Nehemiah
Session One – "The Desperate Need for a Godly Man" (Nehemiah 1:1-3)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Throughout history, the Lord has used particular men to “stand in the gap”. While we may not be another Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, or a Billy Graham, we are called, as men, to follow Christ and to serve as godly servant-leaders. The book of Nehemiah provides targeted, practical insight on how to walk with God and allow Him to work through us for His glory. In our study of one of Israel’s greatest leaders, Nehemiah, we will glean much from a man who modeled a life of great character, discipline, determination, zeal, and grace.
Session Two – "Crying Out to God in the Midst of Adversity" (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Faced with the horrific news concerning Jerusalem and his countrymen, Nehemiah is overcome with grief. Through his tears, Nehemiah turns to the Lord. The opening prayer of this Old Testament book lays out one of the finest models of prayers in the entire Bible. The actions of this cupbearer from Susa illustrates key principles in how to approach God—principles that are extremely applicable even for today!
Session Three – "Prayer, Action, and God’s Sovereignty" (Nehemiah 2:1-8)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Four months have passed since Nehemiah heard the horrific news concerning his homeland. However, rather than throwing up his arms in despair and in hopelessness, Nehemiah turns to the Lord. Following 48 weeks of fervent prayer and research, this Persian cupbearer makes a very calculated step to approach King Artaxerxes. This scene features a beautiful picture of human responsibility and God’s sovereignty working in tandem to bring about God’s glory.
Session Four – "Prayer and Confidence in the Midst of Chaos" (Nehemiah 2:9-20)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Nehemiah finally arrives in Judah, after praying and planning four months plus enduring a two month trek to Jerusalem. Clearly the task was daunting and the opposition intense. Yet, instead of launching immediately into construction or calling a meeting for Jewish leaders to discuss the building project, Nehemiah seeks the Lord’s guidance, assessing the situation first-hand. Nehemiah’s actions reveal not only his character, they also provide some important principles for all those who wish to be used mightily by the Lord.
Session Five – "Working with Others in Service to the Lord" (Nehemiah 3:1-32)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Chapter three of Nehemiah contains a litany of names that are difficult to pronounce, information that is repetitive and appears rather meaningless, and obscure locations that are largely forgotten today. Thus, it is little surprise that some of the most prominent books on the study of Nehemiah fail to discuss the chapter. And yet, a closer observation of this chapter reveals several important principles both for leadership and for unity within God’s people. In so doing, these principles afford the opportunity for God’s community to unite, accomplishing great things for His glory!
Session Six – "Living in the Midst of Opposition & Discouragement" (Nehemiah 4:1-23)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
In reading chapter three, we assume that the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem went without a glitch. However, chapter four puts that assumption to rest; the arduous task of rebuilding the walls was met with great opposition. This adversity led to discouragement and threatened the successful completion of the construction project. Despite the criticism, discouragement, and adversity, Nehemiah and the Israelites persevered as they looked to the Lord to supply all their needs: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.
Session Seven – "Facing Internal Problems: Leading with Character" (Nehemiah 5:1-13)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
To this point in the story, it would seem that the Israelites are completely behind Nehemiah in this daunting building project. His only opposition had originated from “outside the camp”. However, in chapter five, we learn that Nehemiah also faced great opposition from his own people. One author observes, “The productive sounds of a wall being raised up have been replaced with the destructive sounds of people tearing one another down” (Swindoll, Hand Me Another Brick Study Guide, 48). In the midst of these challenges, Nehemiah provides several important principles for godly leaders.
Session Eight – "Facing Prosperity: Leading with Character" (Nehemiah 5:14-19)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
While heroes are often born out of adversity, the proof of their character is revealed in prosperity. Advancement, power, and prestige has a way of eroding one’s ethics. In this passage, Nehemiah once again demonstrates godly leadership. His fear of God instilled a heart for others and a willingness to forgo personal gain.
Session Nine – "Facing Opposition: Leading with Wisdom" (Nehemiah 6:1-16)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Despite the amazing accomplishment of completing the walls within less than two months, Nehemiah faced unbelievable opposition. Not only did he face logistical issues and internal problems, Nehemiah encountered intense external hostility from his enemies. Chapter six portrays a leader who maneuvers with great wisdom, insight, and a keen attention to the things of the Lord. As aptly noted by Chuck Swindoll concerning this chapter, “The city’s main defense is just about ready, but it’s Nehemiah’s defenses that are about to be tested—not Jerusalem’s” (Hand Me Another Brick, 63).
Session Ten– "Recognizing God’s Presence: Leading with Understanding" (Nehemiah 7:1-73a)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
After nearly two months, Nehemiah and the people of God had accomplished what seemed impossible – the rebuilding of the walls and the installation of the gates. And yet, this chapter indicates that Nehemiah is not finished. The final touches of this project involved people. As Nehemiah worked with relocating individuals for the purpose of protection and ongoing preservation, the Israelites are reminded of how God’s presence has been with them. Rehearsing much of Ezra 2, Nehemiah highlights God’s role in their lives.
Session Eleven– "Witnessing a Revival: Leading with an Emphasis on Scripture" (Nehemiah 7:73b-8:10)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
The walls were built. The gates were established. However, the work was yet to be completed. Now it was time for Nehemiah to direct the people to God’s Word. With the assistance of Ezra, the leadership of Judah gathered the Israelites together for the purpose of hearing God’s Word. The amazing feat of accomplishing the rebuilding of the walls was precipitated a great revival among God’s people.
Session Twelve– "Recognizing God’s Mercy: Leading with Transparency" (Nehemiah 9:1-37)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
The two words which capture the theology of Scripture are “but God . . .”. Apart from God, our destiny would be one of destruction and damnation. However, God time and time again enters our world and extends grace and mercy. Nehemiah rehearses these truths in chapter 9 as he recounts the history of Israel. In so doing, the failures and sins of Israel are met consistently with God’s faithfulness and salvation. He alone is worthy of all glory.
Session Thirteen– "Calling for Dedication: Leading with Priorities" (Nehemiah 10:28-39)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
Upon rehearsing God’s faithfulness, compassion, and mercy throughout Israel’s history in chapter 9, the Israelites respond with gratitude, repentance, and commitment. There is a reversal of priorities as the people dedicate themselves to the Lord. In so doing, the Israelites make an oath with the Lord that entails specific applications of the Law. They establish concrete ways in which they can walk in obedience to the Lord.
Session Fourteen– "Celebrating God’s Goodness: Leading with Joy" (Nehemiah 12:27-43)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
After a time of festivities, revival, and a declaration of obedience to the Lord, the Israelites are now ready to dedicate the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah 12:27-43 records this glorious moment. With great fanfare, the priests and Levites lead the Israelites into a most memorable event. One can almost sense the feeling of joy exuding from this chapter as the people give thanks to their God.
Session Fifteen– "Holding Fast to God’s Commandments: Leading with Conviction" (Nehemiah 13)
Presented by Dr. David Hoffeditz
A series of events occur between chapters 12 and 13. After 12 years of serving as governor in Judah, Nehemiah travels back to Susa, apparently to serve King Artaxerxes. Subsequently, Nehemiah returns to Judah. While the timeframe between his departure and return to Judah is unknown, this period has once again revealed the moral decay of the people. While the walls may be standing, the souls of the men and women lay in ruins. Through a series of reforms, Nehemiah seeks to turn the hearts of the people back to the Lord.
Audio and Study Notes
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