Standing StrongFace your Fears

Nehemiah Chapter 8

Jake and the Alligator

The 1st 7 chapters tell the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. how to restore our defenses how to rebuild the walls and the gates of our lives how to close the gaps where the enemy has been getting

at usoutward practice or inward attitudes that has been destructive

and damaging

Chapters 8 to 13 focuses on transforming the community based on Biblical principles

Nehemiah – In Review

Reconstruction

Reinstruction

When has God’s Word particularly touched you or helped you in a powerful way?

Why do we need to understand the word in order to be effective?

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the wicked ….. but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates

day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its seasons, and its leaf does not wither. In all that

he does, he prospers. Ps 1:2,3

Nehemiah 8:1-3 The People Gather to hear the Word of GodWho were assembled, where did they assemble and for what reason? How long

did they listen?

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book to the very end, Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord,  “Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you. Deut 31:24-26This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Jos 1:8

Nehemiah 8:4-8 The People Understanding the Word of GodDiscuss the significance of each of the three outward responses to the

Word of God being read: "the people all stood up" "the people lifted their hands“ "they bowed down and worshiped the Lord”

What do you think is implied by verse 8, "They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the

meaning so that the people could understand what was being read"?

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

Nehemiah 8:9 - 12 The People Respond to the Word of GodHow did the people respond?

Why did they respond that way?

What did Nehemiah instruct them to do? Why?

Personal Questions: Describe the a time when you have experienced conviction and/or grief from a truth you read

in Scripture.

What keeps us from repenting when we should?

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

Blessed is the man who fears the

LORD,who greatly delights in his

commandments! Psa112:1

Nehemiah 8:10 For the joy of the Lord is my strength

What does the phrase, "the joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?

What is the source of joy in each of the following cross references? (some translations may use "rejoicing" instead of "joy" with the same meaning) Psalm 16:11 Psalm 30:5 Isaiah 12:2 & 3 Jeremiah 15:16 John 15:11

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

Nehemiah 8:13 – 18 Feast of the Booths (Tabernacles) CelebratedOn the 2nd day of the month, what did the people discover that was

written in the Law?

How did the people respond to the Lord’s command?

How can we celebrate the impact of the Word on our lives

Nehemiah – Chapter 8, The People and the Book

Conclusion

Listen to the Word

• Repentance• Celebration• Praise and Prayer• Live your faith

Learn the Word Live the Word

• Read and Listen to God’s Word

• Corporate Worship

• Study for meaning• Memorize content• Conviction