Sermon Central
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Applying God's Word
Contributed by Colin Coombs on Nov 9, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: Using the account of the return from captivity under Nehemiah, we have the example given of how we should also apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives.
Applying God’s Word
I IT WAS A TIME OF CRISIS
There were many enemies seeking to bring about the downfall of Nehemiah, and frustrate his plans.
1. THERE WAS A RESTORATION
The people had been released from the Persian captivity, by Cyrus [BC445] – an event foretold by the Prophet Isaiah [BC712] 267 years before. (Isaiah 44:28). They were now in possession of Jerusalem.
2. THERE WAS A RESENTMENT
a. They Had Introduced Compromise
i. Mixed Marriages
ii. Laxity In Law Keeping
iii. Weariness In Worship
b. They Had Introduced Complacency
They were satisfied as they were!
3. THERE WAS A REQUEST
There was a request to read the Word of God.
II IT WAS A TIME OF GUIDANCE
1. THERE WAS A READY RECEPTION
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street
3. men and the women, and those that could understand;
2. THERE WAS A RESPECTFUL RECEPTION
5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone(on a high wooden platform made for this purpose).. As he opened it, all the people stood up. [Holman]
a. They Showed Their Respect
As he opened it, all the people stood up.
b. They Showed Their Worship
6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!"
c. They Showed Their Humility
Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
3. THERE WAS AN ATTENTIVE RECEPTION
4. all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
a. They Were Attentive All Morning
3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon
b. They Were Attentive All Week
18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
III IT WAS A TIME OF APPLICATION
1. THE WORD BROUGHT UNDERSTANDING
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.
2. THE WORD BROUGHT REJOICING
17 Everyone who had returned from captivity lived in these shelters during the festival, and they were all filled with great joy! The Israelites had not celebrated like this since the days of Joshua son of Nun.
3. THE WORD BROUGHT RENEWAL
a. They Shared Their Possessions
10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
b. They Obeyed The Word of God
14 They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month
17 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them.
c. They Renewed Their Vows
10:29 Everyone old enough to understand joined their noble kinsmen in a binding oath to follow The Revelation of God given through Moses the servant of God, to keep and carry out all the commandments of GOD our Master, all his decisions and standards.
