Read Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra 8:31-32. Would you consider Ezra’s decision not to speak to the king as foolish or brave? How did Ezra and the people show humility?

Sometime later, Nehemiah accepted the king’s entourage for protection.

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But in Ezra’s instance, he believed that God could show Himself best if they did not ask anything of the king. Thus, when they reached Judah without harm, it was attributed to their God. Perhaps in certain situations, we may rely too much on other people and not enough on letting God show Himself. Ezra chose to let God do the work in this situation and proved to the king that indeed God was a powerful God.

However, Ezra didn’t act with presumption. He called the people together, and they fasted and prayed over the situation. They didn’t engage in their journey until they had spent serious time with God. They came before God humbly, requesting that His protection become a sign of His power, and God answered.

Read Nehemiah 5:14-19. How did Nehemiah display humility?

True leaders must be willing to humble themselves and be servants. Competent leaders do not require or need a “title” to gain honor. Nehemiah had his doors open and generously gave to the people. He demonstrated his faith in God, and his incredible dedication to God was an example to the people. He had a strong personality and a no-nonsense temperament, but He didn’t put himself above anyone else as superior. He had the highest position in the Jewish nation at that time, and yet he was unstinting. In this way, He reflected the life and teachings of Jesus, who taught us that the best way to lead is to serve others. Jesus did it, and thus we, regardless of our position, are to do the same.

<–Wednesday Friday–>

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Key Thought: Central to the stories of leaders in Israel is the word of God. It transformed their lives and thinking and resulted in the whole program of revival and reformation.

December 28, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 4:7-23.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. In what ways did Nehemiah show courage? What gave him this courage?
3. Personal Application: How does one show their faith by their works? What kind of works show our faith? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Where do you draw the line between faith and presumption? When do we let go and let God handle things, and when do we move forward in faith believing that God will support and strengthen us?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 2:1-10.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage
2. What do these texts tell us about the focus of the life of Nehemiah?
3. Personal Application: What does this tell us about the importance and effectiveness of prayer? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why did Nehemiah ask for and accept all the extra help the king gave him in helping rebuild the city and temple of Jerusalem? How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:8-10.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What did Ezra do that set his aside among all the Israelites in Medo-Persia?
3. Personal Application: How important is it to you to know the Scriptures so you can teach others about them? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “It’s up to the pastors to teach and give Bible studies. Allowing the church members to do it will just result in failure. It has to be done right by trained leaders.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Ezra 8:21-23, 31,32.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. Was Ezra’s decision not to speak to the king a brave one or foolish one? How did he and his people exhibit humility?
3. Personal Application: Why must we do all we can to support our leaders? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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