RETURN TO GOD S WORD

Transcription

1 SESSION 4 RETURN TO GOD S WORD 122 SeSSion 4

2 The Point God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. The Passage Nehemiah 8:1-8 The Bible Meets Life Ninety percent of Christians have a desire to please Jesus, yet only half that number (45 percent) read the Bible more than once a week. What s the connection? Jesus said if we love Him, we will obey His commands (John 14:15). He has shown us how to obey and please Him through the Bible. Our look at an event in the life of Ezra shows us the important role the Bible plays in a sustained, close walk with God. The Setting The work of rebuilding the fortified wall around Jerusalem went surprising quickly 52 days to be exact (see Nehemiah 6:15). But Nehemiah s work in Jerusalem did not end with the completion of the wall. For at least 12 years he served as governor of Judah (5:14). At some point following the restoration of the wall and while Nehemiah was governor, he and Ezra the scribe led the people in a renewal of their covenant with God. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 123

3 What does the Bible say? Nehemiah 8:1-8 (HCSB) Water Gate (v. 1) This refers to the gate in the wall of Jerusalem leading to the Gihon Spring. It was not the same as the Water Gate in Herod s temple, which did not exist at this time. Since this spring provided the main water source outside the wall, it was a gathering point for the community. Amen (v. 6) Amen is an expression of support or confirmation, coming from the verb that means to confirm, to support, or to uphold. As a congregational response, the word was an affirmation of the truthfulness of a spoken prayer, praise, or teaching. 1 All the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that the LORD had given Israel. 2 On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. 3 While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform made for this purpose. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood beside him on his right; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, Amen, Amen! Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. 8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 124 SeSSion 4

4 THE POINT God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. GET INTO THE STUDY 5 minutes DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 103 of the PSG: When has following someone s directions taken you someplace unexpected? Notes Note: This is a great opportunity to encourage group members to share specific stories. Don t feel bad about asking for more information after an initial answer. ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): As a supplement to Question #1, above, encourage group members to share their best short-cuts and driving tips for different locations in your area. You can ask for general driving tips in your community, or you could ask about short-cuts to specific locations how to get downtown the fastest, the best route to the nearest airport, how to avoid paying tolls, which specific roads or intersections to avoid, and so on. Note: If your group members have smart phones with GPS applications, you could encourage everyone to use their phones when identifying specific locations. GUIDE: Direct group members to The Bible Meets Life on page 104 of the PSG. Introduce the theme of following God s Word by reading or summarizing the text or by encouraging group members to read on their own. GUIDE: Call attention to The Point at the top of page 104 of the PSG: God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. PRAY: Transition into the Scripture discussion by thanking God for the blessing of the Bible. Be specific about the ways you appreciate God s Word, and then ask for wisdom on behalf of the group as you engage the Scriptures together. TIP: You don t have to know or give all the answers. God communicates to and through each member of the group. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 125

5 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Nehemiah 8:1-3 1 All the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that the LORD had given Israel. 2 On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. 3 While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. RECAP: Use the second paragraph on page 106 of the PSG to set the context for Nehemiah 8: In Nehemiah 8, the Jewish people gathered to celebrate all that had happened. Actually, this was more than a celebration; it was a time of rededication. The gathering occurred in the seventh month of the year, which is significant because the Jews celebrated three events during that month: the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths (see Lev. 23:23-43). Every seven years during the Feast of Booths, God s Word was to be read before His people (see Deut. 31:10-13). READ: Nehemiah 8:1-3 on page 105 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask a volunteer to do so. ALTERNATE QUESTION: How has your relationship with the Bible changed over time? SUMMARIZE: Guide group members through the two points emphasized on page 106 of the PSG regarding the Israelites hunger for God s Word: 1) They were dedicated to listening to the Word of God, and 2) They were attentive to the Word of God. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 106 of the PSG: How do our circumstances impact the way we approach the Bible? TRANSITION: As we move into verses 4-6, pay attention to the continued reverance the Israelites showed for God s Word. 126 SeSSion 4

6 THE POINT God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. Nehemiah 8:1-3 Commentary The previous session introduced us to Nehemiah, who organized a rebuilding project that allowed the people to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem in only 52 days (see 6:15). Having secured the borders of the city and buoyed by the confidence of completing the building project, the people turned their attention to the more important matter of spiritual renewal. This forms the background of a great event in Nehemiah 8 when the people gathered together to hear the public reading of the Scriptures. [Verse 1] The completion of the wall occurred on the 25th day of the sixth month on the Jewish calendar (see v. 15), and the events of Nehemiah 8 occur on the first day of the seventh month. As soon as their borders were secure, they had the time and energy to focus on spiritual awakening. The people gathered at the square in front of the Water Gate. This gate in the wall, leading to the Gihon Spring, was a popular point in community life. But the people did not gather there merely to socialize. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses to read to the crowd. Nehemiah emphasized the desire among all the people to hear the Word of God. The people took the initiative. They called for the reading of the Word of God. [Verse 2] The first day of the seventh month was the New Year s Day of the Jewish civil calendar. It included the celebration of the Feast of Trumpets with a solemn assembly of both men and women as they ceased from their labor to focus on the coming year. Perhaps in years past this holy day had not been observed as it should because of fear the uncompleted wall made them vulnerable to their enemies. With the wall intact, they gathered to hear the Word of God. Without personal copies, they relied on the priests to read the Scripture to them. Ezra was the priest chosen to read. He was a descendant of Aaron who was sent to Jerusalem by King Artaxerxes of Persia in 458 B.C. He was a leader of renewal among God s people, and they had great respect for him. [Verse 3] Ezra read the book of the law to the assembly. Though this may refer only to the legal material in Moses writings, it probably referred to the entire Pentateuch Genesis through Deuteronomy. The neglect of the Scriptures had occurred because of captivity, trials, and apathy. Therefore, the people needed to hear the whole counsel of God. The crowd included the men, the women, and those who could understand. Though men regularly should have heard the Word of God, this was not the case among the exiles who had returned. The women participated in some special observances on solemn occasions (see Deut. 31:12; Josh. 8:35; 2 Kings 23:2). The phrase who could understand would have applied to all the children who were of an age to comprehend God s Word. These were children old enough to understand what they heard. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 127

7 10 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Nehemiah 8:4-6 4 Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform made for this purpose. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood beside him on his right; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, Amen, Amen! Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. DO: Direct group members to complete the activity Fuel Stop on page 107 of the PSG. If time permits, encourage volunteers to share their responses. The Bible offers needed fuel for our spiritual lives. Therefore, think of ways you could incorporate God s Word into the different phases of your day. Choose two phases from the list below and record your thoughts. Be creative! Working Relaxing Driving Resting What obstacles prevent you from incorporating these ideas into your day more regularly? ALTERNATE QUESTION: What prevents us from responding more meaningfully and more consistently to God s Word? READ: Nehemiah 8:4-6 on page 105 of the PSG. Note: The final paragraph on page 129 of this Leader Guide highlights three ways the people responded to God s Word. DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 108 of the PSG: What s the connection between engaging the Bible and worshiping God? TRANSITION: As we conclude with verses 7-8, we ll see the importance of interpreting and applying God s Word. 128 SeSSion 4

8 THE POINT God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. Nehemiah 8:4-6 Commentary [Verse 4] The people had made preparations for the reading of God s Word. They built a high wooden platform from which Ezra could read the Scriptures to them. The platform would have aided in both visual and auditory purposes. Reading the Bible is an important part of sustained spiritual renewal. A renewal movement not centered on the Word of God will quickly run off track. We need to read Scripture regularly, allowing it to search us and push us to seek God s will. [Verse 5] Though the English translation indicates that Ezra opened the book, he actually unrolled the scroll. This is further indication that Ezra was not picking portions of the Scriptures to read. Rather, he was systematically reading the entire Scriptures to the people who were starving to hear it. Ezra opened the scroll in full view of all the people. The visual image of the priest of God reading the Word of God was important to the people. They had elevated the platform for visual and auditory reasons, but it also was symbolic of their respect for the Scriptures. The people were not taking this as some casual reading of the Scriptures for the sake of acquiring more knowledge. They were reorienting their lives to the truths they heard from God. This is why all the people stood up. The act of standing for the reading of the Word of God was a sign of great respect. [Verse 6] Notice that as Ezra read the Scriptures, he praised the Lord. The word used for praise in this passage literally means to bless through praise or through a spoken blessing. Certainly this was an indication that Ezra respected the Word of God. He recognized that the ancient words were not devoid of meaning or power. These were the words of the great God. The Old Testament frequently referred to the greatness of God (see Deut. 10:17; Neh. 9:32; Jer. 32:18; Dan. 9:4). The adjective great in Hebrew describes something that is large or stands above something else. The people responded in three ways that demonstrated their respect for the authority of God s Word. First, they had their hands uplifted. The lifting of the hands was an outward symbol of worship and prayer. As the people heard the Word of God read, they began to worship and commune with God. Second, the people cried out, Amen, Amen! as they heard the Word of God. By doing so, they were repeating an expression that indicated their submission to the authority of the Word. By repeating it twice, they were doubly emphasizing the importance of the words they heard. Third, the people bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The word for bowed down occurs 15 times in the Old Testament; it is always followed by the verb to worship. Bowing with their faces to the ground illustrated their humility and reverence for the Word of God. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 129

9 15 minutes STUDY THE BIBLE Notes Nehemiah 8:7-8 7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. 8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. READ: Nehemiah 8:7-8 on page 105 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the first and second paragraphs on page 131 of this Leader Guide to explain why the Israelites needed teachers and translators in order to understand the Scriptures. RECAP: Highlight the third paragraph on page 109 of the PSG: In bringing God s Word to the people, the Levites surely offered practical application, as well. Now here s what you do with this truth. When we read the Bible for our own personal growth, we need to continually ask ourselves what we must do as a result. We must learn to apply the Word. In addition, as you apply specific passages of God s Word to your own life, tell others about it. You can only teach what you know, so focus on your own study and application of God s Word as you help others follow Him. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What steps can our group take to better understand and apply God s Word? DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 109 of the PSG: When have you recently been affected or convicted by your study of God s Word? Note: This is a personal question that may be difficult to answer. Therefore, allow group members time to process through their emotions and decide what they feel comfortable sharing. DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 109 of the PSG: What steps can you take to better understand and apply God s Word? GUIDE: Refer back to The Point of this session: God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. As time permits, encourage volunteers to share any final thoughts or questions. 130 SeSSion 4

10 THE POINT God s Word is the fuel for a consistent lifestyle. Nehemiah 8:7-8 Commentary [Verse 7] Ezra not only read the Scripture, he also wanted to make sure the people understood accurately what they were hearing. The Scripture needed to be explained. Why? The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and these people had spent their entire lives in a foreign country where Hebrew was not the official language. There was likewise a cultural gap between them and the Hebrew Scriptures. They may have needed help understanding the cultural customs reflected in the Scripture. To ensure that the people understood the Scripture, thirteen Levites assisted Ezra by explaining the law. They helped bridge the cultural gap between the Babylonian captivity and their return to Jerusalem. Eight of the thirteen expositors would later participate in the public confession of the people (see Neh. 9:3-5), and at least nine of them signed the covenant (10:9-13). The phrase as they stood in their places may indicate that they moved among the crowd as Ezra read, ensuring that all could understand the Scripture. This could have meant that the law was read in manageable segments so that people could grasp each section and ask questions as they needed fuller understanding. [Verse 8] Verse 8 explains how the Levites accomplished the task of explaining the Word of God. As Ezra read aloud the Word of God, the Levites were involved in translating the Word so that the people could understand it. Translating comes from a Hebrew word meaning to break up or to break down into small units. It is a difficult word to understand. Some people think that this verb meant that they were breaking the Scriptures down into smaller units so that the people could understand them. Following this interpretation, the expositors broke the Scriptures down into small units to explain them. Another interpretation of translating is that the Levites were providing an Aramaic translation for the Jews since they no longer had a grasp of Hebrew as they once did. The scrolls Ezra used would have been written in Hebrew, and the people were now speaking Aramaic. Many would have needed a translation of the reading into their own language. The Levites broke the Hebrew texts down into manageable fragments in Aramaic. Without the translations, the people would not have had a good understanding of the Scripture. Today, translations are helpful for people to understand the text. In addition to translating the Word of God, the Levites were giving the meaning of the words that Ezra read. This is the word for the Hebrew midrash. It comes from the Hebrew verb meaning to seek with care, to inquire, or to require. Unlike later definitions of midrash, which included fanciful attempts of explaining the text, the term here referred to simple explanations of the texts heard by the Jews gathered at the Water Gate. The Levites were there to make sure that those who heard the Word could understand it in their own language and in their own context. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 131

11 5 minutes LIVE IT OUT Notes GUIDE: Direct group members to page 110 of the PSG. Encourage them to consider the following suggestions for elevating the role of Scripture in their lives: > > Read up. Make a habit of reading the Bible every day. A devotional book or magazine can help you get started, but give God uninterrupted time to speak through His Word. > > Listen up. Make yourself more attentive to God s Word by taking notes. Write down what you hear God saying to you. > > Step up and lead. Lead a small group or Bible study. Teach children or students at your church. The greatest way to learn the Scriptures is to teach them to someone else! Wrap it Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the conclusion from page 110 of the PSG: We have plenty of tools to give us direction on a physical level. But God s Word is the only thing that can give us the proper spiritual direction we need in life. It truly is our only foundation and fuel to sustain a renewed walk with Christ. PRAY: Conclude the discussion by praising God for the value of His Word in your life, and in the lives of your group members. Commit to reading and applying the Scriptures each day as you seek to serve God. 132 SeSSion 4

12 My group's prayer requests Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, boomers, and singles) are available at BibleStudiesForLife.com/blog. And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife. Great Is God's Faithful ness My story is not about a man s faithfulness to God; it s about God s faithfulness to a man. These are the words of speaker, author, and pastor of Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, Afshin Ziafat. Afshin s story began in Houston in a well-to-do Muslim-Iranian family. When Afshin was 2, he and his family moved back to Tehran. A few years later, the Islamic revolution erupted, and intense fighting broke out in Iran, so Afshin s father decided it was best to bring his family back to the United States. Afshin was 6. Their reception upon returning to Houston wasn t a warm one. To continue reading Great Is God s Faithfulness from HomeLife magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 133