Transcript Nehemiah – Chapter 1 Overview

Opposition and Obstacles from Within
Chap 1 – Nehemiah, a man of God in prayer
 Listened, Wept, Prayed, Planned
Chap 2 – Faith in Action
 Decision point – stepping out in faith … at any cost
Chap 3 – Teamwork
 They were Motivated, Dedicated, Cooperative
 They volunteered, no matter what the job was
Ridicule 4:1-6
Compromise 6:1-4
Violence 4:7-9
Slander 6:5-9
Discouragement 4:10
Fear 4:11–23
Threats 6:10-14
Intrigue 6:17-19
Selfishness / Greed
5:1-19
Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Resistance
 What were the people’s complaints? Were they selfish?
 Who were the opportunist in this situation? How do you know?
 How did Nehemiah react/respond when he heard these complaints?
 What do his reactions tell you about him? Was he to harsh?
Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Response
 Anger and clear thinking “I took council with myself (v7)”
In your anger do not sin. Eph 4:26
 Public confrontation
 Fear of the Lord
 Witness to neighbors
 1 Cor 6:1-6
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he
who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Pro 16:32
“I held a great assembly(v7)”
“Ought you not walk in fear of the Lord (v9)”
“Prevent taunts of the nations our enemies.(v9)“
 Appeal based on the Word of God ….. Law of Mosses
Exodus 22:25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is
poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact
interest from him.
Lev 25:36 “Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your
God, that your brother may live beside you. “
Proverbs 28:8 “Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. “
Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Result
 How did the nobles and officials initially respond to Nehemiah’s
admonition (v12)?
 What did Nehemiah do to insure a measure of accountability to their
commitment? Do you learn any lessons from it?
Nehemiah 5:14-19: Nehemiah’s Generosity
 How long was Nehemiah Governor of Judah?
 What did Nehemiah say that he had not done while he was the
Governor of Judah?
 Thought Question: Why do you think Nehemiah was telling the
people this information?
Nehemiah 5:14-19: Nehemiah’s Generosity
 What was Nehemiah’s main motivation for refraining from eating the
food allotted to him as Governor? (v15-16)
 What do verses 18 & 19 reveal about Nehemiah’s character?
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you
have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Heb 6:10
Personal questions:
 Who are the people you are tempted to treat as less valuable than
yourself?
 What can you do to keep from taking advantage of others or devaluing
them?
 How can you emulate Nehemiah’s response?
Key Lessons
• Face the enemy with preparation, perseverance and prayer
• Face discord & internal strife with prayer, justice, honest confrontation
& set a good example ourselves.