SPACE Program, Book 12
SPACE Program, Book 12
SPACE Program, Book 12
OUTLINE
I. NEHEMIAH ONE
V. NEHEMIAH SIX
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Lesson 1
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies In The Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 1
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Lesson 1 (cont’d)
CONCLUSION: Your problem, whatever it may be, will not be completely solved until you
take it to God in prayer.
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Lesson # 1
Answer Key
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Nehemiah 1
1. To be builders
2. 70 years
3. “Cupbearer”
4. Ezra
6. No
7. Yes
9. a. Earnestness
b. Knowledge
c. Persistence
d. Confession
e. Faith
f. Consecration
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Lesson 2
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 2
INTRODUCTION: A period of three months comes in between the month Chisleu -- when
Nehemiah heard of the “great affliction” of his countrymen in Jerusalem -- and the month Nisan,
when his prayers began to be answered. Faith and patience go together (Hebrews 6:12). One of
our favorite prayer is, “Lord, give me patience -- and I want it NOW!”. All this time Nehemiah
had been earnestly pleading with God in secret. Yet in his service as cupbearer to the king, he
had been able to conceal the sorrow in his heart by a cheerful countenance. He knew that it was
a serious crime to appear before the king with a sad face (Esther 4:1, 2). After a while, though,
he could no longer hide his true feeling. Today we see what happens when Nehemiah reveals to
the king his great concern for his countrymen in Jerusalem and the broken down walls of his
city.
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Lesson 2 (cont’d)
CONCLUSION: Nehemiah’s answer to his critics reminds us where all true prosperity and
success in the Lord’s work originate. It is God “who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57, 58).
2. Did it take faith for him to keep on praying for three months?
3. Do you think Nehemiah would have kept on praying even after six months?
8. List the four ways Nehemiah prepared for the work of the Lord.
a. b.
c. d.
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Lesson #2
Answer key
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Nehemiah 2
1. Three months
2. Yes
3. Yes
6. Prevailing prayers
7. a. Sanballat
b. Tobiah
c. Geshems
9. a. Yes
b. Without God, it cannot be done; to bring glory to His name.
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Lesson 3
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 3 and 4
INTRODUCTION: Chapter three of Nehemiah is crowded with the names of those who took
part in the work of repairing the wall and chapter four records the names of those who opposed
the work. To accomplish great exploits, there must be willing workers. As chapter three attests,
from all walks of life, people willingly gave themselves to see this job through to a successful
conclusion. There were religious leaders (3:1), civil authorities (3:12a), women (3:12b),
craftsmen (3:8) and even Jews from other cities (3:2, 5, 7). But whenever the people of God
join hand and heart to accomplish a work for God, there will always be opposition as chapter
four indicates.
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Lesson 3 (cont’d)
2. If God’s people are not willing to work, will the job get done?
3. Is it all that important to have a united heart and effort to do God’s work? And why?
4. To build & finish a work for God, there must be a method. What was Nehemiah’s (list
3)?
5. Opposition will come in two ways, what are they and which one is the worse?
6. What two things are very needful to accomplish the work of God?
7. Man’s weapons are useful but what is the mightiest weapon of all when doing a work for
God and fighting the enemy?
8. What four things must you have in order to accomplish the work that God has given you?
9. What can you expect whenever the people of God join hand and heart to accomplish a
work for God?
10. If a church has unity, method, dedicated people and spiritual weapons, can they
overcome the opposition and finish the work to the glory of God?
Lesson #3
Answer Key
A BUILDER FOR GOD
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Nehemiah 3 and 4
2. No
3. a. Yes
b. It won’t get done - nor, done for His glory
6. a. A mind work
b. A heart pray
7. God
8. a. Unity
b. Method
c. Dedication
d. Weapons
9. Opposition
10. Yes
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Lesson 4
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 5
INTRODUCTION: This is not a very encouraging chapter, for in it we see the Jews selfishly
preying upon one another. Great distress had come into the city (Verses 1, 2). A severe famine
occurred possibly because the ground had not been tilled and cultivated to meet the demands of
the hundreds of people who surged into the city to help build the wall (Verse 3b). The wealthier
portion of the people began to take advantage of their poorer brethren by charging high interest
rates (Verses 5, 7). It was legal to take interest from non-Jews but not from fellow Jews
(Deuteronomy 23:20). The crime was that Jewish leaders had been taking advantage of their
kinsmen in economic troubles. Lands, vineyards, houses and even sons and daughters were
mortgaged or exchanged for bread. There was also the heavy burden of high taxes exacted by
Artaxeres, King of Persia (Verse 4).
Things got so unbearable that a “great cry” was raised by the people. The behavior of
Nehemiah during this crisis gives us an insight into his greatness and the stability of his
character, features which ought to distinguish every child of God.
I. UPRIGHTNESS. (Verse 6)
It is only a truly righteous person that can be angry at unrighteousness. It is wrong to be
“angry without a cause (Matthew 5:22). It is just as wrong not to be angry when there is a cause
for it. These men were “brethren”, but they showed no brotherly love.
II. COURAGE. (Verse 7)
Courage is necessary for any Christian, but especially for those who are called to take the
lead in His work (Joshua 1:6, 7).
III. UNSELFISHNESS. (Verse 8)
Nehemiah had sought, as far as his means would allow, to redeem to liberty those who
had been sold as slaves to the heathen; but these selfish nobles and rulers had sought to get gain
by selling their brethren. God expects us to give both of our time and means “after our ability”
(Acts 11:29).
IV. HOLY JEALOUSY. (Verse 9)
When God's people do not walk in His fear, they bring reproach upon His name (Romans
2:24). It is a fact that many of Christ’s servants are more jealous about the honor of their own
name than His.
V. THOROUGHNESS. (Verses 10 - 13)
Nehemiah approached no task in a half-hearted manner. Whatever he did, he did it
“heartily as unto the Lord”. The thoroughness of his character comes out here in his demand for
restoration. Such whole-hearted effort is crowned with success (Verse 13).
Lesson 4 (cont’d)
CONCLUSION: Nothing exposes us more as Christians to the reproaches of our enemies than
the worldliness and selfishness of those who profess to be followers of Christ. We should be
extremely careful, lest by these means we should be condemned by the very people we are
seeking to win.
7. What six features shows us Nehemiah’s greatness and stability of character in time of crisis?
2. No
3. Yes
5. No
7. a. Uprightness
b. Courage
c. Unselfishness
d. Holy Jealousy
e. Thoroughness
f. The fear of God
8. Yes
Lesson 5
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 6
INTRODUCTION: Once more the enemies of God’s people attempted to hinder the work of
rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Four times they sent for Nehemiah to meet with them to work
out their differences and, on each occasion, he rejected their invitation. Today we see how
Nehemiah overcomes these temptations and how we too may overcome the temptations we face.
A. He showed discernment (Verse 2). He was wise enough to recognize the true intentions of
the enemy. As Christians, we too must discern between good and evil in a day when “everyone
is doing it” (I Corinthians 2:15).
B. He revealed his devotion (Verse 3). The work of God takes precedence over every work in
which man engages (John 4:34; 17:4).
C. He displayed determination (Verse 4). The enemy does not give up easily, nor should we
(Ephesians 4:14).
A. He met this temptation with a wise rebuke (Verse 8). He not only denies the charge, but
points out also the source of all the trouble “thine own heart” (Jeremiah 17:9).
B. He also met it with an urgent prayer (Verse 9). Our appeals to men should be instantly
followed with an appeal to God.
Lesson 5 (cont’d)
1. How many times did the enemy of Nehemiah send for him?
2. What will happen if you declare and commit your life by faith to God?
4. How did Nehemiah meet the false rumor temptation? (List two)
5. How did Nehemiah meet the false prophet temptation? (List two)
6. How many days did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
8. Do you see the danger in the alliance of people of the world with the people of God, the
Church? How?
Lesson #5
Answer Key
A Builder For God
Nehemiah 6
1. Four
3. a. With discernment
b. With devotion to God’s work
c. With determination
5. a. With courage
b. Prayer
6. 52
8. a. Yes
b. They will cause confusion, trouble, and undermine the Pastor’s authority; thus harm
the church.
Lesson 6
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 7 and 8
INTRODUCTION: Now that the wall was finished, it was necessary for Nehemiah to choose
someone who could lead the city properly. Chapter seven describes the men whom Nehemiah
chose to put in charge of the city (7:1, 2). Hanani is described as a “a faithful man”, and one
who “feared God above many”. He was a man whom Nehemiah felt he could trust anywhere.
That is the kind of person needed in Christian work.
The eighth chapter brings us into a significant point in our study of this book. Now that
the people are back in their beloved city, the wall is finished and a leader has been chosen, it is
necessary that the authority of the Word of God be established. Only the Word of God and
obedience to it could keep the people in their new experience. The Word of God is always
associated with a true renewal of spiritual life.
I. THE PREACHER.
Ezra was know as “a ready scribe in the law of Moses” (Verses 1, 4a: Ezra 7:6). Being
also a priest, he was well qualified in expounding the Scriptures (Verse 2). Throughout the ages,
God has chosen preachers to aid His people in the understanding of Scriptures, as well as to
reach the lost (Romans 10:14, 15; I Corinthians 1:21).
II. THE HEARERS.
A. They were attentive (Verses 3, 13b). When the Word of God is preached, we do
ourselves a great injustice not to hear (Rev. 2:7).
B. They were reverent (Verse 5). For the people to “stand up” was to demonstrate
their willingness not only to hear, but to obey (James 1:22).
C. They were responsive (Verse 6a). They audibly expressed their approval of the
preacher’s message. God’s Word cannot be faithfully preached without generating some
kind of response. When people are dull of hearing, they will not be affected (Hebrews
5:11, 12).
III. THE REVIVAL.
There has never been a genuine revival without the Word of God having a large part in
it. This was true in the time of Josiah and Hezekiah. It was the recovery of the Scriptures that
produced the Reformation of the 16th century.
Lesson 6 (cont’d)
A. Worship of God (Verse 6b). The “amen” of the people was followed by bowed heads,
showing their devotion and adoration of the Lord, as well as their humble submission to His
authority (Psalm 95:6, 7a).
B. Understanding of the Scriptures (Verses 7, 8). For the people to understand the
Scriptures, we who teach must practice three principles of Ezra:
1. Read the Bible distinctly
2. Give it proper meaning
3. Cause the learners to understand
C. Sorrow for sin (Verse 9). The faithful reading and expounding of God’s Word brought
conviction to the heart and tears to the eyes. When the Word of God, which is the sword of the
Spirit, is heard & believed, it proves itself to be “quick and powerful and sharper than any two-
edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
D. Rejoicing in the Lord (Verses 10 - 12). With sins judged and forsaken, the people
rejoiced in fellowship with one another and with God. The reason for their joyful spirit is said
to be “because they had understood the words that were declared unto them” (Verse 12). True
joy is based on knowledge of and submission to God’s Word.
E. Obedience to the Word of God (Verses 13 - 18). It was decided that they would keep
the Feast of Tabernacles exactly as the law prescribed. Such a thing had not been done for 1,000
years, since the time of Joshua (Verse 17). Though it required considerable inconvenience, the
people accepted the challenge of complete obedience to God.
1. Who was the faithful man that Nehemiah chose to lead the city?
2. What is the only thing that could keep them in their new life?
3. Who was the preacher that’s known as “a ready scribe in the law”?
4. What three features of the hearers are still important, even today?
5. You can have a genuine revival without the Word of God. (True or False)
7. What must a preacher do before the people will understand his message or the Scriptures he
will be expounding on?
Lesson #6
Answer Key
A Builder For God
Nehemiah 7 and 8
1. Hanani
3. Ezra
5. False
6. a. Worship of God
b. Understanding the Scriptures
c. Sorrow of sin
d. Rejoicing in the Lord
e. Obedience to the Word of God
INTRODUCTION: The Word of God is incalculably beneficial in our lives when we read it
and heed its timeless instruction. We see this illustrated in the lives of the people during the
time of Nehemiah. Once they began opening their ears and hearts to the Word of God,
marvelous things began to happen (Verse 3). In this chapter we will see how the hearing of the
Word will bring us to a new understanding of God and what we must do to please Him.
III. HEARING THE WORD PROMPTS US TO CONFESS OUR SINS. (Verse 26)
“Confession is good for the soul”, we often say. Even after our new birth experience, it
is possible for us to sin. The “old nature” that we inherited from the first Adam is still with us.
What shall we do? The wise man Solomon has the answer (Proverbs 28:13).
Lesson 7 (cont’d)
CONCLUSION: When you expose yourself to the Word, expect startling results in your life
and look for new insights of God.
1. Is the Word of God beneficial in our lives if we read & obey it?
3. When a person gets saved, will he sin again and if so, why?
6. List some truths about God that are recorded in this prayer.
Lesson #7
Answer Key
A Builder For God
Nehemiah 9
1. Yes
2. a. Jesus Christ
b. Knowledge of God’s Word
3. a. Yes
b. The “old nature” is still with him and it never changes
4. Knowing God
5. Nehemiah chapter 9
6. He is: a. Creator
b. Righteous
c. Answer prayers
d. A God of wonders
e. Gracious and merciful
f. All-powerful
Lesson 8
A BUILDER FOR GOD
Studies in the Book of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 10-13
INTRODUCTION: Chapter 10 gives the names of the brave and godly people who entered
into covenant with God. Chapters 11 and 12 record the events surrounding the dedication of the
walls. Nehemiah had left Jerusalem and gone back to the royal court in Babylon (Verse 6).
How long he had been away is difficult to say, but on returning, he found things in a very
grievous condition. Backsliding had set in, and a tendency to compromise with evil. Nehemiah
raised his voice against this deplorable state, and sought to bring the people back to a life of
conformity to the Word and Will of God. What their hindrances were to a life of consecration
and power are very much the hindrances with which we contend today.
2. Are we faced with the same temptations from having a consecrated life and power as the
Jews did?
3. We can lose what if we get too close to the unsaved? And why?
4. Why is it wrong to give place in our hearts, homes and churches to false teachers?
5. Is the house of God forsaken today and does it hurt the Will of God? Can you make a list of
how it hurts the Word of God?
6. What happened because the Jews had forsaken the house of God?
8. What have you learned from the studies in the book of Nehemiah?
Lesson #8
Answer Key
A Builder For God
Nehemiah 10-13
1. Purity of life
2. Yes
5. Yes
7. a. Yes
b. The Word of God says not to - common sense would say not to - if you are serious in
serving God, you wouldn’t want to - if you want no division in your home, you won’t
marry an unsaved person because they will lead you from God.