Let us bow before our Maker Nehemiah Chapter 9 Let us bow before our Maker

Nehemiah – Where We’ve Been The 1st 7 chapters tell the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. how to restore our defenses how to rebuild the walls and the gates of our lives how to close the gaps where the enemy has been getting at us Chapters 8 to 13 focuses on transforming the community based on Biblical principles Reconstruction We discussed the rebuilding of a life that has been damaged by sin or invaded by enemies. In Chapters 1-7 of this book we saw that certain words of the Apostle Peter described what corresponds in our lives to the building of the wall: "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self- control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love..." (2 Peter 1:5-7). Adding these qualities deliberately as we live is the way to rebuild the walls and gates of a life. In Chap 8 -13 focus on instruction, confessing sin, dedicating the walls and cleansing the fellowship. The New Testament verse that corresponds to what we learn in Chapter 8 is Romans 12:2: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Reinstruction

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord What have been some highs and lows of your life? Nehemiah 9:1-5 Worship and Confession How did Israel respond? V1? V2? V3? Fasting - What was the purpose of Fasting Joel 1:14 Matthew 6:17-18 Acts 13:2-3 V2 – Separation and confession of Sin V3 – Studied, confession and worship 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. How did Israel respond? Specifically what did they do in vs1? Feast of Tabernacle is over. We go from celebration to sober self judgment expressed feeling of shame and grief by refraining from eating What do we learn about spiritual discipline of fasting? Joel 1:14 Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. Matthew 6:17-18 -17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Acts 13:2-3 - 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 1 John 1:8-9

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord Nehemiah 9:1-5 Worship and Confession According to verses 4 & 5, in what activity did the Levites lead the people of Israel?  Who is the main focus of this prayer?  Why do you think it is important to be more focused on God than yourself during your prayers? What was the most interesting thing you may have learned from the commentary? 6 hour service – 3 hrs of preaching and 3 hors of praying Take-aways from Wiersbe pg 120 - 121 True worship involves: hearing the scriptures, praising God , praying confessing sin and separating ourselves from that which displeased God When you see sin or failure in your life, immediately look by faith to Christ and seek his forgiveness….. And keep on looking toward him Focus was on their sins and their ancestors wickedness. No finger pointing or excuses.

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord Nehemiah 9:5-25 The Character of God List 10 things from v5-15 we learn about God’s character or actions? Using verses 16-18, contrast how Israel dealt with God and how God dealt with Israel. (the nature of Israel vs the Nature of God)  Personal Question: Have you ever responded to God in a similar way? How did that work out for you? According to verses 19-21, how did God direct his people? Longest Prayer in the Bible If you want to learn to pray are great old testament start points Ezra 9, Dan 9. Begins with praise Is there one characteristic specifically that you’d like to thank God for? God directs His people from each of the following cross references: Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 42:16, John 14:26, John 16:13, 1 John 2:27

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord Nehemiah 9:26 -31 The Character of People Israel was inconsistent in their dealings with their God. Why do you think they were so disobedient to God? Personal Question: What warning do you receive from the Israelites' disobedience? What do you need to do in order to be more consistent in your relationship with God?   Longest Prayer in the Bible If you want to learn to pray are great old testament start points Ezra 9, Dan 9. Is there one characteristic specifically that you’d like to thank God for? God directs His people from each of the following cross references: Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 42:16, John 14:26, John 16:13, 1 John 2:27

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord From the following cross references, note something from each that might contribute to a person being inconsistent in his devotion to God: Cross Reference Verse Contribution to personal inconsistency Exodus 32:1 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “ make us gods who shall go before us.” 1 Kings 11:4  For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. Luke 8:13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. Luke 9:62  Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Find a principle from the cross references above that you can practice in your own life. Impatience, Influence of others, Lack of staying in God’s word,Taking your eyes off Jesus, Passion for worldly things What action do you intend to take?

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Bowing before the Lord Nehemiah 9:32-38 Now Therefore! How reasonable was the Israelites request? Is it reasonable for us to make the same request? What cycles of grace and disobedience do we get caught in like the Israelites? Why is it so difficult to say “God, you are right and I am wrong?” What 3 things had Israel not done (v34)? What can you learn that will help your relationship with God? What condition does Israel find themselves in (v36)? How reasonable was the Israelites request? How would you feel if you went to God & reminded him of all the times you had failed Him & asked for one more chance” They acknowledge the sins of the nation and God’s justice. God has been righteous (V33) despite our sins We are taught here to confess our sins. When God had been their king the enjoyed great blessings, now the are enslaved to a Persian king who controls everything. Christians who refuse to honor God end up spending money on obligations that are unexpected and painful. What 3 things had Israel not done (v34)? Kept your laws, 2 paid attention to your warning and 3)commandments What condition does Israel find themselves in (v36)? Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit & its good gifts, behold, we are slaves.

Nehemiah – Chapter 9, Conclusions Personal Questions What concrete actions can we take to prevent the cycles of disobedience before we get caught in them? When have you been caught in a cycle of learning & relearning the same lesson over & over again? What Memories do you have of God’s care even during those times? Having read the Israelites prayer, what would you like to say to God?

…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2Ch 7:14