Overview
Twelve sessions dig into the Old Testament story of Nehemiah. You will discover how this leader's courage and faith can inspire you to live a life pleasing to God.
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of Nehemiah
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Session One
Depending on God
How do you respond when you hear bad news about people you know and care for? What do you learn about Nehemiah's character from his reaction and his prayer?
Nehemiah 1
Session Two
The Planning Process
What would it take for you to say the "gracious hand of my God" is on the "good work" that you are doing? In this chapter Nehemiah shows evidence of careful planning on two fronts—praying and doing.
Nehemiah 2
Session Three
Working Together
From this chapter, what seems to be the motivation for people to work on the city wall? What motivates you to commit yourself to a group task that will take a lot of work?
Nehemiah 3
Session Four
Opposition from the Outside
What tends to be your response to concentrated opposition aimed at you and what you are doing? How does Nehemiah respond to these forms of opposition?
Nehemiah 4
Session Five
Opposition from Within
How would you define the kind of leadership that Nehemiah exercises in dealing with internal opposition? What kind of internal opposition might come up within your church to divert you from your objectives, and how could you deal with it?
Nehemiah 5
Session Six
Facing Intimidation
Nehemiah was not sidetracked by attempts to call him away from work on the wall. How could you make your vision for your "great work" more clear, so that you will not be easily sidetracked?
Nehemiah 6
Session Seven
Family History
In this chapter of Nehemiah we find that if people could not trace their lineage back to a preexilic Jewish relative, they could not be counted among the people of Israel. Are you proud or embarrassed about your family history?
Nehemiah 7
Session Eight
Revival
How much is celebration a part of your regular Christian life? This chapter of Nehemiah reveals real repentance, contrition and weeping, but also great celebration and joy in doing what God wants.
Nehemiah 8
Session Nine
Confession & Commitment
What part does confession play in your Christian life? Why do you think the Israelites spent so much time confessing and identifying with the sins of their ancestors?
Nehemiah 9–10
Session Ten
Big Decisions
What factors do you consider in determining where you live? How did the Jews in chapter 11 decide who would live in Jerusalem?
Nehemiah 11
Session Eleven
Service & Integrity
What jobs give you fulfillment and satisfaction? How would you feel if you were Meshullam in verse 25 and were recognized for guarding the storerooms?
Nehemiah 12
Session Twelve
Love That Challenges
Why do you think it difficult to correct a brother or a sister in the Lord? Nehemiah's response in verse 25 is very dramatic and physical. What principles does this suggest to you for how we should deal with sin today?
Nehemiah 13
Total number of pages—68 pages
Don Fields has served in various capacities for more than 30 years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. He is currently director of the Indiana Northeast division.
