Nehemiah 3:17-32

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Knowing Your People

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God keeps a record of everything believers do for Him.

  2. Good spiritual leadership motivates people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. If you want to be a good spiritual leader, know your people.

  2. Start serving the Lord in an area where you’re interested, or in “your own back yard.”

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the point of this chapter?

  2. How does good spiritual leadership motivate people?

  3. What does good leadership not do?

  4. Was it important that Nehemiah knew his people? Why?

  5. What is mentioned about Eliashib and his fellow-priests (verse 1)? Did they perform “religious” service only, leaving the repair work to the “laity”?

  6. Who were Shallum’s fellow-workers (verse 12), and why are they significant?

ANSWERS

  1. It records the names of the workers, the sections they worked on, and how the work was accomplished. It teaches that God records what we do for Him and provides a lesson in attitude toward work and fellow workers.

  2. Good leadership motivates people by example and involvement.

  3. It does not brag or distance itself, nor does it force others into a work.

  4. Yes. The way Nehemiah worked with the people is a good example. He took the time to learn their names; he learned their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. He assigned the work so they would be challenged and successful. Without this kind of leadership there is discontent and a lack of interest, purpose, and unity.

  5. The priests did the same repair work as those who were not priests, and performed their priestly duties as well.

  6. His daughters helped build. Women are important and valuable in the Lord’s service.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Is your attitude important to God? Is it important to His work? Have you ever entered into a work begrudgingly or reluctantly? Consider the impact of your attitude on the heart of God and on your fellow-workers.

  2. Discuss ways that spiritual leaders can get to know the people who work with them so the leaders can serve them better.

CHALLENGE

  1. God keeps a record of all we do for Him. Does this encourage you to “put your hand to the plough,” regardless of the “smallness” of the field before you? What work are you doing that will count for eternity?

KEY VERSES

  • “Stand firm in one spirit, striving together for the faith.” Philippians 1:27



Nehemiah, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsNehemiah 3:17-32