Nehemiah - Study 4

Nehemiah and Rebuilding Study 4 – Assessing the Challenge ahead: Nehemiah Chapter 2 & 3

Welcome

Could you get some Lego blocks, or junk modelling, and work together to create the tallest or most beautiful building that stands all by itself?

How does that feel? How did you work as a team?

Word – Study 4 – The Challenge of the Project

1. Permission to leave

Nehemiah 1.1-11. Nehemiah has been praying, waiting for the right time to ask permission to leave Shushan.

Nehemiah 2.1-3. Four months later, what happens? How does Nehemiah feel?

Nehemiah 2.4-9. Notice the key steps in the project. Notice the prayer.

Note that Ezra refused military protection but Nehemiah accepted it (Ezra 8.22; Nehemiah 2.9). Are there any lessons we can take away from this?

2. The situation in Jerusalem

Reflect on the steps of Nehemiah’s leadership, noting the care and consideration of the different aspects of the project that God had asked him to do: Nehemiah 2.11-20

• The city, the helpers, the opposition

Notes: Sanballat was governor of Samaria (v 10), Tobiah was a secretary.

How does Nehemiah approach the project (cross reference to Jesus’ words, Luke 14.28); and how does he resist the attacks?

3. The team project rebuilding

Nehemiah 3 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible for describing the layout of the city of Jerusalem. If you have time, take a look at Nehemiah chapter 3.

You will also be able to find a good map in a Bible Dictionary, if you are interested.

God’s work was carefully planned. Each person had a particular task and place.

If you have time, think about St Paul’s words in Romans 12.1-8, and how this might apply to your own life, and that of our church family.

Notice the different attitudes to the work: compare Nehemiah 3.5 with 3.20.

Think about St Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3.11-13.

Worship

Bring to a time of worship any thoughts about particular attitudes or guidance that the Lord has given to you, both individually and as a group.

• Say sorry, if God has prompted you.
• Pray for insight into giftings amidst your group.
• Pray for God’s wisdom for a project that you are considering.
• Say thank you and celebrate any achievements as a team.

Witness

What might you say to someone in the supermarket queue if they asked you

‘Why would you want to study that book from so long ago? What relevance has that to your life?’