Rebuilding the Temple
Which King allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple?
(Ezra 1:1-4)
Cyrus
What was Nehemiah's job before he went to Jersusalem?
(Nehemiah 1:11)
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
How many days did it take to rebuild Jerusalem's wall?
(Nehemiah 6:15)
52 days
What Important item was returned to the Jews for the rebuilding of the temple?
(Ezra 1:7-11)
The temple vessels (gold and silver vessels)
What did Nehemiah do before asking King Arataxerxes for help?
(Nehemiah 2:4-5)
He prayed
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.
What did Ezra do when the people gathered together after the wall was finished?
(Nehemiah 8:1-3)
He read the Book of the Law.
What did the people build first after returning to Jerusalem?
(Ezra 3:2-3)
The altar
What did Nehemiah ask the king to let him do?
(Nehemiah 2:5-8)
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
What did the Levites do while Ezra read the scriptures?
(Nehemiah 8:7-8)
They helped the people understand the scriptures
What happened when the foundation of the temple was laid?
(Ezra 3:10-13)
Many shouted for joy while others wept
Name one person who opposed Nehemiah's work.
(Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-8; 6:1-2)
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)
Why were the people told not to mourn after hearing the scriptures?
(Nehemiah 8:9-10)
Because it was a holy day, and "the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Which prophets encouraged the people to begin building the temple again?
(Ezra 5: 1-2)
Haggai and 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
What is one lesson we can learn from Nehemiah's example of saying, "I am doing a great work"?
Stay focued on God's work
Pray before acting
Don't let distractions keep you from keeping your covenants
Trust God even when others oppose you.