Read Nehemiah 4:7-23. In what ways did Nehemiah show courage? What gave him this courage?

Nehemiah stood up against their enemies, who tried to intimidate the Jews. Nehemiah responded by taking the initiative to get the people ready to fight. Nehemiah did not just say “All right, God, You do it all”.

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Instead, he had the people do their part. They picked up swords and other weapons while at the same time working to build the wall. The Jews, under the leadership of Nehemiah, did not cower in fear but rather boldly picked up arms to defend themselves. Nehemiah encouraged the people, believed in them, worked with them, and gave them the responsibility to act. He empowered them to do the work as he delegated and assigned responsibilities. However, Nehemiah didn’t just tell the people what to do and then go to hide in his room. He stood alongside them and did the hard work that needed to be done.

There are times in the Bible when God told people to stand still and watch Him fight, and then there are many other instances when God said, “Prepare to act, and I will give you victory”. We must do our part if we want to see God’s deliverance and blessings.

“In Nehemiah’s firm devotion to the work of God, and his equally firm reliance on God, lay the reason of the failure of his enemies to draw him into their power. The soul that is indolent falls an easy prey to temptation; but in the life that has a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, evil finds little foothold. The faith of him who is constantly advancing does not weaken; for above, beneath, beyond, he recognizes Infinite Love, working out all things to accomplish His good purpose. God’s true servants work with a determination that will not fail because the throne of grace is their constant dependence” – Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 660.

In the end, Nehemiah drew his courage from his understanding of the reality and power of God. And yet, as we have seen, his knowledge of God caused him to act in accordance with his faith.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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You can view an in-depth discussion of “Leadership in Israel” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

You may download an MP4 video file, and audio file or a PDF lesson outline from the HopeSS site.

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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We open our singing this Sabbath with the greatest of leaders being in
Hymn 619, “Lead On O King Eternal”. We then look to Ezra and Nehemiah and find that they were very faithful to God:
Hymn 602, “O Brother, Be Faithful”. Their leadership is reflected in
Hymn 653, “Lead Them, My God, to Thee”. To be faithful, these men knew the Word of God:
Hymn 274, “O Word of God Incarnate” and
Hymn 273, “Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice”

On Tuesday, Nehemiah had the people do their part by being ready to fight:
Hymn 613, “Fight the Good Fight”. Still today, we need to say
“My Soul, Be on Thy Guard”, Hymn 605 so that we might
“Stand Like the Brave”, Hymn 610 as
“We Are Living, We Are Dwelling”, Hymn 617  in a grand and awful time.

On Wednesday we find Ezra and Nehemiah “had a vision of where they wanted the people of God to be”
Hymn 547, “Be Thou My Vision”. Nehemiah then goes on to encourage the people to “do what was right and stand up boldly for God”
Hymn 618, “Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!”.

God’s blessings as you share The Reason for This Festive Season, our Lord Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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1. Because they understood. The book of Nehemiah delivers a refreshing image about the value of leadership among God’s people. How can we apply the importance of God-inspired leadership to our fellow Christians today? Do you consider yourself to be one of God’s leaders today? If not, why not? Does God have a leadership role for each of us–in the home? at school? on the job? in church? In the community where we live?
2. The influence of leaders. Think of a leader in Bible times who had a negative influence on his followers. Then come up with the name of a leader who inspired God’s people to follow Him. Your lesson lists five leaders who had a good or a bad influence in Bible times. Add a Bible character not on the list who was a wonderful leader of God’ people. Share the contributions of a person today who has been a positive influence on you for a Christ-centered life.
3. Leaders of evil in the sight of God. Would you agree that even a devout Christian leader can put stumbling blocks in the path of followers? How could that be? Even worse, can true and dedicated leaders in Christian fellowship turn others away from Christ? What were some fundamental reasons why some of God’s followers rejected God’s teachings presented by the devout leaders Ezra and Nehemiah? Is it true in your church that the most steadfast of your spiritual leaders reap the greatest harvest? What is by far the greatest source of true conversion in our church today? Put another way, what is the only source we dare to follow to receive full conversion and salvation today?
4. Courage and empowerment. Read Nehemiah 4:7-23 and ask, “Why didn’t God step in and work a miracle? Why did Nehemiah need to be involved as he was?” Do you see horrible examples of sin around you, perhaps even in your church or your government? Should you “stand still” and let God lead the battle? Or should you get busy and fight sin every way you can and trust God to give you strength to win the conflict? What was the real reason that Nehemiah’s efforts resulted in the failure of his enemies? How does the following verse by the apostle James fit into this story? (or does it?) “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:18. Does this mean we should fight every battle against sin and spiritual error?
5. Purpose and passion. What great action did Nehemiah assume as God continued to direct him in the leadership of God’s people? Your lesson states, “Nehemiah appears to be driven by the idea of making a difference in the world.” Do you share a passion with Nehemiah like that? Did Ezra and Nehemiah agree with each other regarding the restoration of the temple? Did a high salary and other compensation help them to direct God’s people in the restoration project?
6. Humility and perseverance. Don’t conclude that this week’s lesson covers all of the dramatic events associated with Israel’s return to Judah. Still, there should be enough here to encourage you to study this fascinating time in the history of God’s people and the phenomenal contribution of two of God’s chosen leaders to its success. Ezra turned away from the idea of asking the king for protection, and Nehemiah agreed with this advice. Still, Nehemiah ended up holding the highest position in the Jewish nation and led out in a remarkable way in guiding the people back “home” to Jerusalem. Would you agree, these were two mighty men who worked for God without fear or holding back?

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Look at the following texts. What do they tell us about these leaders and their influence over the people they ruled?

• 1 Kings 15:26, 1 Kings 15:34

• 2 Kings 13:1-3

• John 11:46-53

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It is a sobering thought to many of us who hold positions of leadership in any capacity that our leadership has the potential to bring people down or up spiritually. And, in all the cases here, the effect was devastatingly negative.

More specifically, our character and dedication to Christ make a difference to those with whom we interact. Spiritual leaders influence others, either toward God if they themselves seek God, or toward evil if they do not.

In contrast to what we have seen today, the fact that Ezra and Nehemiah had a strong relationship with God is undeniable. The amount of fasting and praying that is recorded in these books about Ezra and Nehemiah exceeds what the Bible reports for other great leaders. The nation was walking with God under their leadership, even if everything wasn’t perfect. Their direction in life was toward God. On the other hand, the fact that there were those who were not impacted or changed by the influences of Ezra and Nehemiah testifies that no one else’s faith but our own ultimately makes the difference for us. After all, look at the people who had the chance to see Jesus in the flesh, to hear Him preach, and even to witness or hear about His miracles, and yet who in the end rejected Him. Yes, we have a role to play, whatever our position in life is, and we can be an influence for good or evil. But in the end, each person will have to answer for himself or herself before God.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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