Rebuilding the Temple
This King allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple
(Ezra 1:1-4)
Who is Cyrus?
Nehemiah's job before he went to Jersusalem
(Nehemiah 1:11)
What is the kings cupbearer?
What "great work" was Nehemiah doing?
(Nehemiah 2:17-18; 6:3)
Rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and helping restore God's covenant people
Nehemiah's great work was rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. What are some "great works" Heavenly Father asks us to do today?
Nehemiah 6:3
Keep covenants
Strengthen faith in Jesus Christ
Minister to others
Share gospel
Prepare for the temple or a mission
Stand for truth
This civilization held the Jews captive before being conquered.
What is Babylon?
Nehemiah did this before asking the king for help
(Nehemiah 2:4-5)
What is He prayed/praying?
What did Nehemiah refuse to let distract him?
(Nehemiah 6:1-4)
Invitations from his enemies to leave the wall
Why do you think Satan tried so hard to distract Nehemiah instead of simply stopping work himself?
-Distraction can be more effective than direct opposition
-If we lose focus we stop progressing
-Satan often uses subtle temptations instead of obvious ones.
The first thing the people built after returning to Jerusalem
(Ezra 3:2-3)
What is the alter?
Nehemiah ask the king to let him do this
(Nehemiah 2:5-8)
What is return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city?
When Nehemiah became afraid, what did he do?
(Nehemiah 6:9, 14)
He prayed and trusted God instead of giving in to fear
What are some modern-day invitations to "come down from the wall"?
Nehemiah 6:2-4
Social media
peer pressure
entertainment that crowds out spiritual habits
Fear of being different
procrastination
comparing ourselves to others
When the foundation of the temple was laid, the people did this
(Ezra 3:10-13)
What is shouted for joy/wept?
The enemies to rebuilding used these tactics.
What is mockery, fear, violence and political pressure
How did the people protect themselves while they worked?
(Nehemiah 4:16-18)
They carried weapons while building
Nehemiah prayed many short prayers while he worked. When have you found that a quick prayer helped you during a difficult situation?
(Nehemiah 2:4; 6:9)
These prophets encouraged the people to begin building the temple again
(Ezra 5: 1-2)
Who is Haggai and/Or Zechariah?
Finish Nehemiah's famous statement:
"I am doing a _____ ______"
(Nehemiah 6:3)
Great work
According to Nehemiah, why was the wall completed despite opposition?
(Nehemiah 6:15-16)
Because their enemies recognized the work had been accomplished with God's help
What's one distraction in your own life that tempts you to "come down from the wall," and what is one thing you could do this week to stay focused on your great work?
Class discussion