Nehemiah - Study 5

Nehemiah and Rebuilding Study 5 – Obedience to God is challenged, but the people overcome: Chapters 4 to 6

Welcome

All of us can recount stories of discouragement and difficulty in our personal lives, and in our families, work situations and church life.
Share an experience when you have overcome with God’s help – what made the difference?

Worship

Nehemiah returned to his faith in God every time he was under pressure and from whichever direction. Take time in worship: sing or listen to words that build your faith and give you confidence in God. A few examples are below.

Word – Study 5 – So many discouragements and distractions!

In the following 6 scenes, different attacks come upon Nehemiah and the builders.

Each circumstance draws a response from Nehemiah and the people working together.

As a group you may like to have a note-taker to record the different types of attack, the prayers, and the leadership decisions that Nehemiah makes.

Scene 1 – Nehemiah 4.1-3. Anger and ridicule

Response - Nehemiah 4.4-5, then v 6

Scene 2 – Nehemiah 4.7-8. Threat of attack.

Response - Nehemiah 4.9.

Scene 3 – Nehemiah 4.10-12. Losing heart, surrounded by trouble.

Response – Nehemiah 4.13, 14, 15, 16-17, 18-20

Scene 4 – Nehemiah 5.1-5 . Internal community discord and profiteering. ^{Note 1}

Response – Nehemiah 5.6-13; Nehemiah 5.17-19

^{Note 1}  the “nobles” undermining the community, their comfortable position derived from cooperation with the regime is potentially threatened by Nehemiah’s work. Neh. 5.7.

Scene 5 – Nehemiah 6.6-7. Attack on the character and motivations of the leader.

Response – Nehemiah 6.8-9.

Scene 6 – Nehemiah 6.10. False prophecy and attempt to isolate the leader. ^{Note 2}

Response – Nehemiah 6.11-14

^{Note 2} the “nobles” involved in correspondence to undermine, Neh. 6.17-19

Now we must celebrate the end of this part of the story:  Nehemiah 6.15-16.

The Wall is rebuilt in an astonishing 52 days! Wonderful work!

Witness

If we are to continue to witness to the Good news of Jesus Christ in our changing culture, which aspects of today’s study speak to you? What action will you take?

Please will you let the PCC know your thoughts? Thank you!

Worship

If you choose ‘battle’ as your theme, there are 3,746 choices in Song Select with CCLI; similar for ‘rescue’ and ‘overcome’. I wonder what this might say to our study groups?

However there are 19,607 for ‘faith’: how great is that! Hoping that there is one song or hymn that encourages you all in your group.

Possible music choices, from a contemporary collection on You Tube:

• “When trials come” (1300) When Trials Come - Keith & Kristyn Getty - YouTube ;
• “How firm a foundation” (1300) How Firm a Foundation - YouTube ;
• “Be still my soul” with the Sibelius tune, several versions; (1300) Hymn "Be Still My Soul" - Traditional - YouTube; (1300) Kari Jobe - Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) [Lyrics] - YouTube;
• “I raise a hallelujah” (1300) Raise A Hallelujah (Lyrics) ~ Bethel Music - YouTube

Other ideas:

• St Patrick’s Breastplate
• Be bold, be strong! Has actions….