1. God’s Sovereignty
God had a plan for His creation before time began. Read what Paul said in his references to it in Acts 17:22-31, Gal.4:4, Eph. 1:4.
Read the timelines below and answer the following questions:
- As you consider the well-known stories of these people’s lives and God’s involvement in each of them what thoughts do you have about God’s sovereignty in this world’s history?
- Consider the big picture of God’s plan and foreknowledge. EG: The happenings of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection through to Him as Judge at “The Great White Throne” at the end of time (see diagrams) when He gave the promise in Genesis 3:15 at the beginning.
- Consider how God had a significant work for each of His children to do which each fitted together to make the whole as He unfolded His story/His plan for humanity.
2. Nehemiah’s part in God’s Story
As we noted in last week’s study Nehemiah came into view in God’s story at 445 BC at Shushan as he served in the court of Nedo- Persian Emperor King Artaxerxes serving as his drink waiter. Neh. 1:11-2:1.
Discuss in your group the following looking for indications of God at work in Nehemiah’s life preparing him for the work He had for him.
- Neh. 1:1-3. The visit of Nehemiah’s brother and others who had just returned from Judah and their report.
- Neh. 1:4. The effect the report had on Nehemiah and the burden he felt.
- Neh. 1:1-11. Nehemiah’s persistent prayer and heart for the things of God and His people
- Nehemiah’s desire to be available and active to do God’s will.
- Nehemiah’s request. Neh. 1:11, God’s answer. Neh. 2:1-6.
See Georges comment:
Nehemiah asks Artaxerxes: to adopt rebuilding Jerusalem as a government undertaking, to make him the supervisor, to give him leave to do it on full pay with no budget limits, to make it a royal commission, to let him set the time schedule, free travel arrangements, unlimited power to requisition supplies & materials at the king’s expense and armed escort for security.
3. Your Part in God’s Story
As ordinary everyday Christian’s do we have a part to play in God’s on going story/plan for the world we live in?
Consider the following:
- Ephesians 2:10.
- Phil. 2:13
- Paul’s passion, priority and focus. Phil. 1:20-25, Acts 20:24.
Discuss in your group George’s comments from Sunday:
But there is another remarkable thing that makes studies of Nehemiah relevant. In the OT we have a record of the times, people & events that are part of God’s story. As God’s people – what is part of God’s story becomes part of our story too. As a Christian you are grafted into God’s story. God’s story is a story that has an antiquity that goes back to creation & beyond – Nehemiah is part of this story. When you belong to the people of God, Nehemiah’s story therefore forms part of your story.
In 2018 can we know what our part is?
- As you are learning more about how God worked in Nehemiah’s life showing him the work He had for him think about how God is working in your life?
- Is He speaking through other people, circumstances or His Word?
- Is He laying a burden on your heart, a desire for a particular work in furthering His Kingdom?
- Are there certain conditions which need to be met first? Are you spending time praying consistently about it? Meditate on Eph. 3:20
- Have your shared with others including your home group so they can pray with you and give you support?
Finish by spending time praying together for God’s guidance to know and do His will in your life.
Next week we will look at how God enabled Nehemiah to do His work including having to overcome obstacles and opposition!