Nehemiah 4:1-23

Series: From Ruins to Revival; a story of Faithfulness

Title: Dealing With Critical People

Date: February 23, 2025

Speaker: Ric Pearson

Introduction – Lafayette, Adam and Annette

1. The Marks of a Critic (vs. 4:1-3, 7-8)

2. The Effects of Criticism (vs. 4-5, 10-12, 14)

3. The Cures for Criticism (vs. 4:4-6, 9, 13-23)

4. Action Points – “Monday Matters”

A. Perspective (vs. 6)
C. The Trumpet Blowers (vs. 20)
D. Hacaliah (vs.1:1)

5. Conclusion – Teddy Roosevelt & Charles Haddon Spurgeon 

Nehemiah Study Guide & Life Group Questions

WHAT:

1. What is the cry of Nehemiah in verses 4-5?

2. What is the response of Sanballat and Tobiah to the rebuilding of the wall? Vs. 7

3. What does Nehemiah do to protect the builders and What does Nehemiah want the builders to fight for?

4. Why does the building resume? And what do the servants do? How do they do their work?

5. What is Nehemiah's new concern?

6. How would you summarize the big idea of Nehemiah 4:1-23?

SO WHAT:

1. Why do you think Nehemiah inspects the gates and walls?

2. Why do you think Nehemiah did not share his plan?

3. Have you ever felt despised? What do you think that Sanballat and Tobiah were trying to accomplish?

4. What does Nehemiah want to happen to those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

5. What would it be like to have someone want to kill you as you were working on something?

6. How did God intervene?

7. What is the importance of those with trumpets?

NOW WHAT:

1. Can we expect opposition today when we set out to do kingdom work? Look up John 15:16-21, John 16:33, and John 17:13-21.

2. How might followers of Jesus be mocked or opposed today? Explain? In what environments might that occur?

3. Where is the gospel broadly being opposed? Explain.

4. Have you ever found yourself in a similar atmosphere? How did you handle it? What are ways we can encourage each other as the body of Christ?

5. How might we increasingly “direct our eyes” to a great and awesome God in the midst of opposition?

6. How does our faith grow when those circumstances arise? In what ways might you have been tempted to respond in fear? Explain.

7. What is it like to be on guard all the time? When a world wants to deter you from serving God, threatens you and seeks to entrap you, are you on guard? What can we apply from Nehemiah's example?

PRAY/WATCH/STEP:

One common obstacle to specifically sharing about the joy of Jesus in our life is fear: fear of rejection, fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, fear of ridicule. Instead, as we pray, watch, and then step into these opportunities, we can lovingly stand with confidence, knowing that it is God who gives us the words to say and who prepares someone to hear. Share some specific examples when you experienced fear and when you lovingly stood with confidence as you shared about the good news of Jesus.

PONDERING PLANTED:

In adversity, we can rely on our faith and one another to intentionally invest our time, talent, and treasure all around us. Into whatever God invites us today, we are confident He will produce fruit in and through our lives. How could you invest your time better? What talent has God given you that needs to be dusted off and used again? Take a look at where you have been spending or saving your treasure. Could God be asking you to make some changes?