Nehemiah 3:1-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Operation Wall

BACKGROUND NOTES

We should aim to have a balanced Christian life.
Don’t be surprised if some of your brothers and sisters don’t join you in the work of the Lord.

Why shouldn’t we just skip over the long lists of unpronounceable names and get to the message of the passage?
Why is the “Sheep Gate” so named?
How long did it take to complete the work of the wall? Why was it done so quickly?
What is the importance of the often-repeated phrase “next to him/them” or “after him/them”?
What kinds of people worked on the wall, side by side?
Define unity and uniformity. What is the difference?

Because God places an importance on individual people, and records them for our learning.
It was the gate through which the animals were led to be sacrificed.
Two months, because people worked together in unity and with purpose
The people worked side by side, in unity, each accomplishing his own area of service.
Priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, district leaders, Levites, temple servants, merchants, and whole families.
Unity means “a harmonious combination of different parts.” Uniformity means “having the same form and appearance; the same throughout at all times.” The Bible calls for unity, not uniformity. People differ in abilities and tastes, but they can unite in singleness of purpose to serve the Lord.

Have you found that unity and blessing go together? Why is this so? What should you do when some believers refuse to get involved in serving the Lord with you? Should you spend time trying to convince them of the value of the work?
Has your spiritual wall-building ever been “put on hold”? Have you discovered that disruption means neglect? What does it take to get you back on track?

A balanced Christian life involves continuous wall building: Bible study, fellowship, prayer, worship and service. Are you living a balanced life?