1. Standing by our promises - A Not so Happy Ending Part II

2. Nehemiah 13:1-14 Using this passage, list some of the things Nehemiah did right. We’d call Nehemiah a layman today. What lesson can we learn from this lay leader’s faith in God. Personal Question & Challenge: What action do you intend to take after discussing this passage last week?

3. Nehemiah 13:15-18 What did Nehemiah see happening on the Sabbath?  Why was this a big deal? (10:31) How did Nehemiah respond? What do we learn from the following verses  Genesis 2:1-3  Exodus 20:8  Exodus 34:21 Thought question: Thought question: In light of these verses, how can you apply the principle of keeping the Sabbath?  Isaiah 58:13-14  Matthew 12:11-13

4. Nehemiah 13:19-22 What action did Nehemiah take recorded in verse 19?  What do his responses in vs 15 to22 tell you about Nehemiah? Thought Question: Why was Nehemiah reacting so strongly in verse 18 to those who sold goods on the Sabbath? How could you apply each verse below to your own life?  Deuteronomy 6:5  Psalm 119:139  Isaiah 62:1  Colossians 1:29  Colossians 3:23

5. Nehemiah 13:23-27 From what nations did some men of Judah find wives? Thought Question: Thought Question: Why was Nehemiah so upset that one-half of the children did not know how to speak the language of Judah? How did Nehemiah respond to these ungodly marriages in verse 25? Personal Question: Personal Question: What lesson can we learn from Nehemiah’s reaction to his people’s disobedience to the will of God? Solomon turned from God (1 Kings 11:1-6). What actions did he take in turning from God?

6. Nehemiah 13:28-31 Why did Nehemiah drive away the grandson of the high priest, Eliashib?  What negative influence might the actions of Eliashib, the high priest, recorded in Nehemiah 13:4-6 have made in his grandson’s life? What was Nehemiah’s bottom line reason for being upset with the high priest, Eliashib, and his family (v29)? What action did Nehemiah take in v29, 30 and how can we apply it to our lives today.

7. Thought / Personal Questions What might the Jewish people have done to protect themselves from breaking so many of their promises? How can we prepare ourselves for a lifetime of obedience? How can we guard ourselves against breaking promises or our covenants with God