CHAPTER 1

Nehemiah

• One of the last of the Historical Books• After the return from Captivity• Nehemiah 1:1-3• Nehemiah devises a plan in order to rebuild

the walls.

Immediate and Persistent Prayer (Neh. 1:1-4)

• Nehemiah receives devastating news!• An initial reaction: Prayer!– “God first!” (Neh. 4:4, 9)– A learned impulse

• Diligent and dedicated– “Day and Night” (vs. 6)– Consider the dates (1:1; 2:1)

• Hebrew calendar= a difference of 4 months

– A great example of NT teaching on prayer:• Matt. 7:7-8• Luke 18; persistent widow.

Prayer based on God’s Promises(Neh. 1:8-10)

• Nehemiah – Recalls the curses- Lev. 26:27-33; Deut. 4:25-27; 28;64; – Recalls the blessing-Lev. 26:3-13; Deut. 28:1-14).– Recalls the promise of restoration (Lev. 26:40-42; Deut.

4:29-31; 30:1-6). • Moses – Ex. 32:13; Deut. 9:27

• Daniel– Daniel 9:2-4, 23

Individual responsibility:(Nehemiah 1:6-7, 11)

• Considers himself as part of the problem– “We have sinned”– “I and my father’s house have sinned”

• Desires to be part of the solution– His prayer looks forward to his own action; “grant him

(your servant) mercy in the sight of this man” (Artaxerxes). (vs. 11)

– Nehemiah is willing to help fulfill part of the prayer.– our prayers should be followed with action that shows

faith in God answering those prayers. – Matthew 9-10