Nehemiah 4 "Rebuilding and Defending"

Nehemiah: A Season to Rebuild

#4 "Rebuilding and Defending"

Nehemiah 4:1-23

We continue the story of Nehemiah in chapter 4 as we see the enemies of the people of God ridiculing and intimidating them about rebuilding the wall around the city of Jerusalem. Chapter 4 shows us that it's not enough to simply build our marriages, families and church but we must be willing to defend them. Much is at stake, it's time to stand up and fight for what is true, good and beautiful, let us fight for our marriages, families, church, and future generations. Let's learn to both rebuild and defend.

Questions for Community Groups or Personal Study

1. Rebuilding despite Ridicule (4:1-6) -How have you experienced ridicule as a christian? How do you respond to ridicule? What common insults do people use against Christians nowadays? What do you think of Nehemiah's responsive prayer? If those who have insulted you feel like enemies, which "enemies" do you need to forgive this week? 
2. Rebuilding despite Intimidation (4:7-14) -The people were terrified of their enemies and would have given up rebuilding the wall. Where is there “fear of man” in your heart that needs to be confessed and repented of? How can the fear of man keep you from being fruitful and faithful to God?  
3. Rebuilding and Defending (4:15-23) -Nehemiah commands the workers to build and defend. Why is it important to both build and defend? What needs defending in your life and what does defending look like?