Week of November 7th, 2021

All Nations Church
Life Group Study
“Build Your Life Better”
Week of November 7^th, 2021

Study by Wayne Arcand

This week winds up the series in Nehemiah. Throughout the series we saw the faithfulness of God, the faithfulness of Nehemiah and the faithfulness of God’s chosen people. We saw how God provided for his people and protected them as they were obedient to him. This week will be an overview of Chapters 12 and 13, the last two chapters of the Book of Nehemiah. You will read of the joy the people experienced as they were obedient and enjoyed God’s blessing in their lives. You will also read of the way the people of God expressed their thankfulness to the Lord God for all he had done for them by joyfully bringing their tithes and offerings into the storehouse.

This study will focus on portions of Chapters 12 and 13.

Nehemiah 12:27-31:

General Comments: The Levites were Israelites from the tribe of Levi. This tribe was chosen by God to care for the temple and guide the people in worshiping God. The length of the walls was 4,018 meters (2.5 mi), the average height was 12 meters (39 feet) and the average thickness was 2.5 meters (8 feet).  Nehemiah 6:15 “So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun.”

1. Considering the dimensions of the wall that was rebuilt, do you have an appreciation for the magnitude of the task they undertook? What does this suggest about the number of people involved and their dedication to the task?
2. What was the purpose in bringing the choirs together?

Nehemiah 12:44 to 47.

3. The offering is described as “the first part of the harvest, and the tithes”.
   1. What does this say about importance of the offering?
4. Is there one verse in particular that stands out for you in this passage?
5. Is there a parallel between 2 Corinthians 9:7 and the part of Nehemiah 12:44, “For all the people of Judah took joy in the priests and Levites and their work.”? Explain.

Nehemiah 13:

6. Why were the Ammonite’s and Moabite’s not allowed to enter the assembly of God?
7. In the first 14 verses of Nehemiah 13, what impact did allowing those who were not of God’s chosen people into the assembly have on:
   1. Those whom God had chosen to serve?
   2. What impact do you think this had on God’s chosen people?
   3. What does this suggest about how the priorities of the world can have a harmful impact on the church?

8. Nehemiah 13:15 to 22:
   1. What was the issue in these verses?
   2. Why was this an issue?
   3. What does it mean to you to “remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day”?
   4. Why is it important to keep holy the Sabbath Day?

9. In Nehemiah 13, how many times does Nehemiah ask God to remember what he has done?
   1. Why do you think he did this?
   2. Does this suggest what Nehemiah’s motivation was in all that he did?

10. Nehemiah was called by God to lead his people in rebuilding the wall. This was only the starting place as God’s people came together to build the wall, rediscover the Book of Moses and diligently apply God’s commands to their lives.
    1. What is the greatest gift that God has given you?
    2. Consider Philippians 2: ¹² Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him”. What would you say is the chief result you have experienced through the salvation that belongs to you, who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour?

For Reflection:

How often do we read something in scripture and think, “I really need to do that”, and yet so often we may do nothing. The challenge today is: What is one thing that I have learned that I can apply to my life? What step(s) can I take to ensure that I don’t forget about it tomorrow, or next week? Through the life and death of Christ our Saviour, God has given us this wonderful gift of life where I have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to guide me in all things. What am I doing with this gift God has given me? What is he calling me to do?