HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Be Faithful in Adversity (Nehemiah 6:1-19)
1) Memory Verse: Nehemiah 6:3
a. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
2) First Thoughts
a. Faith and prayer are important qualities of Christian leadership. Servant-leaders lead from the front, not from behind. As a result, they are often the first ones to feel the brunt of an assault.
3) Understand the Context – Application is your life!
a. Since humanity’s fall, God’s kingdom work has been done in a hostile environment. Under the Persian Empire, surrounding groups strongly opposed the restoration efforts of the Jews who returned from exile. Nehemiah found himself as a primary target of verbal abuse, criticism, slander, and threats.
b. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. ~ II Thess. 2:1-2
4) Explore the Text
a. Verses 1-9 – When falsely accused
i. “builded” (foundation?)
ii. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, … ~ Proverbs 1:10-11
iii. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. ~ II Timothy 2:4
iv. Response – prayer to God, e.g., And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, ~ Acts 4:29
b. Verses 10-14 – When promised false security
i. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. ~ Proverbs 29:25 (Answer – fear God, Matthew 10:28)
c. Verses 15-19 – When factions arise
i. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: ~ Gal. 2:6