Nehemiah Ch 2-4 Small Group: Prayer

A Disciplined Steward

Main Pastoral Characteristic Seen: A Disciplined and Prayerful Steward (Titus 1:7-8)

Resource- Talking to God: Prayer (9Marks)

What is the biblical definition of a steward? Leading and managing something that does not belong to us- with the understanding that we will one day give an account to God as the true owner of it all.

Ultimately, is the responsibility to to execute and manage God’s resources, time, Spirit granted abilities, money in a way that honors Him, exemplifies Christ, and builds up His church.

In Chapter 2 verse 4 the king notices Nehemiah’s sadness and grief, and then after inquiring why- the king now asks what Nehemiah is requesting after hearing the state of jerusalem. What is Nehemiah’s first response to the king? In that split second- it was prayer.

Nehemiah didn’t just direct and organize others to the work, he also participated in the work himself (Nehemiah 3:16)

Chapter three sets an important precedent, that while our names and importance may be forgotten long after we are gone; the Lord never forgets the work we endeavor to do for His sake.

Chapter three also shows that when the Lord provides resources to us, it is up to use to make sure we are disciplined stewards in how we use the resources God has entrusted us with.

Another way we are deemed good stewards, is when we face opposition as we pursue God’s call and will for our lives, we respond to opposition and danger with prayer like Nehemiah in verse 4. Again in verse 9 after the wall was built. Again in verse 14 as Nehemiah reminds the people that the Lord is with them who is great and awesome.

We are disciplined stewards when we realize we cannot fight and win the battles of our lives or those around us- and that we need the Lord. When we seek Him in prayer, when we redirect other’s focus from their problems to the Lord, when we exhort one another to be watchful for the enemy and not asleep, when we fight shoulder to shoulder and do not isolate- we are disciplined stewards.

Boys finished reading Talking to God: Prayer by 9Marks / Prayer Discussion Questions for March 1st:

Explain study guide and that they have 5 weeks to complete the book ( 6 weeks of material)

I chose prayer and the main focus on prayer- because it is the most personal aspect of our relationship with God.

It’s the place where we get to share the really deep, dark stuff that never comes out.

It’s the place where our weakness and neediness is confronted by The True and the Living God.

And if we are in constant communion and conversation with our Savior, we are sure to receive the wisdom and Christ-like heart in any and every situation.

He will instruct us on how to use His money, the time He’s given us, the relationships He’s given, the job’s He’s allowed etc.

Prayer:

Go through Talking to God prayer and get answers to questions in book.

If Time Allows:

After reading this book, seeing in Nehemiah the constant prayer of a godly leader- how would you explain prayer in your own words?

What do you seem to ask God for the most in prayer?

What’s an insecurity or sin issue in your life that seems to be recurring? Have you talked with Jesus about it privately AND corporately?

Why is corporate prayer so difficult for us? What can we do to combat this?

If Time Allows:

Finances:

When thinking about your relationship with money- does it govern you or do you govern it? How do you know which is which?

Do you internally shrivel at the thought of giving? Or do you give with the desire like the widow with her mite? Luke 21:1–4 “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.””

Do you allow your work schedule to dominate your life and take away opportunities for you to be spiritually fed? Do you know someone who does? What does your relationship/conversation look like with them? Do you ever confront and/or pray with them about it? Proverbs 23:4–5 “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.”

Time:

Proverbs 24:30–34 “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

Ephesians 5:15–16 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (We need to understand the purpose of the season we are in, and not despise it for what it is- rather submit to it and be grateful for its purpose.

Seasons:

Bamboo flowers once- 20-120 years

Agave blooms once- 10-30 years

Why plants do this

Energy conservation: flowering and fruiting are costly

Predator satiation: overwhelming seed-eaters all at once

Environmental timing: waiting for favorable conditions

Evolutionary strategy: improves survival chances

James 3:18 “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” be at peace and not angry with the Lord about the season He’s placed you in.

Hebrews 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Proverbs 23: 17-18 “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”