BOOK OF NEHEMIAH – STUDY NOTES (5/14/20)

REVIEW: WKS 1 – 6 MATERIAL – WK 7

REVIEW

a.     Prayer: A prayer life cultivated by faith in God produces successful outcomes

b.     Preparation: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

c.     Partnership: The Favor of God, in partnership with YOUR obedience, guarantees access to purpose

d.     Vision Casting: God gives the Visionary vision; but He gives PEOPLE to execute the vision

e.     Defeating Vision Killers: There will always be detractors; STAY THE COURSE

f.      Recasting Vision: Re-casting vision is an important part of the journey

 

BACKGROUND REFERENCE: NEHEMIAH 1:1 – 6:19

·       NEH. 1:1-11      Nehemiah learns about his homeland’s condition; seeks the Lord’s approval.

·       NEH. 2:1-20      Nehemiah requests specific provisions and time to rebuild Judah.   

·       NEH. 3:1-32      Nehemiah assigns specific tasks based on systematic project plan to rebuild Judah.

·       NEH. 4:1-23      Nehemiah teaches us the connection between praying to and working hard for God.

·       NEH. 5:1-19      Nehemiah begins to cement relationships and foundational teaching in conflict.

·       NEH. 6:1-19      Nehemiah keenly deals with adversaries as they finish building the wall in 52-days.

LESSON NOTES

1.     PRAYER IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CHRISTIAN’S LIFE (Neh. 1:4-11)

a.     Nehemiah understands the proper prayer posture.              Neh. 1:4; 2:1

b.     We must make PRAYER a priority over other needs              Neh. 1:4

c.      Prayer is our FedEx/UPS/USPS to God                                  Matt. 6:5,6

Question #1 – What is your posture before God?

Question #2 – Are you prioritizing PRAYER of Thanksgiving over PRAYER of Need?

2.     AFTER YOU PRAY, TAKE TIME TO ASSESS THE CHALLENGE (Neh. 2:1-20)

a.     Nehemiah uses the cloak of night to assess the walls            Neh. 2:11-17

b.     Your preparation could lead to the Nation’s answer              Gen. 41:14-53

c.      Jesus gives revelation to a Samaritan woman at the well       John 4:1-42

Question #1 – What can you glean from Nehemiah’s approach to assessing the issue?

Question #2 – What challenges are you currently faced with that require greater planning?

 

3.     THE FAVOR OF GOD PRODUCES VICTORY TO ALL CONNECTED TO YOU (Gen. 50:20)

 a.     Godly bloodlines continue because of your faithfulness        Gen. 50:20

b.     Obed-edom and all his household are blessed                      2 Sam. 6:1-11

c.      The Jews were saved because of Esther and Mordecai          Esther 8:3-8

 Question #1 – Have you ever felt like the trial(s) you endure(d) are for others?

Question #2 – Have you walked through your fear to perform God’s Will?

 

4.     VISION CASTING REQUIRES SYSTEMATIC ALIGNMENT FROM ALL (Neh. 3:1-32)

 a.     Nehemiah develops systematic plan for the People of God   Neh. 3:1-32

b.     Moses consecrates and sets in place guidelines for Priests    Lev. 8:1 – 10:20

c.      Jesus instructs the Disciples at The Last Supper                    Luke 22:7-23

Question #1 – Is it difficult or easy for People of God wot work together systematically?

Question #2 – Can the Visionary’s vision still be manifested without a effective project plan?

 

5.     PRESS FORWARD TO FULFILL GOD’S VISION DESPITE THE CRITICISM (John 20:24-29)

 a.     Jesus satisfies Thomas’ need to confirm that He had risen     John 20:24-29

b.     Leaders lead during crises and times of diversity/adversity   Neh. 4:14, 23

c.      Maintain your integrity during times of criticism                   Job 2:9,10; 13:15

 Question #1 – How does God use YOU to rise above negativity and remain on a positive path?

Question #2 – When you face criticism for doing right, how should your attitude be publicly?

 

6.     SUCCESSFUL VISIONARIES PROVIDE CLARITY TO THE VISION-CARRIERS (Hab. 2:1-4)

 a.     Vision inspires urgency and clarity to the reader                  Neh. 2:1-4

b.     Vision inspires endurance and assurance to the reader         Ezek. 12:24,25

c.      Vision inspires confidence and anticipation to the reader     James 5:7,8

 Question #1 – How does God give you clarity for the vision He’s given you?

Question #2 – What distracts your ability to go all-in with God’s vision for your life?

 

NEXT WEEK’S LESSON:  RE-DEDICATION, CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT OF PURPOSE - WK 8

 

a.     The Father responds to His Children

i.         2 Chronicles 7:14                                If my people…

 b.     Revisit and Re-focus

   i.         Nehemiah 9:1-3                                  Congregation read the Law together

   ii.         Acts 9:1-18, 19-22                              Saul’s conversion to Paul

 

In preparation for next week’s review, please read the following:

1 Kings 8:22-61

2 Chronicles 6:12-42

1 Kings 9:1-9

2 Chronicles 7:12-22

Nehemiah 8:1 – 9:3

Acts 9:1-22