Gathered to Hear the Word
From Ruins to Revival • Sermon • Submitted
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· 10 viewsChapter 8 begins the account of the revival of the Israelites. Since revival doesnt happen in a vaccuum we see what began this revival was a return to the reading and understanding of God's Word. This chapter of Nehemiah is an example of the responsibilities and needs for hearing Gods word to have revival come.
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Introduction
Introduction
I have a friend who loves to study the Bible. Though no formal schooling in scriptures and what not he knows his Bible thoroughly and can hang with theologians and scholars
He made the commitment long ago to spend his leisure time to meticulous study.
The city has been rebuilt and is well defended and organized as we saw last week.
Often times allowing the Spirit to lead him in the pursuit of many bunny trails and nuggets of truth gleaned from a deeper study than most would engage.
How do the people become the called out people again - God’s chosen people Holy and set apart?
I enjoy our discussions here and there about - scriptures and biblical examples - he challenges me in the way I see ministry and shows me God’s truth from different angles and perspectives
The answer is revival
He studies you see out of sheer love - not duty or obligation
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The word is his food and life
“Revival is renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one’s will to God in deep humility”
I wish all were like my friend
God has continuously shown up in history to shake communities, cities and even nations to revival
The trouble is many who believe in Jesus have fallen into an all too familiar pattern
The zeal from first experiencing Jesus and understanding the Word of God - we studied profusely, took copious amounts of notes - marking up our bibles
Ninevah - Jonah the prophet preached the coming judgment of God
The more time passes what was a joy can become a chore
What was once a joy is grudging
Judah - King Hezekiah runners with letters proclaiming the promise of returning to God
what once felt like life feels like death
As the neglect of God’s word continues to go on we experience a drying out - we become complacent to the word of God
Protestant Reformation - many in this endeavor to return people to the word of God by giving them the word of God
Great Awakening - GB and USA
2nd Great Awakening - USA
Jesus Movement - USA
We feel it our lives are dry -
challenges our complacency with the Word of God
God - is necessary for revival - without Him it would be impossible
Spiritual deterioration occurs when the Word of God is neglected
But praise be to God He has made some promises - that returning to Him would bring about revival
So it would stand to reason
One of the reasons for Spiritual Deterioration - from which revival is needed - is a neglect of God’s word, His law
When the people return to God’s word - revival follows
What does it look like to return to God’s word?
6 Then the runners went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the king and his leaders, and spoke according to the command of the king: “Children of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel; then He will return to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And do not be like your fathers and your brethren, who trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, so that He gave them up to desolation, as you see. 8 Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you. 9 For if you return to the Lord, your brethren and your children will be treated with compassion by those who lead them captive, so that they may come back to this land; for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”
2 Chronicles 30:6-9
The longer you neglect the word of God the more malnourished your soul becomes
This chapter before us is an example for us
Revival is necessary - revival comes from
Israel’s Spiritual restoration begins here - and they start by returning to the word of God
Revival is a resurgence to faith - and we know this about faith
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17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17
Hearing Brings Revival!
The words that dominate this passage
People 13 times
Book or Law 8 times
Understanding 6 times
Jesus spoke a parable - the parable of the Sower emphasis is on understanding the Word of God
This text before us is descriptive and not prescriptive - still what we see is worthy of our careful study
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1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
Nehemiah 8:1-3
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Nehemiah 8:4-
4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
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Nehemiah 8:7-
7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
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10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
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People Gathered to Hear the Word
People Gathered to Hear the Word
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1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.
Nehemiah 8:1-2
All the people gathered together as one man
A congregation gathered together
As one man - with the same intent - in one accord or purpose
It would be impossible to share the word of God if the people gathered for reasons other than hearing the word of God
They gathered there with the intent of Ezra bringing the Law - they didnt decide that they would bring the Law or their ideas
They were gathered to listen under Ezra
Ezra had returned to Jerusalem 14 years before Nehemiah - his purpose and desire was to teach the Jews God’s Law
It is said and believed that Ezra is the one who preserved the word of God while in exile
He was a priest and a scribe so this makes sense
They gathered in the open square in front of the Water Gate
It doesnt matter where they are gathered but that they are gathered
It is significant though that this reading of the law and the worship service were not centered in the temple and not controlled by the priesthood
From this time on in Judaism the Torah was more important than the temple
Likewise for Christians - the living power of the Bible should be more important than any church building
They didnt need to be in a building or not in a building - I think we clearly see a people desperate to hear the word and gathered in that one purpose that nothing else mattered to them in that
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Church is not a place or a building - church is a people gathered as one body
Through Scripture the Holy Spirit brings
Interesting to see that the people were gathered to heard the Word at the Water Gate
Water is symbolic of the Word of God
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9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
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3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
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26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
Ephesians 5:26
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Through Scripture the Holy Spirit brings people to revival and renewal
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Someone to Bring the Word
Someone to Bring the Word
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2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
Nehemiah 8:2-
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5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
Nehemiah 8:5-6
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7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. 8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.
Nehemiah 8:7-8
Ezra was the one responsible for bringing the Book of the Law of Moses
The Law of Moses is the first 5 books of the Bible
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
The Torah or Pentateuch
The Book of the Law of Moses is what Ezra brought
He didnt bring his book (maybe he didnt know it would be scripture???)
Ezra read distinctly from the book
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People are gathered to hear God’s word, not the preacher’s opinions, ideas, or soap box speeches
Those of you who desire to teach or preach the word - prepare yourself to bring God’s word and only God’s word
Ezra brought the word to all in the assembly
Everyone who can hear with understanding needs to hear the word of God
As we can see here that includes men, women, husbands, wives, older children
Younger children without understanding are not listed as being here in this assembly
I know some churches receive push back on babies allowed in services or small children
Here we see clearly in this assembly included are those who COULD hear with understanding - we limit children in our attendance as well to those who can hear with understanding
We have a wonderful children’s ministry though that serves with the sole intent on teaching the children God’s word so they can understand as well.
There were none turned away who had gathered to hear the word
Ezra didnt remove anyone who he didnt like or ignore anyone
Of course I am sure those that would have come without the intent to hear - and would not have been as one man - would have been removed.
Ezra took as long as was needed to bring the word to the people
It has never happened here - I dont foresee it happening but if there were to be someone who gathered for reasons other than hearing with understanding they
It says here he read from the Law from morning until midday
Morning is literally the first light until midday - 12 noon
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM a time of 6 hours!!
verse 8 we see that they read disticntly from the book and they gave the sense and helped them to understand
The law was written in Hebrew, the Jews went into captivity speaking Hebrew and learning Chaldean language
Hebrew being replaced with Aramaic language - you can begin to see that much needed to be explained
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28 Alle ȝe that traueilen, and ben chargid, come to me, and Y schal fulfille ȝou. 29 Take ȝe my ȝok on ȝou, and lerne ȝe of me, for Y am mylde and meke in herte; and ȝe schulen fynde reste to ȝoure soulis. 30 ‘For my ȝok is softe, and my charge liȝt
30 For my ȝoc is ʽswete, or softe, and my charge ʽliȝt, or eisy.
Thats only 600 years ago - Moses writing the Law and Ezra reading goes back a thousand years had elapsed
This is true for today as well - this is why Expository preaching is the preferred method of Bible teaching - seems to produce the most Bible literate and mature Christians
It is not enough to read the word to you - you need to understand it - because without understanding it does us no good.
Expository preaching - takes into account language, culture, place and time and bridges the gap to today
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Expository preaching exposes the meaning of the Bible - verse by verse
We need special help understanding God’s word because
the things of God are spiritually discerned, not intellectually
it was written in a different language and culture
our minds are often slow to understand things that convict our hearts - sometimes we need someone to spell it out for us
Ezra was charged with bringing the Book to the people - but the people have their part to play as well
Those gathered are to be ATTENTIVE
As I said the reading was 6 hours that day - this assembly of people stood there for 6 hours!!
They had much more attention spans - due to their oral culture
Attention spans have been in decline for us with the proliferation of TV, microwaves, Tweets, etc
The conventional wisdom says you must speak to the current attention span average.
I strongly disagree with this - you keep lowering the expectation for attention and of course the attentions will keep lowering as well
I believe I am to open God’s word and expound God’s word to all who gathered to hear it - I will not cut short or leave you devoid of understanding or clarification for the sake of attention spans
Sporting events havent been getting shorter, movies havent been getting shorter
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The span of attentions is directly related to the interest in the subject or activity
The ears of the people were attentive to the Book of the law - verse 3 says
Those gathered to hear are charged with being attentive
If my job is to bring the word and open it up and expound it - it is then your job to come to hear God’s word and to be attentive
The people came together to ensure they were able to be attentive
Verse 4 - w see that Ezra stood on a platform of wood
That they had made for this very purpose - the people had made for this purpose
Ezra standing before the people raised up so they could all see him and that they would all hear him
They did practical things so God’s word would be heard and have the greatest effect
They were responsive to the word also verse 6
They answered Amen Amen
They may not have necessarily agreed or liked the word of the Lord but - they said Amen - let is be so
Lifting their hands
bowing their heads and worshipping the Lord
We have done practical things to allow God’s word to go forth with the greatest impact here
comfortable room, low in distractions, making sure the WORD is clearly heard
Do what you need to to limit distraction and increase your attention
Take notes
Follow along in your Bible
Drink coffee or water
Use the restroom before service starts or between worship and the word
Get plenty of rest the night before
Give yourself plenty of time to get to church so you are able to be attentive to the scriptures
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There are many practical things we can do but the greatest by far is simply preparing our heart’s to hear God’s word. We must come willing and submitted to God’s word beforehand
Attention is linked to the importance we give something
Notice they gave the WORD importance
The platform was built so that the word of God would be above them - in a sense they gave themselves the visualization of being under the word of God - in submission
When the word was opened up - the people stood up as a sign of respect and reverence for the word of God
Remember the older days of chivalry - when a woman walked into a room everyone would stand? It was a sign of respect
How much more should we stand for the word of God?
Also how wonderful it is to see Bibles opened in pulpits!!
I may teach from an iPad but I have my Bible opened to the passage of scripture I am teaching from
In fact I go back and forth teaching and reading between the two
Be cautious though of pulpits where there is no Bible - or the Bible is not opened
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Proper Response to the Word
Proper Response to the Word
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Nehemiah 8:9
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
The Spiritual leaders led the people in their response to the word that they have heard
A proper response to the words of the Law is weeping
The people of Israel now educated in the Law and commands of God understand their sin and disobedience
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:7-14
This understanding rightly brings weeping as they are contrite and remorseful
The law reveals sin and the revelation of our sin should drive us to remorse and repentance, because our heart is contrite
Spiritual leaders must however be watchful and lead people in their response to this brokeness
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God’s word properly taught brings people to terms with their sin - it does not excuse their sin or explain their sin away, but God’s word also brings people out of sorrow because they can find forgiveness and atonement - through repentance.
The Spiritual leaders are responsible and are carriers of the message of mercy from God to His people
Conviction of sin should not overshadow God doing a holy good work
Our knowledge of sin should never be bigger than our knowledge of Jesus as savior!!
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We are great sinners, but Jesus is a greater Savior!
We must not miss the opportunity of understanding translating into our obedience to the word
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The joy of the Lord is their strength
It is the joy of the Lord to have them as His people
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17 The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephariah 3:17
How can a holy God delight in me?
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It was a preacher named Henry Donald Maurice Spence (1836–1917) who made a point I cannot forget: “God is so joyous that he finds joy even in us.”
God is doing a work in you be glad
If you are coming under conviction of your sin be glad God is doing a work
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin
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8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
John 16:8
The people rejoiced because they understood the words that were declared to them
Understanding God’s word brings such great joy!
When you understand Gods word you can respond to it and obey it - it makes everything easier and better to do
It is much easier to eat and drink - knowing you are right with God and know Him and can follow Him
What a difference it makes when God’s people understand Gods word and can apply it
What a difference it makes when God’s people understand Gods word and can apply it
The Bible should never become routine and ritualistic
Spiritual leaders are charged to make sure there is a proper teaching of Gods word and that there is a proper response to it as well.
Heed the warning of Hosea
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6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
c. It isnt enough to read God’s word or receive the Word as it is taught and expounded to us; we are to rejoice in the Word.
1 “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name,” Says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart. 3 “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces, The refuse of your solemn feasts; And one will take you away with it. 4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the Lord of hosts. 5 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me And was reverent before My name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity. 7 “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the Lord of hosts. 9 “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”
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Malachi 2:1-9
162 I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure.
Psalm
Conclusion
Conclusion
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Just as these people took the initiative, we should take the initiative in seeking a Spiritual revival.
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Anyone who has understanding (ability to understand) has responsibility to hear and know the Word of God
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We must not only be attentive to the Word - but obedient as well
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We defend the Bible as the word of God, it is time we treat it as the word of God and find life and refreshment in it
SLIDE - Wiersbe
The secret of Christian joy is to believe what God says in His Word and act upon it. Faith that isn’t based on the Word is not faith at all; it is presumption or superstition. Joy that isn’t the result of faith is not joy at all; it is only a “good feeling” that will soon disappear. Faith based on the Word will produce joy that will weather the storms of life.
Remembering that God’s word teaches yes of sin and judgment - but dont be grieved and do not weep - the joy is in the Lord as He has brought you salvation and we know from His word that Salvation is in His Son Jesus.