leaders, our priests and prophets, our ancestorsc and all Your people, from the days of the Assyrian kingsd until today. 33 You are righteous concerning all that has come on us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.e 34 Our kings, leaders, priests, and ancestors did not obey Your law or listen to Your commands and warningsf You gave them. 35 When they were in their kingdom, with Your abundant goodness that You gave them, and in the spacious and fertileg land You set before them, they would not serve You or turn from their wicked ways. 36 Here we are today, slavesh in the land You gave our ancestors so that they could enjoy its fruiti and its goodness.j Here we are—slaves in it! 37 Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us, because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.k

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa “awesome” (NIV, ESV, NASB); “terrible” (KJV); “to be feared” or “reverenced”

b a legally binding obligation, especially from God to humanity for redemption; making covenants with His people characterized God and distinguished Him from the other gods of the nations.

c “fathers” (NASB, KJV)

d This references two centuries before when the Assyrians destroyed Israel (722 B.C.) and devastated Judah (701 B.C.).

e to be condemned as guilty; as used by Moses to describe the Hebrew children’s construction and worship of the Golden Calf (see Deut. 9:18)

f “admonitions” (NASB); “testimonies” (KJV); this noun was used to refer to the tablets containing the Ten Commandments (Ex. 31:18; 32:15; 34:29).

g “rich” (ESV, NASB); “fat” (KJV); usually in reference to land but also used to describe people (see Judg. 3:29 and Ezek. 34:16)

h “servants”; though restored to their land, the people of God were not politically independent, as they had been during the monarchy (also see Ezra 9:9).

i special reference to God’s provision; also used to describe the “fruit” given in the garden of Eden (Gen. 1:11-12,29)

j “bounty” (NASB); in Scripture, “goodness” focuses on experiences with and from God in the lives of His people.

k a prayer for God’s merciful aid

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


THE GREAT GOD (Neh. 9:32)• God is addressed in personal terms, highlighting His power and grace.

• God had dealt graciously with the Jews in the past, and Nehemiah was hopeful that God would be gracious once again.

THE CONFESSION (Neh. 9:33-35)• Nehemiah declared that God was just and faithful while the covenant

people had been unfaithful.

• God had been faithful to them as a people multiple times and yet they had turned their backs on Him.

THE REQUEST (Neh. 9:36-37) • Nehemiah’s generation reaped the consequences of the past

generation’s failures, becoming slaves to foreign kings.

• Their only request was that God would see the conditions in which they now lived with the hope that He would rescue them.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Believers should approach God with reverence and awe.

• The confession of our sin is the first step toward restoration with God.

• Sinful humanity’s only hope is found in the grace of God.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

53Se ssion 11 : R e t u r n t o t h e R e s t or i ng G od

FOCUS ATTENTIONHow are your prayers different if you know the only way out of a painful situation is through a work of God? • Think of a painful, desperate situation you have been through—

the loss of a job unexpectedly, difficult news about your health, a broken relationship, and so forth.

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 9:32How was Israel able to view God as good even though He had punished them? What keeps people from trusting God as good? • One of Israel’s greatest strengths is their connection to their

history. The people knew they had wandered from God and did not try to blame Him for their discomfort. They chose to revere and honor Him for drawing them back.

• Christians must learn to view situations through the lens of a relationship with God, not through the lens of our situation.

What examples can you think of that demonstrate God dealing graciously with Israel? • In relationships we often classify the whole relationship in terms

of the most recent exchange—or our perception of it.

• Countless times God delivered and restored them graciously. Even the fact that He disciplined was gracious. Where would the nation have been by the time of Nehemiah if God had never intervened to rescue and restore them?

How can laws, precepts, and discipline be viewed as kind?• People’s evaluation of laws, precepts, and discipline is related to

their maturity. As we mature, we learn that resisting against the precepts of God keeps us from enjoying fellowship with Him.

• Knowing exactly where one stands with God is a beautiful gift.

• Every law God gave Moses, even the dietary and cleanliness laws, were for the protection of the people—an evidence of His love for them.

Why could Nehemiah and the Levites be hopeful that God would deal mercifully with Israel? • They knew He had done it in the past, and that He had sent

Nehemiah, Ezra, and other leaders to exhort the people to rediscover their identity in their relationship with God.

• The faith of the leaders was contagious. If the Levites trusted God humbly and vibrantly, others would, too.

NEHEMIAH 9:33-35What was the role of humility in the people’s prayer? What was the role of Scripture in their response to God? • The work of prayer, intimacy, and heart alignment with God

cannot be rushed or skipped without losing effectiveness.

• If we only pray hurried, generic prayers, we remain somewhat unfulfilled and unaware of things God wants to do in us.

• God’s viewpoint, best learned through Scripture, is the most well-informed, wisest, healthiest one available. If we believe He is God, and that Scripture reveals His viewpoint, we should seek His viewpoint by reading Scripture.

Why is confession important, given that Christians know we are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice?• Knowing that God is trustworthy to forgive and restore makes

confession something we can embrace instead of hide from.

• Confession brings us into agreement with God. Proper understanding of sin allows better understanding of grace, mercy, and the cross.

NEHEMIAH 9:36-37Scripture reveals that God dealt with the people corporately rather than individually. How does knowing that God requires group accountability change the way you view other Christians?• God is just. He cannot be unjust. We might tend to see God

relating to Israel as a whole as being unfair to the individuals.

• We unknowingly allow our strong cultural emphasis on the independent individual to impact the way we read and understand Scripture.

• Consider what Jesus said, and the actions He took, that indicate responsibility for and to one another (see Matt. 5:43-44; 22:39).

What other verses would you point to that encourage repentance and reliance on God to deliver? • Patterns in Scripture are worth noticing. God values confession

and repentance. (Read and compare Psalm 51.)

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWe look more often to the Lord’s Prayer as our model, but this beautiful prayer of confession and heart-deep humility is worth our attention.• Have you ever reminded God of His promises and His character

when you pray, like the priests and Levites did? Do you regularly ask God to be merciful to you?

• Personal Challenge: Read Nehemiah 9. Write a prayer based on these points: reflection on God’s past faithfulness, praising God for who He is and what He’s done, confession for yourself and your people, and appeal for mercy and grace in current circumstances.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. “Palindrome, Palindrome Words List, Longest Examples, Define Palindrome.” Available online: www.palindromelist.net.

AUTOGRAPH PEN (OR OTHER NICE PEN)AND A WOODEN PENCILDisplay the pen and pencil, and discuss the differences between the two.

Ask: Which one is best suited for which kinds of documents? Remind the group that both types have their place.

Recall times when you’ve signed legal documents: checks, mortgage paperwork, passport, and so forth.

Ask: What is the difference in validity if the signature is written with a pencil? How does each symbolize the relationship between God and the people in Jerusalem with Nehemiah?

Explain: When God cut a covenant with Abraham to make a great nation who would belong to God, He “signed” in ink. He never wavered from the promises He made to Israel. The people had effectively “signed” in pencil.

Emphasize the permanent nature of God’s covenant, pointing to the permanent pen. God wants to “erase” our past failures if we turn to Him.

Recall God’s faithfulness as you move into the rest of the study.

GOD IS GOOD!Palindromes are a special category of words and phrases that are spelled the same both forward and backward. Examples of palindromes include individual words such as “noon,” “radar,” “kayak,” “racecar,” as well as phrases like “step on no pets,” “never odd or even,” and “a nut for a jar of tuna.”1

The word palindrome, coined in the 17th century by English writer Ben Jonson, is a combination of the Greek words meaning: again direction. The long prayer recorded in Nehemiah 9 is a “palindrome prayer,” in that it appealed to God to respond in the same way, looking forward as He did when they look back. Throughout their history the Lord extended abundant favor to His people and responded with gracious compassion—even to their rebellion. Now in their distress they petitioned for a repeat of His pattern of blessing.

One of the most common themes of our prayers is that God will respond to our hardships with pity and relief. Like Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Hebrews of old, we can be confident that

our Heavenly Father replies with the same pattern of grace in the future as He consistently demonstrated in the past. His reliability is unswerving because He is eternally true to His nature of love.

God gave this self-description to Moses: “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Ex. 34:6b-7, NIV). These attributes are repeated seven other times in the Old Testament, including in Nehemiah (Num. 14:18; Ps. 86:15; 103:8; 145;8; Neh. 9:17; Jonah 4:2; Joel 2:13).

The Lord does not treat us as we deserve. Rather, He grants us His loving grace. Borrowing a well-known adage with a “palindrome” theology, “God is good all the time. All the time God is good.” Because of His consistent and steadfast faithfulness, we may bring our appeals to Him with confidence (see Heb. 4:16).

@ 2014 LifeWay




SESSION 12

COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD

NEHEMIAH 10:28-39 28 The rest of the people—the priests,a Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants,b along with their wives, sons, and daughters, everyonec who is able to understand and who has separated themselves from the surrounding peoples to obey the law of God— 29 join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oathd to follow the law of God given through God’s servant Moses and to carefully obey all the commands, ordinances, and statutese of Yahweh our Lord.

30 We will not give our daughters in marriage to the surrounding peoples and will not take their daughters as wives for our sons. 31 When the surrounding peoples bring merchandise or any kind of grain to sell on the Sabbathf day, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or a holy day. We will also leave the land uncultivated in the seventh yearg and will cancel every debt. 32 We will impose the following commands on ourselves: To give an eighth of an ounce of silver yearly for the service of the house of our God: 33 the breadh displayed before the Lord, the daily grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbath and New Moon offerings, the appointed festivals,i the holy things, the sin offerings to atone for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

34 We have cast lots among the priests, Levites, and people for the donation of wood by our ancestral houses at the appointed times each year. They are to bring the wood to our God’s house to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the law.

35 We will bring the firstfruitsj of our land and of every fruit tree to the Lord’s house year by year. 36 We will also bring the firstborn of our sons and our livestock, as prescribed by the law, and will bring the firstborn of our herds and flocks to the house of our God, to the priests who serve in our God’s house. 37 We will bring a loaf from our first batch of dough to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God. We will also bring the firstfruits of our grain offerings, of every fruit tree, and of the new wine and oil. A tenth of our land’s produce belongs to the Levites, for the Levites are to collect the one-tenth offering in all our agricultural towns. 38 A priest of Aaronic descent must accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth,

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa Priesthood in the Old Testament primarily involved sacrificing at the altar and worship in the shrine. Other functions were blessing the people (Num. 6:22-26), determining the will of God (Ex. 28:30), and instructing the people in the law of God (Deut. 31:9-12).

b Psalm 135:1 calls for those who serve and minister in the house of the Lord to give Him praise.

c Even Hebrews who were not part of the exile joined in this covenant.

d The people vowed to live by the law and to accept the penalties if they broke the vow.

e a law or commandment from God or an earthly ruler; Joseph was able to create laws as a ruler in Egypt (see Gen. 47:26).

f Nehemiah elaborated on the abuse of the Sabbath in Nehemiah 13:15-22.

g During the sabbatical year the land was to lie fallow and the produce of uncultivated fields was to be left for the poor (see Ex. 23:11; Lev. 25:2-7).

h “showbread” (ESV, NASB); a dozen cakes displayed on a table in the temple as an offering to God (see Lev. 24:5-9)

i Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths (see Ex. 34:18,22,23, Deut. 16:1-16)

j The law ordered that the first of all ripe fruits and liquors be offered in God’s house (see Ex. 22:29; 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 26:1-11).

k The temple complex included special storage areas, both for the utensils of worship and the place where valuables were kept.

l “forsake” (KJV); the first use of this word in the Bible is in reference to marriage where a man “forsakes” his father and mother and bonds with his wife (see Gen. 2:24).

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


TALKING POINTS

COMMITMENT MADE (Neh. 10:28-29)• The people who returned and/or who followed Judaism made a

corporate oath of submission to the authority of God’s Word.

HOLINESS SOUGHT (Neh. 10:30) • The first practical example of how the returning exiles would keep the

law of Moses was by marrying only others who held the same beliefs.

• The separation was about holiness and remaining spiritually pure.

WORSHIP PLEDGED (Neh. 10:31-39) • The second set of practical examples related to worship practices

and provisions.

• The returning exiles protected the day of worship and provided the resources needed for temple operations, including payment for the temple workers and leaders.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Believers should be committed to obeying God’s Word in all areas of

their lives.

• God expects His people to live a life characterized by holiness.

• A commitment to worship is one way believers can demonstrate their love for God.

and the Levites must take a tenth of this offering to the storeroomsk of the treasury in the house of our God. 39 For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the priests who minister are, along with the gatekeepers and singers. We will not neglectl the house of our God.

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DISCUSSION PLAN

57Se ssion 12 : Com m i t You r Way t o t h e L or d

FOCUS ATTENTIONWho has challenged you to a higher standard in your life? How have you been urged forward by the example of another Christian?• Now that the wall and temple were completed and the people

more settled, Nehemiah challenged the families of Israel to be the people of God in practice, not just location. He challenged them to exceed the devotion of their fathers.

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 10:28-29The Israelites made the oath to follow God corporately. What difference might the oath of the whole, instead of individuals, have made within Israel?• Regardless of their age or station in life, all who could

understand were asked to make the same commitment.

• There is natural accountability in knowing everyone is expected to keep the same standard.

• The people agreed, each individually, to obey God—to become, and help each other become God’s people again in daily practice.

How is God’s law different from government law or social morals? What comforts you most about God’s laws? • God’s statutes are motivated by His love and can be nothing but

good. Their aim is not to subjugate, but to protect and guide.

• God’s commands are trustworthy because He is unchanging and always faithful.

How did God’s restoration position Israel for growth? • The people’s identity was reconfirmed and renewed. They

now had a home to defend. God once again demonstrated His fondness for fresh starts by restoring His people.

• The assumption in the people’s oath was to know the law, so they could then follow it.

• We sometimes find it easy to agree to obey God, without diligently searching for what He wants us to do and without much thought to the meaning of obedience in our everyday lives.

NEHEMIAH 10:30Compare Nehemiah 10:30 to Exodus 20:3 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. What principles are the same?• God looks on the heart. His followers worship Him alone.

• God’s precepts have never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

How would you express the reasons for God’s instruction on marriage? Why is living a holy life, free of things that distract from following God, so important? • The marriage relationship is to be a God-given picture of

His relationship to the church, with no unfaithfulness or partial devotion.

• Consider the example of Solomon, whose worship of the many gods of his wives was his undoing as king.

• Obedience is worship.

• God desires for His people to have undivided hearts in their love for Him. Freedom and peace grow as our trust in God deepens.

NEHEMIAH 10:31-39How does our attitude in worship reflect our willingness to focus on God? To obey God?• When we withhold from God in our hearts, worship and

obedience become difficult.

• Read 2 Corinthians 9:7, which speaks to the attitude of a giver.

What does each of these expressions of worship look like specifically in our culture today: keeping the Sabbath, giving, and providing for the church? • The way we spend money, resources, and time are important.

God’s plan for provision for the house of God requires tithes and offerings from His people.

What changes, if any, does living under the new covenant make to the daily practice of worship, compared to the time of Nehemiah? • Israel’s vow to follow God involved much more than corporate

worship (although corporate worship was catalytic).

• Romans 12:1-2 is a new covenant definition of worship.

• The temple fire burned constantly and needed wood. In a sense, we worship by placing every part of our lives on the altar to be consumed and changed by God.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWhat statement are we making about God if we choose not to obey Him?• Though it’s hard to hear, we must be honest about the fact that

when we choose to disobey God in any area, we are elevating our own wisdom and will over His.

• As our Lord, God asks for complete surrender in all things. He can be trusted completely. If we believe He knows best and loves us, we can obey without fear.

• Personal Challenge: Spend time in prayer, asking God to show you areas of your life where you are disobedient. Trust Him to tenderly reveal things that are hard to see about yourself. Confess them and rest on His colossal love and mercy. Write in your journal about the impact of God’s forgiveness and restoration.

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


1. Johnson Oatman, Jr., “Higher Ground,” Worship Hymnal (Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 1991), 484.

CLEAR GLASS, BOTTLE OF WATER, OIL, AND A SPOONFill the glass about half full with water. Pour a significant amount of oil into the water. Stir vigorously until the oil and water are mixed. Stop stirring and watch the oil and water separate.

Point out that no matter how much the mixture is stirred, the oil and water will never truly combine.

Ask: How does this illustrate the point being made by Nehemiah?Explain: At conversion, a person is changed. God takes a heart of

stone and replaces it with a heart of flesh. From that point forward, the believer is no longer completely at home, just temporarily blended into the world. We still love the world, but we are redeemed for something bigger and more permanent. Proximity to the world must not equal being part of it.

God asks His people to be set apart—to learn what it is like to surrender our decision-making to God, no matter what context we are in.

Discuss: How can we regularly remind ourselves that we are in the world but not of the world? What might that look like on a daily basis?

A VOW OF DEVOTIONOne of the clear characteristics of leadership is the ability to make and keep sound commitments. In 1776, 56 patriots changed the course of history by signing the Declaration of Independence. Our study today describes a turning of history when the Hebrews made an important declaration of their dependence upon the Lord.

Throughout Scripture, moments of hallowed revelation and devotion are accompanied by sacred vows. Examples of people making significant pledges include Jacob (Gen. 28:20-22), Joshua (Josh. 24:15), Sampson (Judg. 16:17), Hannah (1 Sam. 1:10-11), Jonah (Jonah 2:9), and Paul (Acts 18:18).

Even today, significant oaths continue to accompany meaningful moments of transition and resolve. Marriages begin with the exchanging of vows. Careers in the military and in law enforcement begin with swearing in ceremonies. Elected officials take oaths of office. Making a sincere commitment launches quality improvements and destinies in life.

God’s champions are willing to make a commitment to a greater vision, purpose, mission, and truth. They reflect the testimony of a favorite hymn of faith:

“My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay; Though some may dwell where those abound, My prayer, my aim is higher ground.”1

Inevitably, this higher way encounters circumstances where selflessness and service are required. Personal commitment instills us with a resolve to exercise discipline and sacrifice necessary to achieve a greater good. Contemporary culture too often considers commitment optional based upon feelings. While this alternative may be far easier, it’s also far less attractive. Failure to make a commitment ultimately leaves a life void of many blessed and favorable realities. A person who refuses to make a commitment is a person without God: “Make and keep your vows to the LORD your God” (Ps. 76:11).

@ 2014 LifeWay




BONUS SESSION

ESTABLISH JUSTICE IN GOD’S COMMUNITY

NEHEMIAH 5:1-13 1 There was a widespread outcrya from the people and their wivesb against their Jewish countrymen.c 2 Some were saying, “We, our sons, and our daughters are numerous. Let us get grain so that we can eat and live.” 3 Others were saying, “We are mortgagingd our fields, vineyards, and homes to get grain during the famine.” 4 Still others were saying, “We have borrowed money to pay the king’s taxe on our fields and vineyards. 5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery.f Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others.” 6 I became extremely angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints. 7 After seriously consideringg the matter, I accused the nobles and officials, saying to them, “Each of you is charging his countrymen interest.”h So I called a large assembly against them 8 and said, “We have done our best to buy backi our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back.” They remained silent and could not say a word. 9 Then I said, “What you are doing isn’t right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God and not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies? 10 Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop charging this interest. 11 Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and olive oil that you have been assessing them.” 12 They responded: “We will return these things and require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and made everyone take an oath to do this. 13 I also shook the folds of my robej and said, “May God likewise shake from his house and property everyone who doesn’t keep this promise. May he be shaken out and have nothing!” The whole assembly said, “ Amen,” and they praised the Lord. Then the people did as they had promised.

EXPLORING KEY WORDSa used primarily in reference to crying for aid

b Since women play a minor role in Ezra and Nehemiah, mentioning them here emphasizes the severity of the crisis.

c The completion of the wall around Jerusalem was threatened not only by opposition from the outside but also by discord from within.

d A creditor was entitled to demand and receive a pledge as security for a loan to a fellow Hebrew (see Ex. 22:26; Deut. 24:10-13).

e Documents from Babylonia and Egypt during this period attest to families unable to pay their taxes and thus forced to sell their children into servitude. Many finally lost their land and became part of the landless working poor. During this period the interest rate for borrowing to pay taxes was often 40-50 percent.

f A man who became poor could sell himself, along with his family, to a fellow Israelite to get back on his feet financially. Yet he was to be treated as a hired worker, not as a slave and was to be released after no more than six years of service (Ex. 21:1-6; Lev. 25:39-43; Deut. 15:12-18).

g Nehemiah “pondered” (NIV) the great decisions related to carrying out his responsibilities.

h Old Testament law forbade charging interest to a fellow Hebrew.

i The law allowed for buying back Hebrews who sold themselves as slaves to foreigners. Nehemiah’s protest was for purchasing the freedom of Jewish slaves from fellow Jews.

j being emptied of one’s house and livelihood similar to shaking the contents out of a pocket

@ 2014 LifeWay

NOTES

TALKING POINTS


A CRY FOR JUSTICE (Neh. 5:1-5)• The poor were being oppressed by the wealthy, even to the point

of slavery.

• The poor felt powerless to do anything about the system in place.

TAKING A STAND (Neh. 5:6-11)• Nehemiah was appalled at the potential breakdown of community in

Jerusalem as a result of oppression.

• He called on the leaders (mostly wealthy) to treat everyone with dignity, so that their witness of others would not be discounted.

• Nehemiah set the standard, being an example by providing for the needs of others.

ACTION PROMISED (Neh. 5:12-13)• The leaders committed to take action by stopping their

oppressive practices.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS• Social injustice is a symptom of a culture that devalues life.

• Believers are to stand up for the powerless, affirming the value of all people.

• Believers must commit to taking a stand against social injustice and related life issues, including economic oppression and enslavement of vulnerable people.

@ 2014 LifeWay

DISCUSSION PLAN

61B on us Se ssion : E s ta bl i sh Jus t ic e i n G od’s Com m u n i t y

FOCUS ATTENTIONHow would you explain the anxiety associated with a situation you think is hopeless? What other responses could one have? • Walking through frantic times when we feel helpless makes us

more aware of the struggles of others.

• There are times to listen and act to help those who find themselves trapped and endangered by circumstances.

EXPLORE THE TEXT NEHEMIAH 5:1-5How would you describe the people’s desperation in this passage? • Laborers and landowners alike worked side by side on the wall,

but feeding their families became increasingly difficult.

• People do things in desperate times that they would never think of doing otherwise. Some had no choice but to forfeit their land and sell their children into slavery to pay off debts owed. Lenders charged exorbitant rates and took advantage of the workers.

Where do you see these or similar issues of exploitation in our communities today? In the global community? • Human trafficking, abortion, slavery, genocide, extortion and

usury are widespread in societies all over the world.

• The inherent sin of selfishness is profoundly durable in humanity. Almost anywhere there are people, there are people taking advantage of other people for selfish reasons.

What Scripture passages would you point to that demonstrate God’s heart for the poor and oppressed?• We see God’s compassion for the helpless throughout the Bible

(see Deut. 10:18; 15:7-8; 1 Sam. 2:7-8; Job 5:15-16; Ps. 12:5; 72:4).

NEHEMIAH 5:6-11What are the potential ramifications of placing value on an individual based on his or her wealth?• Every person carries the image of God, their Creator. It is this

likeness to God and the fact that He created us that gives value and worth, completely independent of ability or wealth.

• All cruel acts toward people require the worth and dignity of the person be forgotten.

Based on Nehemiah 5, what’s the relationship between personal integrity and godly leadership? What qualities do you see in Nehemiah’s life that demonstrate his determination to honor the Lord?• Recognition and righteous anger indicate Nehemiah’s integrity.

• Nehemiah was the lone courageous voice that dared to challenge the people’s way of doing business.

• Nehemiah had rapport with every worker and wealthy leader. God gave him favor in every situation, and people followed him.

• Personal integrity gains respect and inspires people to follow.

NEHEMIAH 5:12-13What factors point to Nehemiah’s obvious influence on the city’s leaders? What about in the community?• Nehemiah’s request to the nobles and officials cost them money.

He asked them to treat their brothers and sisters with honor rather than taking them for everything they owned. In spite of the costs, they responded without disagreement.

• With wall-building underway, keeping people inspired to get the job done was crucial. Nehemiah had his hands full fending off physical, mental, and emotional attackers. He was able to galvanize Israel to continue working in spite of great sacrifice.

What’s the current role of believers in your community or city? What do you think God envisions for believers in your area?• Consider Matthew 5:13-16. When salt is added to a dish, the

flavor changes throughout it.

• How could your neighborhood, school zone, and town be impacted by the gospel? What one conversation or mentor relationship could you begin toward this endeavor?

• The most pressing need anyone has is spiritual, not physical.

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGEWhen we contemplate the depth of depravity in the world it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What can one person or group of people do to stem such a tide? • It’s important to rest in the truth that Jesus Christ has won the

battle over sin, and one day all who know Christ will be removed from sin’s presence forever. Until then we can do what Nehemiah did. He allowed himself to notice injustice and acted on the opportunities before him.

• Personal Challenge: Who do you know that feels frantic and oppressed in their circumstances? Could you do something to alleviate their suffering or walk through it with them? What keeps you from acting sooner rather than later?

• What action steps could you or your group take to be more engaged with poor and oppressed people? If Christians don’t respond to the needs we see around us, who will?

@ 2014 LifeWay

OBJECT LESSON

DIG DEEPER


INDEX CARDSAsk a volunteer to attempt to stand one index card on its long edge without folding it. (The card will not stand by itself.)

Use a second card, perpendicular to the first and touching it to support the card. Add several others one at a time in the same manor, all standing up on the long edge, perpendicular to one another.

Explain: Some people in Israel during the time of Nehemiah were powerless. They had no way of standing on their own, since their property and even their children were confiscated or sold to pay taxes. Nehemiah came to their aid, challenging the powerful members to make changes in the way they did business.

Ask: What is our role as Christians—individually and collectively—to care for those facing poverty or oppression? What things can we do to help “prop up” others? How are we dependent on each other? Who in your circle of influence could benefit from an act of love and service right now?

LOVE ONE ANOTHERThe wealthier Hebrews of Nehemiah’s time compromised both the spirit and letter of the Mosaic Law in exchange for financial gain. Their greed triumphed over their creed that called them to love and support their fellow Jews. But the value of the bond between God’s people is not worth leveraging the economic hardships of a brother or sister into one’s personal profit. This is an error routinely condemned in Scripture (see Prov. 22:16; Jas. 2:5-7).

The attraction of financial wealth easily tempts even people of faith into destructive actions and consequences (see 1 Tim. 6:9-11). As demonstrated in this story, compromises that victimize others within the family of faith erode harmony and destroy productive cooperation. Did you notice that there is no mention of any work occurring on the wall in these verses? In addition, people were damaging their reputation among their Gentile neighbors (see Neh. 5:9).

Like the Hebrews of Jerusalem living in Nehemiah’s generation, people of God throughout history inevitably endured seasons of division within their own communities. And like the ancient Hebrews, the motivation behind the conflict often is a selfish desire for prosperity or agenda.

Jesus warned His disciples to “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). A quality method for being on guard against the injurious qualities of greed is to use material wealth to extend generosity to our brothers and sisters in need. God’s followers are expected to demonstrate compassion as a testimony of our devotion to the Lord (see 1 John 3:17).

Jesus taught that in giving to those people in need, we are actually giving to Him (see Matt 25:40). Seeing Jesus’ face within the faces of desperate souls will bring a perspective far superior to the things of this world.

@ 2014 LifeWay

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E x pl or e t h e Bi bl e | Q u ick S ou rc e64

3 Powerful Words for Group Leaders

It’s a terrifying experience, and it happens to every group leader at one point or another: somebody asks a question. Not just any question, though—a big question. A tough question. A question that sounds important.

And you have no idea what your answer should be.

Have you been in that situation as a group leader? If not, just wait for a little while. Sooner or later someone will ask a question you don’t know how to answer:

“I heard from an atheist friend that the Bible is full of contradictions; is that true?”

“Where does the Bible explain about the Trinity?”

“How do we know Paul actually wrote all these letters?”

And so on.

Don’t panic. That’s the first thing to remember in these situations. You’re not supposed to be a walking Bible dictionary or a theology professor. You’re a group leader, which means your job is to help people experience transformation through the power of the

@ 2014 LifeWay

653 Powerful Words for Group Leaders

Holy Spirit—not to dispense information like a vending machine.

In fact, the worst thing you can do in these situations is guess or make up an answer out of the blue. I know from personal experience that it’s tempting as a group leader to pretend like you always know what you’re talking about. But using ignorance to tackle a difficult question will only spawn more ignorance. Worse, it can cause spiritual damage to those you’ve been called to serve.

No, when you come face-to-face with a question you can’t answer, just remember these three powerful words:

“I don’t know.”

Yes, “I don’t know” is a perfectly acceptable answer. That’s because it’s an honest answer.

When you help your group members understand that you don’t have all the answers to all things pertaining to God’s Word and Christendom, you create space for those members to grow. You help them understand that your group is a team effort and a collective experience. In other words, you help them see that the group isn’t all about you.

On that note, there are two more phrases you can add to those three powerful words. You can say:

“I don’t know … but I will find out.” When you don’t know the answer to an honest question from a group member, consider spending some time tracking down the answer between group meetings. Do a little research or talk with a pastor, and then re-open the discussion during the next session.

“I don’t know … but what does everyone else think?” Remember that you are part of a group. If you don’t know how to answer or address a question from a group member, consider opening up the question to the larger group. Work together as a team to come up with a conclusion, and then confirm that conclusion during the week if necessary.

Sam O’Neal is a content editor for LifeWay. He is the author of the Field Guide for Small Group Leaders: Setting the Tone, Accommodating Learning Styles and More. Sam and his wife and two sons live in Hendersonville, TN.

@ 2014 LifeWay


COMING NEXT QUARTER

Session 1 God Is > Nahum 1:1-8

Session 2 Everyone Accountable > Zephaniah 1:1-11

Session 3 Our Great Salvation > Zephaniah 3:8-17

Session 4 Compassion for Lost People > Obadiah 1:1-4,10-17

Session 5 The Promised Messiah > Zechariah 8:1-8; 9:9-12

Session 6* The Declaration > Luke 24:1-12

Session 7* The Promise Fulfilled > Luke 24:13-35

Session 8 A Refined People > Zechariah 13:1-9

Session 9 Hard Questions, Harder Answers > Habakkuk 1:1-6,12-13; 2:1-4

Session 10 Awestruck > Habakkuk 3:1-6,11-13,16-19

Session 11 Seek Him First > Haggai 1:1-11; 2:5-9

Session 12 True Hope > Malachi 1:1-11

Session 13 Faithful > Malachi 2:10-17

Session 14 A Pure People > Malachi 3:1-7; 3:16–4:2

*Evangelistic Emphasis

SELECTED MINOR PROPHETS

@ 2014 LifeWay

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@ 2014 LifeWay

Coming Up NextNew Studies for Spring 2015

Scripture: Selected Minor Prophets

General Editor: George Guthrie

LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible

Want to use Explore the Bible with other age groups? Preview Explore the Bible: Kids, Students, and Young Adults at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

And now, there is a choice of translations that appears in your study. Choose from HCSB, KJV, NIV, or ESV.

Like No Other: The Life of Christ BY Tony Evans

Like Glue: Making Relationships StickBY Ben Mandrell

Studies in Isaiah, Jeremiah, the Gospels, Acts & Paul’s Letters

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Theological Theme: The God Who Sends Who Are We?BY Geoff Ashley

What Do We Do?BY Walter Strickland, Jason Dukes, Alvin Reid, Philip Nation

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CHECK OUT THESE ADDITIONAL STUDY OPTIONS FOR ANY OTHER TIME YOU NEED A BIBLE STUDY.

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