Discussion Questions: "A Personal Commitment for Community Change"

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | A Personal Commitment for Community Change | Nehemiah 3:1-32

BIG IDEA: ETERNAL HEROES LIVE TO GLORIFY CHRIST RATHER THAN GRATIFY SELF

In the text, a plan unfolds of personal commitment for community renewal:

• Redemption | The Heroes of the Humiliated
• Restoration | The Work of Servant Heroes
• Responsibility of Individual Servant Heroes

Read Nehemiah 3:1-32. Read the passage and consider the following questions. 

Redemption | The Heroes of the Humiliated

1. What has brought humiliation upon God’s people in Jerusalem?  And what’s the result?
   
2. What humiliation have you experienced from sin?
   
3. What is unique about the servant heroes God raises up to rebuild the walls?
   
4. Read Romans 5:5-11. Who did God raise up to help the very souls of mankind by reversing humiliation of sin? How did God save us? What did God save us from?

Practical Step: Take a moment in your CG for a couple of people to share their stories of how Jesus changed them?

Restoration | The Work of Servant Heroes

1. Read Nehemiah 2:18. What was the work of restoration that Jerusalem committed to do?  What is the work of restoration Jesus has given His Church to do? (Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
   
2. If you look at verses 2-31 there is a repetitive phrase showing unity. What is the phrase?  What can you and your CG do to help foster unity in all of River Market Community Church?

Practical Step: Brainstorm and think of creative ideas about how your CG can do the work of restoration in your neighborhoods during COVID-19. Commit to taking one action as a group.

Responsibility of Individual Servant Heroes

1. Read Nehemiah 3:5. Do you ever struggle to serve others? Who? When? Why? Is there any sin you need to confess or any person you need to ask forgiveness?
   
2. Read Philippians 3:8-11. Why does Paul look at serving as a privilege and priceless opportunity? What is his hope?
   
3. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ great hope for Christians? (1 Corinthians 15) And how does it personally help you in trying times?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER THE NEHEMIAH PRAYER GUIDE.