One of the most striking episodes in Nehemiah is the reading of God’s law by Ezra to the people. We also see the people responding to the story of Scripture by living into it with the Feast of Booths. (Nehemiah 8:1-18)
SERMON OUTLINE
“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” (Nehemiah 8:8)
God’s Word (Book of the Law of God) the People
- The people gathered and asked Ezra to read God’s Word. (8:1-3)
- God’s Word was read from daybreak to noon. (8:3)
- The people showed respect for the Word of God. (8:5)
- God’s Word was received with praise and worship. (8:6)
- The Word of God presented so people can understand. (8:4, 7-8)
Hearing, Understanding and Obeying to God’s Word Rebuilds, Renews and Revives the People
- The people respond to God’s Word with weeping and grieving: repentance. (8:9-11)
- The people choose to rejoice. (8:10)
- The people respond by being generous. (8:11)
- The heads of families gather around Ezra again to learn from God’s Word. (8:13)
- The people obey God’s Word by celebrating the feast of Tabernacles. (8:14-18)
Building on God’s Word is Life-Giving and Critical
- God’s Word reveals God; it reveals who He is and what He has done.
- Understanding God’s Word leads to worship and praise.
- God’s Word leads to repentance and rebuilding.
- God’s Word leads brings blessed assurance that leads to joy.
- Understanding God’s Word leads to obedience; we must expound on God’s Word.
- God’s Word, with the help of the Holy Spirit, leads to revival.
Making it Real for Us
- The Word of God is powerful; reading and obeying God’s Word will transform your life.
- Build your life on it; you cannot live on bread alone. (Matthew 4:4)
- Celebrate the joy of grace!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What does Scripture/the Bible mean to you?
- Background: In Nehemiah chapter 8, the people asks Ezra (the Teacher and Priest) to read from the book of the law (the Law of Moses or the first 5 books of the Bible). A revival happens where the whole congregation repent of their sins after hearing the Word of God. We also see the heads of families craving the Word of God.
- Read Nehemiah 8:1-3. What do the people ask Ezra to do? Who was there at the meeting? How long did it take Ezra to read from the book of the Law? How did the people receive the Word. (Did they listen?)
- Read Nehemiah 8:4-5? Why was a wooden platform built for Ezra for this occasion? The Bible states that the people stood up to hear the Word of God. Do you think it is important to show respect for the Word of God? Why?
- Stand together if in a group, or by yourself and read from the Book of the Law. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9 aloud.
- Ezra and the people worshipped God when they heard the book of the law read to them (the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Why? Hint: they learned about who God is and what He has done.
- What are some major events in the books of Moses that show the character of God? Who God is and what He has done? (examples include the creation of the world, the fall of man, the crossing of the Red Sea etc.). Mention some more events.
- Read Nehemiah 8:7-8. The Levites were there with Ezra. What did they do? How critical do you think it is for people to understand the Word of God? How critical is it to have teachers, preachers who can help explain the Word of God?
- Read verse 9. The Bible says the people wept when they heard the Word of God. Why? Read 2 Timothy 3:16 for assistance in answering this question.
- Read verses 10-12. Nehemiah and the other leaders asked the Israelites not to grieve, and made a joyous statement. What is that statement? How did the people respond?
- Read verses 14-18. The people celebrate the feast of Tabernacles. What is the result of this simple obedience to God’s Word. Verse 17b.
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Start reading the Word of God on a more consistent basis if you are not currently. Resources to help include the YouVersion Bible app. Or just start reading the Bible. The book of John is a good place to start.
- Write down, draw what you learned about God through the message today; who God is and what he has done.