Sunday, April 29, 2012

Nehemiah 1

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Text: Nehemiah 1: 1-11
Message 1: The Book of Nehemiah – Chapter 1

1. Introduction to the Book of Nehemiah

(a)  Date: 420BC; Author: Nehemiah
(b)  Historical setting: Return of the Jews from 70 years captivity.
There were 3 returns led by Zerubbabel (536BC), Ezra (458BC) & Nehemiah
(445BC).
(c)  Summary of the Book: Chapter 1-7: Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
Chapter 8-13: Spiritual restoration of the people
(d)  Lessons to be learned: Leadership, Serving God, Overcoming Difficulties
     
2. Introduction to the man Nehemiah (1:1,11b)

(a)  Nehemiah means ‘’comforted by Jehovah’’. He was a Jew in captivity. He served in Shushan, the palace of the king of Persia as the king’s cupbearer.
(b)  Date of record: Chisleu (9th month); 20th year of reign of Persian king Artaxerxes.
 
3. Report of the conditions in Jerusalem (1:2-3)

(a)  Nehemiah was concerned to ask
(b)  The conditions in Jerusalem were very bad
 
4. Nehemiah’s Response: Prayer to the God of Heaven (1:4-11)

(a)  Tears and mourning – lead to fasting and prayer. Shows a deep concern for God’s people and God’s House
(b)  Model Prayer to follow:
-       Worship (v.5)
-       Confession of sins (v.6-7)
-       Petition (v.8-11)
 
Nehemiah: Man of Concern & Man of Prayer

Memory Verse: Nehemiah 1:4 ‘’ And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.’’

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