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Nehemiah 5

 

[Nehemiah] FIVE: Opposition from within_

Nehemiah 5


In the previous chapter, we looked at the opposition (and oppositional tactics) from the outside… this chapter it comes in a form a bit closer to home. And we see self-sacrifice turn into self-interest…

 

[Read Nehemiah 5]

 

In verses 1-5, what three types of internal opposition do we see developing against the vision of rebuilding the wall?

 

 

How would it affect you and your energy level, to build a wall, if you saw your daughter going into slavery because you didn’t have the money to pay your bills?

 

 

Who are the people responsible for this and why do you think they would do this?

 

 

[Activity] Make two columns.
In the first column, write down the practices of the nobles, officials, former governors and their servants (found in verses 7-12).
In the second column, write down the practices of Nehemiah and his servants (found in verses 14-18).

 

 


What comparisons and contrasts do you notice?

 

 

How would you define the kind of leader that Nehemiah is and his leadership style (especially when it comes to dealing with this internal opposition to the wall)?

 

In what ways are leaders (spiritual / secular) today likely to assume the privileges similar to the nobles and officials of Nehemiah’s day?

 

 

Can you think of an example of when you have seen a leader sacrifice a privilege to live according to God’s values?

 

 

How well do you think that Nehemiah did in fitting kingdom values and worldly values together?

 

 

In what ways does this chapter show us Nehemiah doing all he can to not be a part of this internal opposition?

 

 

What kind of internal opposition could likely come up within our church that would divert / distract us from our real objectives?
How could we deal with that?

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