Episode Details

How do you protect your faith when the opposition never ends? 

All 2.5 miles of the Jerusalem wall have been rebuilt in just 52 days! You’d think Nehemiah could finally take a break, but the opposition doesn't just pack up and go home when you hit your goal.

Rebuilding the wall was only the first step. Learning how to guard what God rebuilt is where the daily work begins. In this Nehemiah 6–7 Bible study, we explore how Nehemiah handled subtle political pressure and tricky family relationships and why we still need to guard the gates of our hearts against opposition today. 

In our Nehemiah 6-7 Bible study, we cover:

• [7:27] The Opposition Roller Coaster: How to ride out life's constant ups and downs with your hands in the air, praising God, instead of gripping the safety bar in sheer terror.
• [10:13] Modern FOMO & Ancient Sacrifice: Why every step of obedience we take, big or small, matters to God.
• [11:53] Integrity Over Influence: Why Nehemiah picks trusted men to keep watch over the city when noble politics get messy.
• [13:40] Guarding Your Gates: What the gates of our heart are today and why they need guarding.
• [21:37] The Mysterious Urim and Thummim: A fascinating look at how ancient priests sought God's clear direction when family records and answers were missing.

Nehemiah Show Notes

• Prayer Guide
• Feasts and Festivals Chart
• ACTS Model
• Blog

Group Discussion Questions for Nehemiah 6-7

1. [10:11] What will your testimony be? Nehemiah gave up the perks of the palace for the problems of his people. Is God asking you to give up your comfort zone for a higher purpose?
2. [11:56] Nehemiah designates people he trusts to guard the gates of Jerusalem. Today, our eyes and ears are the gates that must be guarded, because they are the entry points for influences, ideas, and temptations that can take root in our hearts. Who is a trusted friend you can invite to keep watch with you? How might God be asking you to be that same protective presence for someone else?
3. [13:40] If we don’t guard the gates of our hearts (our eyes and ears), we are more vulnerable to spiritual attack. What threatens the gates of your heart today, and what's one step you can take this week to better guard your heart?

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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

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This episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, starting with Genesis and journeying all the way through the Bible. Thanks for listening!