Nehemiah: Rise & Build 3 - Builders

Evergreen Christian Community

Nehemiah 3:1-5

Big Idea: The restorative work of God in our lives begins with acknowledging we are broken.

1. Fortify the Gates

“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk” - John C. Maxwell

The devil is on the hunt for the weakest part of your wall

1 Peter 5:8-9

"Confession is not a weakness. It shows the power of grace in breaking down the walls of pride." - Jerry Bridges

Matthew 4:1-4

Matthew 3:17

2. Closed for Repairs

2 Corinthians 4:16

Philippians 2:12-13

3. Unity in Building

Opposition doesn’t just come from “enemies”.

"Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation."

- Charles Spurgeon

RESPONSE

• Ask God to reveal your weakness.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

• Make availability for ongoing work to be done.

• Leave no room for complacency.

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. But presently, He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace."

- C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity)

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's passage: Isaiah 58:9-12

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)