Syllabus

Below is a revised syllabus that also contains quiz and discussion questions. You can download the revised syllabus here:

NEW Nehemiah-Syllabus-and-outlineDownload

The Nehemiah Model of

Successful & Spiritual Leadership

Course Syllabus

9/29/2020

“Give your servant success today…” Nehemiah 1:11

“The God of Heaven will give us success…” Nehemiah 2:20

Overview

From September 28 through October 9, The Himalayan Graduate School of Theology is conducting an internet course about leadership lessons from the book of Nehemiah. The classes will meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (6 days) at 6-9 pm, Nepali time. The class will be taught via Zoom, pre-prepared videos, and documents.

The Nehemiah Model gives proven principles from the book of Nehemiah that demonstrate how leaders can be used by God to mobilize people and resources to carry out extraordinary causes for His glory. But more than that, it shows the kind of God-reliant faith that appropriates the Lord’s power and provisions. Together we will discover how to accomplish the tasks that God has given to Christians and churches.  The first half of Nehemiah shows how God used him to accomplish a great project; the second shows him utilized in a great awakening. I call these two sections The Nehemiah Model of Successful Leadership (Nehemiah 1-7) and The Nehemiah Model of Spiritual Leadership (Nehemiah 8-13).

Your Teacher

     Dr. Ron Sheveland, your professor, lives with his wife Jodi in Lansing, Michigan where he pastors Calvary Church of Webberville. He is also the director of I-Training, a ministry that trains church leaders around the world through international teaching and internet resourcing. His education comes from Cornerstone University, Southwestern Seminary and Denver Seminary. He holds B.A., M.Div., and Doctor of Ministry degrees.

      Ron has pastored churches in Colorado, Michigan, and California. For a decade, he was the Executive Minister of the Michigan Baptist General Conference. Ron has served as a church consultant and church planting director, authored books and resources, and traveled to several countries doing training of international leaders. Ron and Jodi, have two adult children, Jessica and Luke.

    Please feel free to contact Ron Sheveland at RonSheveland@gmail.com. His ministry update blog is www.i-Training.info. Go to the page entitled HGST Class. There is a place on the website for you to sign up for ministry updates and free resources.

Expectations and Assignments:

This is an intensive Master’s level course. Students should try to excuse themselves from other outside responsibilities so they can give two weeks of hard work to this class.

Assignments must be turned in on time. Grades will be reduced if turned in late. No assignments will be accepted after October 30. Please don’t ask for exceptions.

      1.  Expectation: Students will carefully read and reread the book of Nehemiah.  

            Assignment: Read the sections to be studied in class prior to each class time. In addition, fully read Nehemiah two times. You will be asked on the Final Exam (October 9) if you have completed this assignment.

      2.   Expectation: Students will study commentaries on the book of Nehemiah. Four commentaries are provided at https://i-training.info/nehemiah-commentaries/. You may download them and study them on your own computer.

            Assignments: Please do a book report on each, writing down ten interesting things you learned from each commentary (a total of 40). The length is up to you. This is due on October 30

.

      3.   Expectation: Students will be expected to take notes and study the material given through the lectures and commentaries.

            Assignments:  Be prepared for a final exam on October 9. You will be tested on the material in the lectures (not the commentaries).

      4.   Expectation: Students will apply the lessons to their own life and ministry.

            Assignments: Write a personal paper describing your present and future ministries and how the lessons from this class might affect those ministries. Due by October 30.

      5.  Expectation: Students will multiply the results of this class by redesigning it and teaching it to another group of students that they have recruited. This could be in a class, church or small group. Our class lectures will be the foundation for their curriculum.

            Assignment: Translate the outline into your language. You can work with others on this project. Turn in this assignment by October 30. Hopefully, this will help you get started in creating the whole class in your own language.

      6.  Expectation: Students will internalize LIFE LESSONS learned from Nehemiah. 

            Assignment: Using only the book of Nehemiah (don’t include any biblical references from other parts of the Bible), the students will turn in a 4-5 page double-spaced paper on one of the following four topics.  Due by October 30.

            a. What can we learn from Nehemiah about prayer? (Include every reference to prayer in the book.)

            b. What can we learn from Nehemiah about dealing with difficult people?

            c. What can we learn from Nehemiah about management and organization?

            d. What can we learn from Nehemiah about growing spiritually?

Submitting Assignments – All assignments should be sent to TWO emails:

 hgstnepal2008@gmail.com (graders) and RonSheveland@gmail.com (professor)

The Nehemiah Model of SUCCESFUL LEADERSHIP

Nehemiah 1-7

8 Phase Success Process

Phase #1 – PASSION

Phase #2 – INTERCESSION

Phase #3 – PROMOTION

Phase #4 – MOBILIZATION

Phase #5 – FORTIFICATION

Phase #6 – MEDIATION

Phase #7 – PROTECTION

Phase #8 – COMPLETION

INTRODUCTION

THE GREAT PROJECT – Nehemiah 6:3 (NIV): “I am carrying out a great project.”

8 PHASES OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP

1.  PASSION: How to Become Fixated on a Great Project (Neh. 1:1-11)

2.  INTERCESSION: How to Saturate Your Mission with Prayer (Neh. 1:5-11)

3.  PROMOTION:  How to Raise Resources and Recruit Partners (Neh. 2:1-20)

4.  MOBILIZATION:  How to Mobilize People for Maximum Productivity (Neh. 3)

5.  FORTIFICATION:  How to Withstand and Counter Opposition (Neh. 4)

6.  MEDIATION:  How to Manage Conflict and Build Unity (Neh. 5)

7.  PROTECTION:  How to Practice Godly Self-Defense (Neh.6:1-14)

8.  COMPLETION:  How to Gain and Guard the Victory (Neh. 6:15 – 7:73)

HOW DO I?

KEY OBJECTIVES

  1. To receive a thorough understanding of the book of Nehemiah.
  2. To discover the history and practices of this period.
  3. To apprehend a deeper appreciation of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness and love.
  4. To spark a fresh commitment to the Lord and His work.
  5. To obtain clarity on your personal mission.
  6. To become passionate and burdened about a God-given project.
  7. To enliven and broaden your prayer life.
  8. To get a specific vision of what God wants you to do.
  9. To learn how to properly prepare for a coming ministry endeavor.
  10. To learn how to recruit and motivate ministry partners.
  11. To discover how to organize and mobilize fellow workers.
  12. To learn how to resolve conflicts and build unity.
  13. To discern how to withstand and counter opposition.
  14. To successfully accomplish ministry victories.
  15. To guard and celebrate those victories.

Historical Background

Phase #1: PASSION

How to Become Committed to a Great Project

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Great leaders have a vision for what can be done and a passion for getting it accomplished.

The Setting (Neh. 1:1)

I.          Develop a Passion by Investigating the Needs of Others (1:2-3)

II.        Expand Your Passion by Empathizing with the Hurts of Others (1:4)

III.       Link Your Passion with God’s Passion (1:5-11)

Quiz

1. What city and country did Nehemiah live in? (1)

2. What was the name of Nehemiah’s brother and where had he just come from? (2)

3. What was the condition of the wall of Jerusalem and its gates? (3)

4. What did Nehemiah do when he heard about the remnant that survived the exile and about the condition of Jerusalem? (4)

5. What was Nehemiah’s position? (11)

Discussion Time

1.   God gave Nehemiah the “great project” (Neh. 6:3) of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall and restoring its spiritual and national prominence.  Does God give great projects to all Christians or just some?

2.   What is a great project that God might be giving you right now?

3.   How grieved are you about the physical and spiritual state of people? Of all the needs out there, which ones most grab your heart? List some situations that you are really concerned about?

4.   How will you probe those needs?

5.   Pray for each other that they might find their great project and be successful in it.

Phase #2: INTERCESSION

How to Immerse Your Mission in Prayer

Nehemiah 1:5-11

I.          ADORATION: Proclaiming God’s Character

II.        AFFIRMATION: Claiming God’s Promises

III.       CONFESSION: Acting on God’s Mercy

IV.       PETITION: Asking for God’s Power

V.        ANTICIPATION: Waiting for God’s Timing

Quiz

1. How did Nehemiah begin his prayer? (5)

2.  What time of day did Nehemiah pray? (6)

3.  What did Nehemiah confess in his prayer? (6-7)

4. What did Nehemiah ask God to remember? (8-9)

5.  What was Nehemiah’s personal prayer request? (11)

Discussion Time

1.   Describe your times of praying alone and with others. How do you find those times of prayer wonderful? In what ways do they need improvement?

2.  What are some good reasons for beginning our prayers with praise?

3.  Under the subject of confession, three types of confession were mentioned: personal, people (corporate), and identificational repentance. This is a new concept for some Christians. How might these three aspects be emphasized in your personal and group prayers?

4.  Nehemiah asks for success. How is the world’s definition of success different that the biblical view of success?

5.  Will you, like Nehemiah, diligently pray for success? Pray about those needs using Nehemiah’s prayer as your guide. If you are in a group, have people pray short prayers of  “Adoration” first. Then after a few minutes, move to “Affirmation” and so forth.

Phase #3: PROMOTION

How to Raise Resources and Recruit Partners

Nehemiah 2

I.    How to Raise Resources (2:1-10)

      A.  Your Requests Should Include the Approvals Needed (2:5)

      B.  Your Requests Should Include the Time Needed (2:5-6)

      C.  Your Requests Should Include the Donations Needed (2:7-9)

      D.  Your Requests Should Be Dependent Upon God’s Generosity (2:8)

II.  How to Recruit Ministry Partners (2:11-20)

      A.  Help People Grasp the Problem that Exists.

      B.  Display a Plan that Will Solve the Problem.

      C.  Describe the Provisions that Are Available in God.

      D. Boldly Invite Participation.

Quiz

1.   What was the name of the king that Nehemiah served in Babylon? (1-3)

2.   What did the King perceive about Nehemiah? (1-3)

3.   What two things greatly disturbed Nehemiah? (1-3)

4.   What requests did Nehemiah make? (4-5)

5.   Before Nehemiah gave this requests to the king, what important action did he take? (4-5)

6.   What letters did Nehemiah ask the king to write? (6-9)

7. What did Nehemiah do at night? (11-16)

8. What challenge did Nehemiah give the priests, nobles and officials? (17-18)

9. How did they respond to his challenge? (18)

10. What are the names of the three major adversaries? (10, 19)

Discussion Time

1.   Pick a present or future ministry project and ask yourself,

      What approvals do I need?

      What will be my time tables or time schedules?

      What funds or resources do I need?

2.   After making your requests to God, what people should you go to for help?

3.   How will you make your requests?

4.   Asking for donations is hard. What change of perspectives do you need to make to make it easier for you?

5.  As a group, pick a hypothetical project (Examples: Starting a church… Beginning an evangelistic small group… Launching a youth group… Ministering to natural disaster victims…). Now develop a plea for volunteers using this outline:

1)  Display the Problem(s) that Exist(s).

2)  Explain a Plan that Will Solve the Problem.

3)  Describe God’s Provisions.

4)  Invite Participation.

Phase #4 MOBILIZATION

How to Mobilize People for Maximum Productivity

Nehemiah 3

I.    Organize the Project into Achievable Tasks

      A.  The Tasks should be Divided

      B.  The Tasks should be Defined

      C.  The Tasks should be Distributed

      D.  The Tasks should be Desirable

      E.   The Tasks should be Dedicated

II.  Mobilize the People into Manageable Task Forces

      A.  The Task Forces should be Organized

      B.  The Task Forces should be Supervised

      C.  The Task Forces should be Recognized

Quiz

1. Besides the walls, what was repaired and rebuilt in this chapter? (1-32)

2. We read of at least 12 specific gates in the book of Nehemiah. Name at least 3.

3. Which gate did Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests rebuild? (1)

4. Which group of men would not participate in the work? (5)

5. What is the importance of the often-repeated phrase “next to him/them” or “after him/them”?

6. Many types of people worked on the wall, side by side. Name at least three kinds:

Discussion Time

1.  As you think about the strategic principles in this chapter, which ones most impressed you?

2.  Are there any particular ministries you know of that could be possibly improved with some of these organizational and mobilization principles?

Phase #5 FORTIFICATION

How to Withstand and Counter Opposition

Nehemiah 4

I.    The First Attack Phase

      A.  The Attack: Spirit-Breaking Remarks

      B.  The Defense

            1.         Prayer

            2.         Action

II.  The Second Attack Phase

      A.  The Attack: Fear-Producing Threats

      B.  The Defense

            1.         Prayer

            2.         Action

Quiz

1. What did Tobiah say would break down their stone wall? (1-3)

2. With what attitude did the builders of the wall work? (6)

3. What did Sanballat and Tobiah plot to do? (7-8)

4. What did Nehemiah do to meet this threat? (9-14)

5. What did those who carried materials hold in one hand? (16-17)

6. What did the builders have girded to their sides? (18)

7.  How would the rest know if an attack took place at another section? (19-20)

8. How often did the men change their clothes? (23)

Discussion Time

1.  Who are your potential opponents?

2.  How might they attack?

3.  How will you handle those attacks?

4.  How will you continue the work?

Phase #6 MEDIATION

How to Be an Agent of Reconciliation

Nehemiah 5

I.    Listen to the Cries of the Hurting (5:1-7a)

      A.  Clarify the Issues

      B.  Concern Your Heart about Wrongs

      C.  Deliberate Before You Act

II.  Confront Those Causing the Wounds (5:7-13)

      A.  Specifically Explain What They Are Doing Wrong

      B.  Provide a Path of Corrective Action

      C.  Design an Accountability System

III. Serve as a Good Example (5:14-19)

      A.  Give Up Your Rights for Others (14-15)

      B.  Give Up Your Time for Others (16)

      C.  Give Up Your Finances for Others (17-18)

      D.  Give Up Your Heart to God (19)

Quiz

1. What were the complaints of the poor? (1-5)

2. How did Nehemiah respond to the conflict? (6-7)

3. What were the rich oppressors directed to do? (7-11)

4. What “clothing” object lesson did Nehemiah give regarding those didn’t keep their promise? (12-13)

5. How did Nehemiah differ from the previous governors? (14-19)

Discussion Time

1. In what ways might we slip into the position of being TAKERS? In the context of the church, how might we treat others wrongly in order to get our own way?

2. As in Nehemiah’s day, TAKERS might be people of influence or power. How do we confront and correct people like this?

3. Are you up to becoming a MEDIATOR? Or will you leave this difficult job to others? How, according to Gal. 6:1, should we confront the sin in others?

4. What are some different ways that we, as GIVERS, can give up our rights, time, and finances for others?

5. Nehemiah was concerned about how he would be remembered by God. How would you like to be remembered?

Phase #7 PROTECTION

How to Practice Godly Self-Defense

Nehemiah 6:1-14

I.          The Enemy’s Strategy is to Distract the Leader (1-4)

            A.        The Appeal  (2)

            B.        The Response  (3-4)

II.        The Enemy’s Strategy is to Discourage the Leader (5-9)

            A.        The Appeal  (5-7)

            B.        The Response  (8-9)

III.       The Enemy’s Strategy is to Discredit the Leader (10-14)

            A.        The Appeal  (10)

            B.        The Response  (11-14)

Quiz

1.  After hearing that the wall was being built, what did Sanballat request Nehemiah do? (1-2)

2.  How did Nehemiah reply to Sanballat’s request? (3-4)

3.  How did Nehemiah reply to Sanballat’s accusations? (5-8)

4.  For what did Nehemiah pray? (9)

5.  Who did Tobiah and Sanballat hire to prophesy against Nehemiah? (10-14)

6.  For what purpose did Tobiah send letters? (17-19)

7.  Who actually got afraid?  (15-16)

Discussion Time

1.  Do you know of any leaders who have been unfairly distracted, discouraged or discredited?

2. “DISTRACT” Questions: Are you in danger of having others sidetrack you from your primary mission? What distractions might take you away from your most important tasks? Have you ever been tempted to settle for second-best?

3.  “DISCOURAGE” Questions:

In what ways do attacks diminish your courage? What are you most afraid of? (e.g., Losing income? Having your reputation ruined? Having loved ones hurt?)

4.  “DISCREDIT” Questions: Have you had things rumored about you that weren’t true? How will you handle the slander that comes your way?

5.  Through these various attacks, Nehemiah could have become demoralized or even destroyed. What did he do to keep strong and keep going? What will you do?

Phase #8 COMPLETION

How to Gain and Guard the Victory

Nehemiah 6:15–7:73

I.          SUCCESS – Achieving the Victory with God’s Help (6:15-16)

II.        SECURITY – Guarding the Victory through Godly Leaders (6:17-7:3)

III.       SIGNIFICANCE – Capitalizing the Victory for God’s People (7:4-73)

Quiz

1.  How long did it take to complete the walls? (15)

2.  The walls and gates had been nothing but rubble and charred wood for 140 years. How was it possible for the reconstruction to be done so quickly?

3.  For what purpose did Tobiah send letters? (17-19) How does Tobiah use his family ties to continue his subversive activities? (see 3:4; 6:17-19)

4. What does Nehemiah do to secure the city of Jerusalem? (7:1-3)

5.  What traits qualified Hanani and Hananiah for their new positions of responsibility?

6.  BONUS: How many people are named in Nehemiah 7?

Discussion Time

1.  What are some different ways that victories can be lost?

2.  What traits should we look for in the leaders we choose?

3.  What is one or two of the best lessons that you learned from this study of Nehemiah 1-7?

4.  Nehemiah completed this project only to move on to another one. What is next for you?

The Nehemiah Model of spiritual LEADERSHIP

Nehemiah 8-13

                 

Six Revival Imperatives

1.   Proclaim God’s Word

2.   Pray for God’s Working

3.   Call for a Commitment

4.   Honor God’s Workers

5.   Celebrate God’s Victories

6.   Repeatedly Refresh Revival

Phase #1 PROCLAMATION

How to Ignite Spiritual Revival with God’s Word

Nehemiah 8 

I.          Rally Together around God’s Word. (8:1-3)

II.        Give Scripture Your Focused Attention. (8:3-4)

III.       Worship God and Revere His Word. (8:5-6)

IV.       Strive for Full Understanding (8:7-8)

V.        Celebrate What the Bible Teaches. (8:9-12)

VI.       Joyfully Obey God’s Directions. (8:13-18)

Quiz

1. What did Ezra read aloud from morning until noon? (1-3)

2. Where did Ezra stand when he read? (4-5)

3. How did the Levites minister along with Ezra as he read the Scriptures? (7-8)

4. What was their strength? (10)

5. What did they build for their celebration in the seventh month? (13-18)

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have the kind of appreciation for the word of God that these people had? How do you evidence this in your life?

2. What are some steps we can take to improve our reactions to God’s Word?

3. Why were the people weeping? How and why did the people turn their weeping to celebration?

4. How is the joy of the Lord our strength?

5. What is your personal experience with revival? Are you familiar with some of the revivals of recent centuries or of those currently happening in various parts of the world?

6. If revival was to come to your church, how would you know it had arrived?

Phase #2: INTERACTION

How to Listen and Talk to God

Nehemiah 9 

I.          Come Humbly Before the Lord and Listen to Him (9:1-3)

            A.        Approach God with a Humble Contrite Heart

            B.         Saturate Yourself with God’s Word

II.        Respond to God with Passionate Prayer (9:4-37)

            A.        Profess God’s Greatness

            B.         Confess Your Sinfulness

            C.        Consecrate Yourself to God

Quiz

1. What was the focus of Nehemiah Chapter 8?

2. What is the focus of Nehemiah Chapter 9?

3. When the people gathered on the 24th day, what were they wearing? (1) And why?

4. How long did they read? How long did they pray?

5. What period of Israel’s history was summarized in their prayer? (7-32)

6. This history lesson revealed God’s ____________________ and His people’s _______________________________.

7. How did the Israelites show their unfaithfulness in the wilderness?

8. How did God show His faithfulness in this situation?

9. Throughout all the punishments and trials inflicted on the Jews, how did God act? (33)

10. What did they put in writing and seal? (38)

Discussion

1. Rather than wearing sackcloth, how can we show humility and submission to God?

2. In your devotional times with God how can you practice “Interactive Prayer” where you both listen and speak to God?

3. How does profession of God’s faithfulness and confessing our unfaithfulness work together? How can we better with these two priorities of prayer?

4. Meditate and discuss Corinthians 11.28 “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”

5. Does God lead us through the wilderness today? Recall examples of God’s leading in your life.

6. Even when believers are unfaithful, God is faithful. Consider God’s faithfulness to you, even when you have been unfaithful to Him.

7. The Persians exacted tribute in crops and livestock from the Jews (v36-37), so they were “slaves in their own land.” How could we be slaves in the land God has given to us?

8. Can we escape God’s discipline? No, and we should value it! Consider what your life would be like if you were not disciplined by God.

9. What are the benefits of God’s laws? Why do some people consider God’s laws to be oppressive?

God’s laws are good, and as we are obedient to them, we find freedom and fulfillment. By knowledge and obedience, we can be all that God designed and intended for us. Some people think God’s Laws take away their freedom–they want to do their own thing.

10. If you were to memorize one verse or sentence from Nehemiah 9, which one would it be? See samples below:

“Praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting!” (Nehemiah 9:5)

“You are a forgiving God, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love…. (9.17)

Phase #3: CONSECRATION

How to Cement Your Loyalty to God

Nehemiah 10 

I.  Your Spiritual Commitment Should Be Reinforced with A Public Covenant (9:38-10:28)

            A. The Purpose for Adopting a Covenant

            B. The People Who Should Adopt a Covenant

II.  Your Spiritual Commitment Should Involve Every Dimension of Your Life (10:29-39)

            A. You Will Want to Make a Total Surrender to God and His Word (10:29)

            B. You Will Want Your Surrender to Be Applied to Specific Areas in Your Life (30-39)

                        1.  In Your Home (10:30)

                        2.  In Your Business (10:31)

                        3.  In Your Church (10:32-39)

AN UPDATED COVENANT OF COMMITMENT

We join together with our Christian brothers and sisters to publicly bind ourselves to a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. We endeavor to follow His Word and carefully obey all His commands, regulations and decrees.

In our homes, we determine to recognize God’s ownership over our families. We will therefore separate ourselves from worldly values and allegiances and recognize Christ’s presence and Lordship.

In our business dealings, we will make the sacrifices necessary to keep Christ and His principles foremost in our lives. We recognize the effect this commitment may have on the practices we follow, the hours we work and the income we receive.

In our church, we renew our commitment to exalting God, building up fellow believers and reaching our world for Jesus Christ. We will give generously of our time and finances.

Signature:

Quiz

1. What did the people compose and sign (9:38 – ch10)?

2. What types of people signed the covenant? (10:1-27)

3. What did all the people bind themselves to do? (28-29)

4. List some of the focal points of the Commitment Contract.

5. What did they promise not to do on the Sabbath? (31)

6. What is repeatedly mentioned in verses 32-39?

7. Why did the people agree to bring these particular offerings? (See Exodus 30.11-16 and Deuteronomy 26.1-11.)

8. What did the people bring “of their best” to support the house of God?

Discussion

1. What is commitment and what does it involve?

2. Are the focal points of commitment of the Israelites the focal points of commitment in your life? Would you be willing to sign a Commitment Contract with God?

3. Is it common for modern churches to challenge their people to publicly make commitments like the Israelites did here? Should they? Should we?

4. In your opinion, which parts of their commitment were the hardest for them to make? Ask yourself, “What do I value most in life? Am I willing to sacrifice it to the Lord?”

5. Take inventory of your possessions, and what you do with them. Take stock of your time, and how you spend it. Assess your abilities, and how you use them. What are the sacrifices you are willing to make to honor the Lord in these areas?

6. Is tithing just for the Old Testament or is it for Christians today? If, like some people believe, tithing wasn’t required for the New Testament church, do you think early Christians were more or less generous than their OT counterparts?

7. Memorize:  “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Phase #4: PARTICIPATION

How to Honor God’s People

Nehemiah 11-12:26

I.          A Revived People Will Honor Fellow Partners with Open Recognition (11:1-12:26)
 
            A.        They Honored the People that Moved to Jerusalem (11:1-24)


            B.         They Honored the People Dwelling Outside of Jerusalem (11:25-36)

II.        A Revived People Will Honor God’s Leaders with Open Recognition (12:1-26)

Quiz

1. Why were more people needed in Jerusalem?

2. What proportion of those living outside the city were needed to move into the city?

3. How did they determine who was to live in Jerusalem? (1)

4.  Why would people not want to live in Jerusalem? 

5. Where did the rest of the Israelites live? (20)

6. Who is the king referred to in Nehemiah 11.23-24?

Discussion

1. When you have given a job “your all,” and no one shows appreciation, how do you feel? What do you do? Does it encourage you to know that God takes note of every individual and his/her service for Him? (See l Corinthians 15:58)

2. Have you been in a church where only a few seem to do almost much of the work? Can you suggest some ideas to solve or lessen this problem?

3. Would you be willing to move to a new location or a new ministry if you believed it was the Lord’s plan for you?

4. Memorize “They willingly offered themselves…” (Nehemiah 11:2)

5. Who are the people who serve God in your church?

6. How can we show them recognition?

Phase #5: CELEBRATION

How to Celebrate God and His Goodness

Nehemiah 12:27-47

I.          Celebration Begins with Spiritual Purification (27-30)


II.        Celebration Continues with Jubilant Praise (31-39)

III.       Celebration Culminates in Joyful Generosity (40-47)

Quiz

1.  The singers and musicians were members of what religious class?

2.  What musical instruments are mentioned in this chapter?

3. Each of the praise parades had how many priests? How many Levites?

4. Who were some of the other people who were on the wall?

5. Who was involved in all of the rejoicing that was going on?

6.  People brought their “offerings, firstfruits, and tithes” to the storehouse of the Levites  What is the difference between there three donations?

7.  Who got a daily portion of remuneration?

Discussion

1.  Have you ever thrown a party for God? If you were to design a God party, what would it look like?

2. Before attending a party, it is important to clean up before you go. How do Christians clean up before they come to praise God?

3.  This passage teaches us the importance of joy in the Christian life. How do Christians increase their joy?

4.  These people enjoyed giving to God’s work. How do we increase our joy in giving?

5.  Music has always played an important part in worship. What can be learned in this passage about the use of music in our services?

6.  Form yourselves into a Thanksgiving Choir and go on a praise parade. Before you go, choose the song(s) you will sing.

Phase #6: REFORMATION

How to Repair a Crumbling Revival

Nehemiah 13

I.          Rebuild the Spiritual Walls That Often Crumble After a Revival

            A.        The Broken Wall of Forbidden Alliances  (13:1‑9)

            B.         The Broken Wall of Unfaithful Stewardship  (13:10‑14)

            C.         The Broken Wall of Disregarded Standards  (13:15‑22)

            D.        The Broken Wall of Unholy Unions  (13:23‑31)

II.        Remember the One Who Will Remember You

Quiz

1. On his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah corrected four specific areas of failure. What were they?

2. What was the problem in Nehemiah 13:4-5? Why did the problem occur? What was Nehemiah’s response when he heard about the problem?

3. Who was Balaam? Who hired him? What was he hired to do? What happened instead? (See Numbers 22-24.)

4. The people had stopped keeping their financial commitments to God. How did Nehemiah handle this problem?

5. Which prophet, a contemporary of Nehemiah, also spoke of giving?

6. What are the purposes of the Sabbath? How did Nehemiah deal with the failure to keep the Sabbath?

7. What happened because of “spiritually mixed marriages” in Nehemiah’s day?

8. How did Nehemiah handle those who had married outside of the people of God? (25 ff)

9. How did Ezra deal with the same problem years earlier?

10. These tough leadership acts must have made Nehemiah unpopular with the people. What was the motivation for him doing them anyway?

Discussion

1. Does backsliding happen suddenly and by surprise?

2. How could Eliashib, who had been one of the wall builders and in the joyous procession, have turned his back on God’s ordinances? Was he intentionally trying to overthrow what had been accomplished?

3. Why is strong spiritual leadership necessary?

4. What happens to children of “spiritually mixed marriages”? (see Deuteronomy 11.18-20).

5.  Some young people say that their boyfriend/girlfriend will come to church and be saved after they are married. How would you counsel them? Most would agree that it is forbidden for a Christian marrying a non-Christian, but are there also dangers marrying a non-committed Christian or one holding to wrong doctrines?

6. Define the word “holy.” Discuss these related New Testament references: 1 Peter 1.15-16; 2 Peter 3.11; Hebrews 12.14.

7.  Do you have a desire to be more holy, more dedicated to God? What would it take to make you more holy? Are you willing to submit to whatever it would take?

8. Read Malachi 3:8-10. Is this principle for Christians today? If so, what are some reasons many Christians don’t believe or obey it?

9. Never think you’re so strong or so blessed that you can’t fall into sin. 1 Corinthians 10.12 tells us to take heed lest we fall. How do you take heed?

10. Memorize: “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)

Review

Revival Phase Revival Lesson Revival Imperative
1. PROCLAMATION How to Ignite Spiritual Revival with God’s Word Proclaim God’s Word
2. INTERACTION How to Listen and Talk to God Pray for God’s Working
3. CONSECRATION How to Cement Your Loyalty to God Call for a Commitment
4. PARTICIPATION How to Honor God’s Workers Honor God’s Workers
5. CELEBRATION How to Celebrate God and His Goodness Celebrate God’s Victories
6. REFORMATION How to Repair a Crumbling Revival Repeatedly Refresh Revival