one faithful servant of god can make a difference (hebrews 11:32-40)
Introduction:
1. This chapter shows how a great number of men and women in the Old Testament demonstrated their faith and pleased God. 2. Over and over again, these great men and women illustrate how "one faithful servant of God can make a difference" [the theme of our lesson]. 3. According to vs.32-40, many more could have been mentioned. 4. In our lesson we are studying passages that tell us about Nehemiah -- he illustrates how "one faithful servant of God can make a difference." 5. This is an important principle for us to understand because many people feel that one person cannot accomplish very much by himself. 6. Let us begin our study by pointing out . . . Discussion: I. THE SETTING FOR THE EVENTS RECORDED IN NEHEMIAH
A. In 536 BC, the Israelites were released from Babylonian captivity. B. At that time Zerubbabel led about 50,000 Israelites to Jerusalem. C. In about 20 years the temple was rebuilt. D. Ezra led a group to Jerusalem in 458 BC. E. The events recorded in Nehemiah began in 445 BC. F. About 90 years had passed since the Israelites returned to Jerusalem. G. We are especially interested in . . . II. THE EVENTS RECORDED IN NEHEMIAH 1-6
A. Nehemiah 1 1. (vs.1-3) Nehemiah learned about the condition of Jerusalem. 2. (vs.4) Nehemiah was affected by the news he learned. 3. (vs.11) As he prayed, Nehemiah asked God to help him. B. Nehemiah 2 1. (vs.1-8) Nehemiah received permission from the king to go to Jerusalem. 2. (vs.10) The enemies of the Israelites are introduced. 3. (vs.11-16) Nehemiah inspected the wall of Jerusalem. 4. (vs.17-18a) Nehemiah challenged the people to build the wall. 5. (vs.18b) The people accepted Nehemiah's challenge. C. (Nehemiah 3) The various groups who built the wall are listed. D. Nehemiah 4 1. Opposition from the enemies increased. 2. (vs.6) In a short time half the wall was built. E. (Nehemiah 5) Nehemiah settled an internal problem that developed. F. Nehemiah 6 1. (vs.1-13) The enemies tried to intimidate the Jews, and they tried to isolate Nehemiah from the people. 2. (vs.15) The wall was completed in 52 days. G. From the information we have covered, can one faithful servant of God make a difference? Conclusion:
1. At the end of his life, Nehemiah knew that he had made a difference. 2. By building the wall around Jerusalem, he played an important role in preserving God's people until Christ came. 3. As each faithful servant of God does what he/she is able to do, a difference will be made. 4. We actually have advantages over Nehemiah (Hebrews 11:39-40). 5. Let us be encouraged by the "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
