DAY

ONE: Re-read Nehemiah 3 (text below). Use the note column to the right to jot down words or phrases that stick out to you.

SESSION THREE

Nehemiah 3

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. 3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors. 6 The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 7 Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and MizpahMelatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth places under the authority of the governor of Trans- Euphrates. 8 Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. 10 Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. 11 Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab

Notes: Circle every time you see the phrase Next to him Circle every time you see the word repair.

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repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters. 13 The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate. 14 The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rekab, ruler of the district of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. 15 The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Kol- Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofing it over and putting its doors and bolts and bars in place. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Siloam, by the Kings Garden, as far as the steps going down from the City of David. 16 Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Heroes. 17 Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district. 18 Next to him, the repairs were made by their fellow Levites under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. 19 Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall. 20 Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 Next to him, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another section, from the entrance of Eliashibs house to the end of it. 22 The repairs next to him were made by the priests from the surrounding region. 23 Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. 24 Next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from Azariahs house to the angle and the corner, 25 and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh 26 and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. 27 Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel. 28 Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house. 29 Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs. 30 Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah,

Notes: Circle every time you see the phrase Next to him Circle every time you see the word repair.

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and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another Notes: section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. 31 Next to him, Circle every time you see the phrase Next to Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the him house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; 32 and between the room above the corner and the Circle every time you see the word repair. Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs. Well take a closer look at the next to him and repair phrases on day four. The map below is a map of the city walls. This may help you get a frame of reference based on what youve read in Nehemiah 3. The Jewish historian, Josephus, a contemporary of the Apostle Paul (37 AD 100 AD) wrote that the circumference of Jerusalem in his day was about 33 stadia, which equals 4.5 miles. Many archeologists believe that the walls of Jerusalem were about the same in both Nehemiah's day and Jesus' day.

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DAY TWO: Today, we will draw some parallels between what the wall represents for the people of Jerusalem and some of the things they represent for disciples of today. Lets jump right in. Why would it be important for Jerusalem to rebuild its walls? (List as many reasons as you can.) In the days of Nehemiah, having a fortified city was essential to survival. But the broken down walls of Jerusalem were problematic for more reasons than just security. The widespread brokenness was somewhat symbolic of the brokenness of the Israelite people. Years of following God followed by years of wandering, years of defeat followed by years of exile, and now, upon their return, perhaps a struggle to know that a better world was possible. This rebuilding project was much more than re- fortifying the city. This project was about rebuilding a purpose and a vision in the hearts of the people of God. SIDE NOTE: How did Jesus help his disciples rebuild and discover their purpose and vision? One thing that comes to mind In what ways can disciples help others rebuild is Jesus encounter with the disciples in John 21. During and discover their purpose and vision as the crucifixion all but John abandoned their master and Nehemiah did for the people? teacher, Jesus. Peter was especially distraught because of his denial (three times). The disciples have gone back to their former way of living and are fishing on the lake (rather unsuccessfully). Jesus, unbeknownst to the disciples, is cooking breakfast on the beach and yells out to the crew instructing them to The Jerusalem wall was a continuous structure throw their nets to the other side. Suddenly, their nets with no break. The structure provided a boundary are full and they discover its Jesus. Peter is overcome for the people. Make a list of reasons why and jumps in, fully clothed, and swims for shore. The having structures & boundaries (or personal disciples follow. disciplines) are essential to a disciples life. Read John 21:15-25. How does Jesus rebuild Peter and empower him? _______________________________ If you want to take the time, read Acts 2 to see how _______________________________ Peter lives out his purpose and stated the God-sized vision to the masses. _______________________________ _______________________________

SESSION THREE

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 A completed wall made the people less vulnerable to enemy attacks and was therefore essential to their survival. In the same way, a disciple must form boundaries to help prevent attacks from the enemy. Establishing personal and spiritual disciplines can help set life-preserving boundaries for followers of God. What personal disciplines have been helpful/would be helpful for a disciple? SIDE NOTE: Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB) In her book The Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele LIST OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES from The Calhoun defines the spiritual disciplines as intentional Spiritual Disciplines Handbook practices, relationships and experienced that give people space to keep company with Jesus. The basic rhythm of Accountability disciplines can be found in Acts 2:42, when believers Study devoted themselves to teaching (a practice), fellowship Prayer (relationships), the breaking of bread (an experience) and Celebration prayer (another practice). Desire and love for God should Chastity fuel these desires. Take a look at the list to the right. Community Circle the disciplines that you connect with and then Compassion work to live these disciplines in your daily life. Detachment Discernment How can these spiritual disciplines help you in your Discipling faith journey? Examen Fasting Hospitality Journaling Justice Meditation Praying Scripture Accountability is an added element that can and will help a Rest disciple remain rooted in Christ. It was an essential part Retreat of the rebuilding process for Nehemiah and the Israelites Sabbath as well. As part of your assessment, you were challenged Abandonment to find an accountability partner. Silence Simplicity The first step in working with an accountability partner is Solitude often the hardest but dont make it harder than it is. A Submission simple contact once a week is a good way to start. Phone Unity call, text, e-mail or meet for coffee it doesnt matter. Just Witness aim to build from there. A good question to ask each other Worship is as simple as this: How is it with your soul? To learn more about any of these Spiritual Disciplines contact Tim. Try that and see what happens. 27

[Re]turn to Me: Rebuilding brought purpose and vision to the people and it brought honor to God

who had returned them from exile. Not only had they returned to the holy city of Jerusalem but through Nehemiahs leadership, they were returning to God . Think of your faith journey thus far. Perhaps there have been times when you returned to God as a result of someone who helped you open your eyes to verb the love of God in a fresh way. 1 [ no obj. ] come or go back to a place or person: Pause for a moment and thank God for that person (return to) go back to (a particular state or activity): or persons who have helped you progress along in (return to) turn one's attention back to faith. List some names below. (something): (esp. of a feeling) come back or recur after a period of absence: Even as Nehemiahs vision inspired the people to rebuild the walls for protection and restore pride, other symbolic walls were coming down. As people worked together, the walls of selfish living were beginning to crumble. (We will discuss this more on Day Four). This is an important reminder for disciples today. As we study about Nehemiah rebuilding walls, remember that the essence of rebuilding Gods vision often means breaking down walls and barriers that hinder our relationship with Him and our witness to the world. (Reflection question: What walls in your life may need to crumble?) [Re]dedicate: A great example is set from the beginning of this rebuilding project. The high priest and fellow priests are the first ones to get to work rebuilding. Its interesting that the first thing they repair is the Sheep Gate (3:1-2). The Sheep Gate was near the temple. Sheep would be brought in from the countryside through this gate and the unblemished sheep were chosen for sacrifice to God in the Temple. The high priests were showing where the priorities of Israel should be: sacrifice and dedication to God comes first! The priests and Nehemiah are beginning to re-institute Changes begin change into the culture of the Israelite people. The people when people in didnt need a handout, they needed direction. Perhaps they leadership set didnt realize what they needed until Nehemiah came along the right example and use and reminded and inspired them (2:17-18). their influence to [Re]read vs. 3:1-2. What example did this set for the do whats right, people? Are there areas of your life that may need no m atter what. dedicated, or re-dedicated to God?

[re]turn

NEXT STEPS: Take a few moments to think about the individuals in your community, in your
nation and/or your world who have been institutors of change. Make a list on this sheet. How did their vision lead to the greater good?

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 DAY THREE: At first glance, Nehemiah 3 appears as a rather monotonous account of 40 crews working side-by-side, in 45 sections on the wall. Until now, the people of Jerusalem are a disconnected, disparate people from every profession, rank, class and age. They were merchants, shopkeepers, temple servants, farmers, herdsmen and daughters, who, after 140 years were suddenly mobilized into community and galvanized into a common cause. They were shaken out of their own self-centered concerns to share in something bigger than themselves. Something or someone tipped them over the edge.

SESSION THREE

(Questions to ponder and discuss as a group) How was Nehemiah tipped over the edge? What creates a tipping point or an outbreak of change? What ignites a movement? A visionary leader like Nehemiah with a compelling message can ignite a God- movement. He was a visionary person with an exceptional message that galvanized a people to rebuild a wall. What is it that transformed a simple cupbearer into a person of vision? What is it that transforms us? We discovered in chapters 1 and 2 that the uneasiness in Nehemiahs spirit led to deep prayer that believed that God can and must change things. Prayer led to courage being unafraid to pull together the resources to do it and that led to conviction: The conviction of CALLING that God has set something in the heart, The conviction of PRESENCE that God has set His hand on you, The conviction of SUCCESS that God will do what he has promised. But something else explains his extraordinariness that created an outbreak of change that led to Chapter 3. In Nehemiah 2:17-18, we discover Nehemiah also had a God-perspective. People who see with Gods eyes see what others cannot. They are prophets. Prophets see what others must see and they galvanize people to move. In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah appealed to their eyes, You see the trouble we are in? (2:17a). Its not that the people were unaware of their desolation or their insecure conditions. Its not that they could not see the ruined fortifications, the charred posts, walls badly breached, The Israelites had a front row seat to the desolation in the ruins of former shops and homes, the graffiti, THE full HD, but neglected to pay any attention to it. MESS! For close to 140 years they saw this. 29

 They saw Jerusalem as little more than a broken symbol of some scattered tribal people who once believed they were Gods chosen people. But they had missed the darker side of it all. Nehemiah shined a light on the darkness. He was focusing their sights on something they most likely suppressed. Are there levels of despair that we might be accepting in our church? Your community? How easy do we accept the realities of hopelessness in our own culture? In our lives? Nehemiah essentially says, Can you see how far we are removed from the life God intended for us to have? Can you see the disgrace? (2:18) Nehemiah spoke with a truthfulness born out of anguish and despair. There is no scolding, no reprimanding; the people needed none of this. What they did need, however, was to be brought out of their numbness and complacency told perhaps for the first time that: THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE. What in your life is not the way it is supposed to be? What in the church is not the way it is supposed to be? The prophetic voice comes along and splashes cold water on our assumptions and says, No, this is not the way it is supposed to be. Nehemiah had a holy imagination and it challenged the common perception. As a result it began to awaken the people out of their deep sleep. But, Nehemiah moved to the other side of the visionary task: HOPE! He awakened the hope that was sleeping. He gave them words they had long forgotten. He challenged the people to stand up against despair, against this perceived permanent dishonor: Lets build so we no longer have to live in disgrace. I told them about the hand of my God upon me. (2:17-18) Nehemiah was doing far more than building a wall. He was helping people to see again. Helping people see God in their midst a God who never quits, even when our unfaithfulness warrants His quitting. 30

 (Questions to ponder) How has God called you to the same prophetic task as Nehemiah? How has God called the Church? How do we help people see the hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of brokenness? How do we commit to rebuild the brokenness, in the section of the wall God puts us? How do we repair next to another and say, Hand me another brick? DAY FOUR: Reading through Nehemiah 3, one of the first things that we see is that the whole process was a total team effort. If the walls and gates were going verb to be rebuilt then everyone would have to play their 1 [ with obj. ] embody or represent part. (something) in a faithful or appropriate way: In Day One you noted the many next to phrases, the Hebrew is literally upon his hand. We would equate 2 [ no obj. ] (reflect on/upon) think deeply or carefully about: this to mean: hand in hand. Read Ezekiel 22:30. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. The work of the Kingdom was not meant to be done by a select few. Rebuilding the walls could not be done by Nehemiah alone. Look at the map on page 25. The wall is continuous. Everyones space and place at the wall was necessary. Each member had to do his or her part. Not rebuilding was not an option for the Israelites. If one section of the wall was not rebuilt, it would leave the entire Israelite community vulnerable to attack. [Re]read Nehemiah 3:5. Someone had to cover for the nobles. How does that parallel, or not parallel the church? Are we, the church, building up the wall or are you tearing down others sections?

SESSION THREE

[re]build

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[Re]lying on Everyone: Everyone has a place at one the wall. Ephesians 4:11-13: And He gave

some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Every member of the Body of Christ has something to offer. Read Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1- 18 and 1 Peter 4:10. How do these verses relate to Nehemiah 3 and the Israelites rebuilding the wall? You will notice that the gifts that people have are for the equipping of the saints for their works of service. This is what we learn from Nehemiah. Some may have been gifted with particular skills and they were to work in those areas, but all helped regardless. Everyone had something to offer. [Re]read Nehemiah 3:8. Goldsmiths and perfume makers are not construction workers. Yet they participated in the rebuilding process. What can we take from their example? Maybe you are unsure of your gift and what God is calling you to do with your them. Maybe you dont think you have anything to offer. If that is you, then consider Hananiah! He was a perfumer by trade and yet he was still willing to get his hands dirty and help do his part by repairing part of the wall. Now if a perfumer can build a wall, then you can help in some way in the building of Gods Kingdom!

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY:

In your small groups go around the circle and everyone share one area of their giftedness. As a group take note. How can your small group use the collective gifts of your group to advance the Kingdom of God?
(make note of everyones giftedness below)

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 [Re]building often began at home: One of the things this chapter reveals is that often the workers began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem outside their own home first. They thought of others and knew that collectively they would contribute to the wall as a whole; yet individually they still wanted to make sure their own homes had a solid boundaries and structures protecting them. [Re]read 2:8: Notice what Nehemiah asks for and in what order. What does this say about his priorities? How could that be an example to the Israelites and to us? How does this begin in your home? As a family how can you work together to build up the Kingdom of God? What practical things could your family do to show your community the love of God? The principle for us is to make sure we have taken care of our lives at home first before we are used to help others. We have to make sure that we are not different people in and outside of church, nor are we any different when we are at home alone when no one can see us. One of the things that Jesus hated the most was the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They liked to be seen as spiritual among the people while in reality they were actually white washed tombs Jesus said. Let us all mimic Nehemiahs men and make sure that our home life is taken care of first before any ministering or service to others is under taken.

NEXT STEPS: Read the Hebrews verse below.

Our lives and actions are important to the Lord. So dont lose heart in your work for the Lord knowing that God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10)
Working together as a body of believers will not go unnoticed by God the Father. Take joy in your service and know that you are not alone.

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 DAY FIVE: Today is about service. Each small group should brainstorm for a simple, practical way to serve in the Wadsworth community. Each group should decide on a project and aim to complete it within the next two weeks. This service project doesnt have to be a group activity, but 100% of the group should participate. Meaning the group doesnt necessarily have to set aside a separate time to meet up and perform a task individuals could work on part of the task on their own that could be then included in to part of a greater goal.

SESSION THREE

SERVICE is one of the five areas of the discipleship process. (A commitment to live the
life that is worthy of the Gospel.) Practice reconciliation; Resist evil, pursue peace with justice; Share the redeeming, healing, creative love of God in word and deed as invitation to others to experience transforming love of God; Intentionally cultivate relationships with someone outside church walls. Jot down some ideas to share with your group. Be creative, but dont over think this project. How might your group serve and be a witness in the Wadsworth community? Think outside the box!

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