Together We Can Build As One! Nehemiah 2:11-20

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1 Together We Can Build As One! Nehemiah 2:11-20 Message by Michael J. Barnard September 4, 2016 Teaching Aim: To study Nehemiah s leadership style as he prepares to lead the Jewish efforts in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. To see how meticulous Nehemiah is in doing his research before he finally speaks out to the Jewish people. To realize Nehemiah would not allow opposition from the enemy to distract or divert him from the call God had placed on his life. To apply the principles of leadership demonstrated by Nehemiah to our own lives! DIGGING DEEPER INTO GOD S WORD (BIBLE STUDY) Part I: Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and views the walls (Neh. 2:11-16) 1. According to verses 9 and 10, how did two of the pagan governors of Trans-Euphrates react when they heard Nehemiah was coming to Jerusalem as the newly appointed governor? Why do you think they reacted this way? 2. The journey from Shushan (or Susa) to Jerusalem was almost 1,000 miles and would have taken a few months to complete. What is the first thing Nehemiah and his party did upon arriving at Jerusalem (vs. 11)? How long did Ezra and his party rest when he arrived? (See Ezra 8:32) Why is it important for each of us to make times of rest? Do you think Nehemiah was just resting during those three days, or was he already observing Jerusalem and beginning to research? 3. According to verse 12, what did Nehemiah do in the middle of the night? Why do you think he conducted this survey at night? What might have happened if the enemies of the Jews knew what Nehemiah had in mind? Who were the men Nehemiah took with him? Why did he take these men? 4. A good leader will take time to gather his or her facts firsthand before making speaking out, just like Nehemiah did! Why is it important for leaders to ensure they have the right information? Why do you think people today are so quick to make judgments using second hand information? What are some ways social media and the modern news media are being used to spread false information today? Should we believe everything we hear or see on facebook? 1

2 5. According to verses 13-15, Nehemiah took time to survey the southern portion of the city. Why do you think he didn t use this journey to survey the other sections of the city wall as well? What can we learn about the condition of the southern wall from verse 14? According to 2 Kings 25:1-10, how bad was the destruction? 6. What famous pool in the New Testament is believed to be the same as the King s Pool (vs. 14)? (See John 9:7) What miracle did Jesus perform at this pool? 7. According to verse 16, Nehemiah had not alerted the Jewish people to his plan yet? Why do you think Nehemiah kept this information secret? Part II: Nehemiah reveals his vision and plans to the Jews (Neh. 2:17-18) 1. What did Nehemiah do after he had gathered all the information he needed (vs. 17)? Why was it important for Nehemiah to have his facts straight? Why should every Christian take the time make sure we have the facts straight before speaking? (See 2 Cor. 5:20-21) 2. What leadership skills were used in rallying the discouraged Jews to rise up and start rebuilding the walls again? What is the definition of the word reproach? (See Dictionary) What are some ways the Jewish people been disgraced by their pagan neighbors for the previous 141 years? To grasp how long of a period of time this was, what was happening 141 years ago in our own country? 2

3 3. What special challenge did Nehemiah give to the Jewish people in verse 17b? How did Nehemiah word this challenge so that every Jew took ownership of the effort instead of just him? 4. What are some areas of ministry in our church that need improvement? Are you willing to be part of the solution or are you just complaining? What can you do to help fill those cracks in the wall? What are you currently doing in ministry and how are you using your spiritual gifts to serve the Lord? 5. According to verse 18, what does Nehemiah do as he begins to speak? When something good happens to you, do you immediately give the glory to God? Why or why not? What did Nehemiah do only after first giving the glory to God? Who did Nehemiah believe ultimately touched the king s heart? (See Proverbs 16:33) 6. According to verse 18b, how did the Jews respond to Nehemiah s fact finding tour and challenge? Have you ever watched successful leaders in ministry recruiting others to serve? What made them successful? What kind of recruiting methods did they use? What did Nehemiah do to recruit people to his cause? 7. After 141 years of disgrace, the Jews in Jerusalem had become used to failure? Are you a fan of a particular sports team that seems to have a gray cloud over their head, they just can t seem to win the big one? What kind of mindset makes a good team become like that? What will it take to turn the team around into winners? Why is good leadership important, not only in sports, but also in the ministry of the local church? 3

4 8. What are some ways that Nehemiah s leadership made a difference to the Jews living in Jerusalem (vs. 18b)? Each of us are called to serve in ministry once we have committed our lives to Christ. In what area of ministry are you currently serving? What area of ministry would you like to serve in if only you could? Why not try it? Part III: Nehemiah and the Jews immediately run into opposition (Neh. 2:19-20) 1. What happened once the pagan neighbors of the Jews become aware of Nehemiah s plans (vs. 19)? Had this method worked for them in the past? (See Ezra 4:12-13, 18-21) Who are some of the famous people in the Bible that we find being mocked by unbelievers? (See Isa. 53:3; Acts 2:11b-13; 26:24) Have you ever been mocked by family members or friends because of your faith in Christ? How did you respond to their mocking? How should you respond? 2. Who are the three enemies of the Jews mentioned in verse 19? Why is the identification of these three enemies so important to understanding the danger to the Jews? 3. When looking at a map of the Middle East, how close are Samaria, Jordan and Arabia to the Jerusalem? (Hint: Google it!) Are the Jews in more danger from their enemies today or less? Why do you think so many Jews in Israel feel like they are living on the edge? 4. It appears that Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem had an inside source in Jerusalem (vs. 19). Why do you think some of the Jewish people would make an alliance with their nation s enemies? Do people still compromise their integrity today for money? If so, why? 4

5 5. How did Nehemiah as the governor of the Jewish people respond to the verbal attacks from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem (vs. 20)? What tactics did Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem use? It is important to note Nehemiah s confidence was in his God. How should Rom. 8:31 apply to every believer today? What major challenges are you facing in your life today? 6. Name 5 practical applications you can apply to your life from Neh. 2: MINER S CORNER ~ Manna to live by! Nehemiah was one of the greatest leaders of all time! As Donald K. Campbell researched Nehemiah s life, he found several principles of leadership demonstrated by Nehemiah that he shared in his book Nehemiah: Man in Charge, p. 23. How should each of these principles apply to our lives today? He established a reasonable and attainable goal. He had a sense of mission. He was willing to get involved. He rearranged his priorities in order to accomplish his goal. He patiently waited for God s timing. He showed respect to his superior. He prayed at crucial times. He made his request with tact and graciousness. He was well prepared and thought of his needs in advance. He went through the proper channels. He took time (three days) to rest, pray, and plan. He investigated the situation firsthand. He informed others only after he knew the size of the problem. He identified himself as one with the people. He set before them a reasonable and attainable goal. He assured them God was in the project. He displayed self-confidence in facing obstacles. He displayed confidence in God as he faced those obstacles. He did not argue with his opponents. He was not discouraged by opposition. He courageously used the authority of his position. 5

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