Why does discord within the church hurt its witness? Why does Christian love and harmony portray Christ? How does Nehemiah’s example inform what this ought to look like? Often, we have an “I deserve ________” attitude about our belongings or out time. For instance, you may say, “I work hard, so I deserve to spoil myself over the weekend.” Nehemiah did not have this attitude, but understood that everything we have belongs to God and is to be used for the good of others – this attitude inspires generosity whereas the “I deserve” attitude inspires selfishness. How would you fill in that blank? What practical steps can you take to grow in and practice generosity? Focus and Discernment: Read Nehemiah 6:1-16 Unlike chapter 4, Nehemiah is now facing personal threats from his enemies. What opposition did Nehemiah face to completing his mission? How does Nehemiah show focus and determination in this passage? Have you ever faced this sort of opposition to what you sense God is calling you to do? Often, the opposition that we face is inward and spiritual as we seek to persevere in faith. Have you experienced such a struggle? Read Phil. 3:7-14 and 1 Timothy 6:11-12. What does it look like to persevere in the “good faith of faith?” How does Nehemiah exhibit great discernment in this passage? What are some easy ways to discern whether or not something is of God? Why is it sometimes easy to follow path that is clearly not of God? What does this tendency reveal about your motives and heart? Read Psalm 1 and Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:1-12. How can you grow in Christian wisdom? In what way does this often look different from the wisdom of God? How do you see this play out in Nehemiah 6? Conclusion In small groups, reflect on what you have discussed. Which of the following applications has most impacted you: How do Nehemiah’s actions inform your response to fear, opposition, and discouragement? What practical steps can you take to grow in and practice generosity? What can you do to grow in wisdom and discernment?
Why does discord within the church hurt its witness? Why does Christian love and harmony portray Christ? How does Nehemiah’s example inform what this ought to look like? Often, we have an “I deserve ________” attitude about our belongings or out time. For instance, you may say, “I work hard, so I deserve to spoil myself over the weekend.” Nehemiah did not have this attitude, but understood that everything we have belongs to God and is to be used for the good of others – this attitude inspires generosity whereas the “I deserve” attitude inspires selfishness. How would you fill in that blank? What practical steps can you take to grow in and practice generosity? Focus and Discernment: Read Nehemiah 6:1-16 Unlike chapter 4, Nehemiah is now facing personal threats from his enemies. What opposition did Nehemiah face to completing his mission? How does Nehemiah show focus and determination in this passage? Have you ever faced this sort of opposition to what you sense God is calling you to do? Often, the opposition that we face is inward and spiritual as we seek to persevere in faith. Have you experienced such a struggle? Read Phil. 3:7-14 and 1 Timothy 6:11-12. What does it look like to persevere in the “good faith of faith?” How does Nehemiah exhibit great discernment in this passage? What are some easy ways to discern whether or not something is of God? Why is it sometimes easy to follow path that is clearly not of God? What does this tendency reveal about your motives and heart? Read Psalm 1 and Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:1-12. How can you grow in Christian wisdom? In what way does this often look different from the wisdom of God? How do you see this play out in Nehemiah 6? Conclusion In small groups, reflect on what you have discussed. Which of the following applications has most impacted you: How do Nehemiah’s actions inform your response to fear, opposition, and discouragement? What practical steps can you take to grow in and practice generosity? What can you do to grow in wisdom and discernment?
02%20-%20Nehemiah%204-6%20(1).docx