HCBC Sunday School – “Friends” Class
Do Your Appointed Part (Nehemiah 7:1-8)

1) Memory Verse: Proverbs 14:23
a. In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
2) First Thoughts
a. Social media – its success. The good, bad, and God’s plan.
b. Some tasks require the effort, coordination, and strength of many people working together, e.g., winning team, successful workplace, or effective church. Eccl. 4:9-10
c. In God’s kingdom work, everyone is needed. Everyone has a part.
3) Understand the Context
a. After completing the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the Jewish people realized the city had only a few residents. God gave the plan to repopulate.
4) Explore the Text
a. Verses 1-3 – A role to play
i. A new set of challenges. First, a trustworthy security operation.
ii. Men – role of protector. I Peter 5:8 “your adversary”.
iii. Importance of faithfulness and fearing God. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. ~ Proverbs 16:6
iv. Second – spiritual organization. Hebrews 13:7,17
v. Third – effective teaching of God’s Word. ~ Ephesians 4:11 (pastors & teachers)
b. Verses 4-8 – A place to belong
i. God gave the plan in response to prayer.
ii. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ~ John 14:13-14
iii. Sacrifice (relocating). Use of genealogical record – repopulate Jerusalem with citizens who knew they were God’s and were proud of it. (faithfulness).
iv. Lengthy list – God wants to use all of His people to accomplish His work.
5) Extra Points
a. Importance of church membership.
b. God builds character through service.
c. We’re all accountable to God - So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:12
d. To God, not to others! --- Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. ~ John 21:22