NEXT WEEK

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CHAPTER 15.4

NOTES

“LAW AND COVENANT” Nehemiah 8 - 10 October 11, 2015

Honoring the Word changes how we worship and how we use the resources God has given to us.

NEXT WEEK

“JOY” Nehemiah 11 - 12

Historical Timeline: The building of Jerusalem’s wall led to a time of spiritual renewal, grounded in the reading of the Word. Then it was time to celebrate.

D. 4th Reading (9:3-5) Changed Worship: Prayer (9:6-37) Summarized in 9:33 - God is faithful . - We are not faithful . - We need help ! (9:36-37) II. Honoring the Word changes how we use resources . (9:38 - 10:39) Commitment to Obey (10:29) Commitment to Give (10:32-39) Changed worship always shows up in my resources !

Passage Overview: The spiritual renewal that took place after Ezra’s teaching of the Word prompted real change in the everyday life of the people. First of all, the city of Jerusalem needed residents. Without walls, people had moved, with a centrifugal force, out of the dangers in Jerusalem and into smaller villages in the countryside. With the protection of walls, the city now required the energy of a thriving population. Lots were cast, and one out of every ten moved into Jerusalem. Secondly, the people had signed their names to a covenant (chapter 10) to walk in accordance with God’s law and to support the needs of the temple. Their signatures were followed by their actions as they began to set apart that portion of their income, which belonged to God, bringing it in to the storehouses. Finally, spiritual renewal that was accompanied by righteous actions erupted into praise. The consecration of the newly completed wall offered the perfect opportunity for all the people to lift their hearts and voices in praise. Their songs were filled with gladness and thanksgiving as they marched around the wall in two great choirs. Moving in opposite directions, they met again at the temple where worship, both in music and in giving, filled the storehouses of the temple and of heaven with praise. Spiritual revival, which leads to real change in our everyday lives, prompts dramatic and climactic worship! It is good when we celebrate out of lives that truly live wholly for His glory! Take time to examine your life? Is it characterized by praise? Is your praise the product of a life that has been deeply impacted by the Word of God and a practice that has been radically changed as you respond practically to what you learned?

How does this apply to me?

Reading for Next Week: Nehemiah 11 - 12

It is never just subtle and indiscernible to others. The Word changes worship and giving in obvious ways. I. Honoring the Word changes how we worship. A. 1st Reading (8:1-12) 1. What does honor look like? (8:1-6) 2. What does effective teaching look like? (8:7-8) 3. Changed Worship (8:9-12)

B. 2nd Reading (8:13) 1. Heads of households with priests and Levites. 2. Changed Worship (8:17)



C. 3rd Reading (8:18) 1. Daily during the Feast of Booths 2. Changed worship. (9:1-2)