Sunday School Lesson 40 Bible reading : Exodus 3 10 th June, 2018

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. TEXT: NEHEMIAH 2:1-8 Memory Verse: "Remember me, 0 my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof". Nehemiah 13:14 Lesson Introduction: Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah, was born at Babylon during the captivity. Neh. 1:1. He was according to some, of the race of the priests; according to others, of the royal family of Judah and apparently a stepson of Queen Esther. He attained the office of cupbearer to the Persian king Artazerzes Longimanus. Touched with the calamitous state of the colony of Jews, He besought the king of Persia to permit him to go to Jerusalem and aid in rebuilding it. He directed his attention chiefly to rebuilding the walls of the city. He remained in Judea for thirteen years as governor, carrying out many reforms, notwithstanding much Neh. 13:1-14. Probably, he remained at his post as Governor till his death. (about B.C. 413) in a good old age.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. EVIDENCE OF COMMITMENT (TEXT REVIEW) Nehemiah had a sad countenance in the King's presence. Neh. 2:1 He had fear and sorrow when he heard about Jerusalem. Neh. 2:2 He advanced two reasons for his sadness: The city of Jerusalem lay in ruins (has been devastated). Nehemiah 2:3. The gate had been broken down and burnt with fire. Nehemiah. 2:3 Nehemiah had to seek God's face in prayer before requesting from the King. Neh 2:4 He requested for favour to rebuild the city at Judah Nehemiah 2:5 He requested for enough time for the work. Nehemiah 2:6 He obtained permission from the king to embark on the building work. Neh. 2:7. He obtained material resources from the Government to build the city. Neh. 2:8 He obtained the mercy of the Lord to execute the project. Neh. 2:8 Nehemiah was a good illustration of commitment to divine assignment

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. NEHEMIAH’S QUALITIES Lesson Outline 1: CHARACTERS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Went to God first & Got personally involved in the plight of Jerusalem He had a clear recognition of the problem & He was a servant leader He simply and deliberately met the need and fulfilled the objective He was just one man, but knew he needed the help of others He was humble and respectful He had concern for the people and God's work (Nehemiah 1:1-3) He sacrificed a comfortable position as the King's cupbearer to see God's kingdom developed and his people helped (Nehemiah 2:6-10) He viewed the city and resident's condition to ascertain the facts before giving advice (Nehemiah 2:11-16) He was aggressive & progressive attitude. His advice was to "rise up and build." (Nehemiah 2:17,18) He knew how to manage opposition

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. OPPOSITION NEHEMIAH FACED Ridicule and intimidation: Nehemiah 2:19, 20 Anger and contempt: Nehemiah 4:1-3 Conspiracy to stir people up to war against him: Nehemiah 4:7,8 Discouragement of the people because of all the rubbish, the opposition of the enemy and the negativity of their own people: Nehemiah 4:10-12 Selfish greed – oppression of one for another – taking advantage of the less fortunate: Nehemiah 5:1-5. Craft and deception: Nehemiah 6:1-2 False accusation and slander to put fear in the leader: Nehemiah 6:5-7,19 Treachery: one of your own turns against you: Nehemiah 6:10

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. HOW NEHEMIAH OVERCAME OPPOSITION Lesson Outline 2: LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE Ridicule and intimidation was overcome through confidence in God and perseverance Anger and contempt was overcome through Prayer, Hard work and Self- control Conspiracy to stir people up to war against him was overcome by Prayer and watchfulness, and Putting watchmen in place Discouragement of the people was overcome by organizing watchmen and arming some, encouraging them not to be afraid while the building continued. Selfish greed was overcome with Holy anger and a strong rebuke Craft and deception was overcome by Spiritual discernment, Wisdom, and Continuing in the work realizing the importance of objectives False accusation and slander was overcome with Confrontation, Prayer for strength and Self-control Treachery by someone close to you was overcome with Courage, Discernment and Prayer

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL, UK. NEHEMIAH (GOLD NUGGETS) God has a plan for each of us No one is too small or too insignificant to be used by God Recognize our limitations, seek counsel and help Rely on God (Proverbs 3:5) The enemy does not waste his time attacking cold Christians. Victory can only be apprehended by faith. All of us will face opposition. It is how you deal with it that matters. Will you quit when the going gets tough? Jesus never promised us no Trials. Rather He will always be with us in the trial. Be steadfast & enduring; organize your mind and your life Are there servant leaders today in this church and nation?

Wall & Gates Physical and Spiritual Protection -Prov 25:28 -Jeremiah. 21:3-5 -Ezek. 38: Zec 2:4-5 -Hag 1:3-14

NEHEMIAH Ch SHEEP GATE (3:1; 12: 39) 2. FISH GATE (3:3; 12: 39) 3. OLD GATE (3: 6; 12: 39) 4. THE VALLEY GATE (3: 13; 2: 13) 5. THE DUNG GATE (3: 14; 2: 13; 12: 31) 6. FOUNTAIN GATE (3: 15; 2:14; 12:37) 7. WATER GATE (3: 25; 26) 8. HORSE GATE (3:26) 9. EAST GATE (3: 29) 10. Ezk. 10: MIPHKHAD GATE (3: 31) an appointment, i.e. mandate; a designated spot; (Total 12 gates, but we have account of only 10 rebuilt) Neh 3:19 & Ephesians 6:10-18, Isa 60:18; Isaiah 58:12