Last week we explored the centrality of God’s Word in the identity and project of rebuilding and repair. The people not only hear God’s word but respond to it. This is a powerful example of humble confession and a community turning toward God. (Nehemiah 9:1-38)
SERMON OUTLINE
“In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.” (Nehemiah 9:33)
What is Revival?
- Asbury College Revival
- Fulton Street Revival
Nehemiah 9 Revival
- Confession of Sin (Nehemiah 9:1-5)
- Praying Through History (Nehemiah 9:5-31)
- Creation
- Abraham
- Moses
- Conquest of Canaan
- Judges Period
- Monarchy
- Exile
- Pleading with God (Nehemiah 9:32-37)
- Committing to Change (Nehemiah 9:38)
Lessons for us today from the Nehemiah 9 Revival
- We need to repent of our stiff necks.
- We need to find someone to hold us accountable.
- We need to rediscover history.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In the NT, Stephen used the expression “stiff-necked people” about the Jews who were ready to stone him (Acts 7:51). In what ways were they like their ancestors described in Nehemiah 9:16-17?
- Reflect on these verses about taking on the guilt of previous generations: 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Ezekiel 18:20. In light of these verses, talk about how the sins of one generation affect future generations.
- Nehemiah 9:28 can be summarized as the “cycle of sin”. Have you seen the cycle of sin in your own life or in the lives of others? Have you seen it in world history?
- The Levites express the distress of the people in verses 36-37 that they are still “slaves”. In spite of the generosity of the Persian kings to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, things aren’t right for them yet. Discuss what this means.
- Verses 36-37 show that the people are looking to God for a more permanent delivery, and a “land” more secure than the Promised Land of Canaan. How does Jesus Christ represent the “new covenant”?
- Read these three Old Testament passages that describe the new covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:16-37:14, and Joel 2:28-32. How does the gospel of Jesus Christ break the cycle of sin for human beings?
- The Israelites held one another accountable to their decisions to change (Ne 9:38). Who in your life holds you accountable? Who in your life draws your closer to Christ?
DIG DEEPER
- Listen to Stand Up (Marty Nystrom, Integrity), a blast from the past
- Nehemiah’s Song (Don Francisco) This is the whole story of Nehemiah.
- Nehemiah’s Prayer (Michael Maher)