Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

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Seek Insight From Scriptures

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Nehemiah 8:13

Understanding of the scriptures must be sought out

It is not enough to hear the word of God

It must be understood or it means nothing to us

Understanding sometimes takes a deeper looking

Understanding = insight, comprehension — the sense of studying intently or paying special mind to

This was the second day after Ezra opened up the Law and read it for the people

It is believed that by this time most of the people had returned to their houses

Except some did not - they desired to understand more deeply to know more intimately

Sometimes we may hear information and we can regurgitate the information but that doesnt mean we understand or have grasped the concepts principles or precepts

We know that God has chosen to hide nuggets of truth within His word and only those diligent enough to seek will find Him

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Proverbs 8:17

Those who lead or serve must especially seek insight from the scriptures

While we must all develop the desire to seek insight and deeper understanding from the scriptures - so much more so for those who lead or serve

Jeremiah 29:13

We see listed here heads of the fathers’ houses of all the people

Father’s and Men you are specially called to be spiritual leaders of your home

Your obedience will have a direct affect on your family’s obedience

It is actually surprising perhaps to hear these stats

According to data collected by Promise Keepers and Baptist Press, if a father does not go to church, even if his wife does, only 1 child in 50 will become a regular worshiper.

If a father does go regularly, regardless of what the mother does, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will attend church as adults.

If a father attends church irregularly, between half and two-thirds of their kids will attend church with some regularity as adults.

If a mother does not go to church, but a father does, a minimum of two-thirds of their children will end up attending church.

In contrast, if a father does not go to church, but the mother does, on average two-thirds of their children will not attend church.

If a mother does not go to church, but a father does, a minimum of two-thirds of their children will end up attending church.

In contrast, if a father does not go to church, but the mother does, on average two-thirds of their children will not attend church.

Another study, focused on Sunday School, found similar results on the impact of fathers:

Another study, focused on Sunday School, found similar results on the impact of fathers:

When both parents attend Bible study in addition to the Sunday service, 72% of their children attend Sunday school when grown.When only the father attends Sunday school, 55% of the children attend when grown.When only the mother attends Sunday school, 15% of the children attend when grown.When neither parent attends Sunday school, only 6% of the children attend when grown.

When both parents attend Bible study in addition to the Sunday service, 72% of their children attend Sunday school when grown.When only the father attends Sunday school, 55% of the children attend when grown.When only the mother attends Sunday school, 15% of the children attend when grown.When neither parent attends Sunday school, only 6% of the children attend when grown.

Another survey found that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

However, when the father is first, there is a 93% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

Another survey found that if a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

However, when the father is first, there is a 93% probability everyone else in the household will follow.

Here’s the point of all these statistics: Dad’s impact on the kids’ faith and practice is HUGE.

Here’s the point of all these statistics: Dad’s impact on the kids’ faith and practice is HUGE.

One of the reasons suggested for this distinction is that children tend to take their cues about domestic life from Mom while their conceptions of the world outside come from Dad.

If Dad takes faith in God seriously then the message to their children is that God should be taken seriously.

One of the reasons suggested for this distinction is that children tend to take their cues about domestic life from Mom while their conceptions of the world outside come from Dad.

If Dad takes faith in God seriously then the message to their children is that God should be taken seriously.

We see also priests and Levites listed here

Those whom were appointed - need to be instructed in leading the worship and knowing God’s Word

Leaders and those whom want to have influence will be lifelong learners always seeking better understanding

Leaders have a special need to understand and walk in God’s word for they are the ones who will be the example

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1 Corinthians 11:1

their ignorance or disobedience will result in many whom they have influence on following them

Searching the word is part of your responsibility in your walk with the LORD

We must be like those here in Nehemiah seeking understanding of the scriptures - wrestling with what we read or hear

We must also be as the Bereans of

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Search the scriptures and find

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“And they found written in the Law...”

Diligent searching will lead to finding

The first 4 words of verse 14 “And they found written...”

As they sought understanding they found commanded things for them to do in the Law

Command from God Himself through Moses

Children of Israel (Who?) shall dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month

Also they should announce and proclaim in all the cities and in Jerusalem

the people go out to the mountain and bring

olive branches

branches of oil trees

myrtle branches

palm branches

and branches of leafy trees

then the people are to make booths with these branches

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Completely Obey the Scriptures

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Nehemiah 8:

They obeyed immediately

Notice what happened - the fathers and Levites and priests found written in the law , what to do “as it was written...” on the end of verse 15 and verse 16 - “Then the people went out and brought them and made booths”

There was no hesitation, there was no questioning - they did exactly what they found written in the scripture

Verse 16

They went out and brought branches and made booths

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Hearing the word of God is ok, but powerless without obedience

They obeyed completely

The whole people obeyed

“each one” on the roof of his house

So the whole assembly - of those who returned from captivity made booths and sat under booths

They obeyed for the complete observance of the Feast of Tabernacles

Since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day - the children of Israel had not done so

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Rely on God’s Word and not on history or tradition

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Matthew 15:9