Nehemiah #7 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   October 13, 2022

A Unified Purpose

Nehemiah 8:1-18

 

INTRODUCTION:  Here, in chapter eight, we hit a high point in the book of Nehemiah. Over the next three chapters, we will see the people of Israel take specific steps to realize life as a restored covenant community.

  1. Chapter 8 – Reading of God’s Word and Feast of Booths
  2. Chapter 9 – Confession and Repentance
  3. Chapter 10 – Recommitment to Covenant

 

The walls are done, the exiles have returned, and now they are engaged in right worship of God through the reading and study of his Word. All of this points to a unified purpose for the people as a whole. This purpose is deeper than just a task or a project. It is a re-establishment of their identity. They have recovered something that was lost. As they move forward, they do so by forming a legacy, that is, something that will be left behind. Yes, the action of the feast is important, but what is most important is that the feast represents that the joy of the Lord will be their strength, and it reminds them that God has always been faithful. To hand off those truths and the practices that remind the next generation of those truths is a powerfully important thing. That is a legacy worth leaving and something worth pursuing in what is next. The reality for them and for us is that future faithfulness starts in the present.

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, discuss the following question, when it comes time for someone to write your obituary or eulogy, what do you want them to say about you? What priorities or values, or actions do you want to be known for? In other words, what do you want your legacy to be?

 

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

 

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

Here are some good questions to help make observations in this chapter:

  1. What has happened so far in the narrative? Have there been any major events, characters, or
    themes?
  2. What do you learn about the main characters in this section? How does the author describe
    them? How do they describe themselves?
  3. Is there a conflict or high point in the passage?
  4. What surprises are there?

 

 

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

Here are some potential questions to help spur on application:[1]

 

  1. When you feel discouraged, what can you do to actively remind yourself that God is faithful?
  2. Is there anything you would like to change about your approach to God’s Word?
  3. How could you grow in the practice of worshiping God after you read his Word?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Mason, Eric. Nehemiah For You: Strength to Build for God (God’s Word For You) (p. 134,141). The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.