1. Opposition and Obstacles from Within

2. Chap 1 – Nehemiah, a man of God in prayer Listened, Wept, Prayed, Planned Chap 2 – Faith in Action Decision point – stepping out in faith … at any cost Chap 3 – Teamwork They were Motivated, Dedicated, Cooperative They volunteered, no matter what the job was

3. Ridicule 4:1-6 Fear 4:11–23 Violence 4:7-9 Selfishness / Greed 5:1-19 Compromise 6:1-4 Intrigue 6:17-19 Threats 6:10-14 Slander 6:5-9 Discouragement 4:10

4. Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Resistance What were the people’s complaints? Were they selfish? Who were the opportunist in this situation? How do you know? How did Nehemiah react/respond when he heard these complaints?  What do his reactions tell you about him? Was he to harsh?

5. Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Response Anger and clear thinking “I took council with myself (v7)” Public confrontation “I held a great assembly(v7)” Fear of the Lord “Ought you not walk in fear of the Lord (v9)” Witness to neighbors “Prevent taunts of the nations our enemies.(v9)“  1 Cor 6:1-6 1 Cor 6:1-6 Appeal based on the Word of God ….. Law of Mosses Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Pro 16:32 In your anger do not sin. Eph 4:26

6. Exodus 22:25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him. Lev 25:36 “Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. “ Proverbs 28:8 “Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. “

7. Nehemiah 5:1-13: Oppression of the Poor … The Result How did the nobles and officials initially respond to Nehemiah’s admonition (v12)? What did Nehemiah do to insure a measure of accountability to their commitment? Do you learn any lessons from it?

8. Nehemiah 5:14-19: Nehemiah’s Generosity How long was Nehemiah Governor of Judah? What did Nehemiah say that he had not done while he was the Governor of Judah? Thought Question Thought Question: Why do you think Nehemiah was telling the people this information?

9. Nehemiah 5:14-19: Nehemiah’s Generosity What was Nehemiah’s main motivation for refraining from eating the food allotted to him as Governor? (v15-16) What do verses 18 & 19 reveal about Nehemiah’s character? For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Heb 6:10

10. Personal questions: Who are the people you are tempted to treat as less valuable than yourself? What can you do to keep from taking advantage of others or devaluing them? How can you emulate Nehemiah’s response? Key Lessons Face the enemy with preparation, perseverance and prayer Face discord & internal strife with prayer, justice, honest confrontation & set a good example ourselves.