Discussion Questions
September 27, 2026 — Nehemiah 13:15-31
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? Why?
2. Why are good boundaries important? What are some areas of your life where you might benefit from stronger boundaries?
3. Read Nehemiah 13:15-22. How were the Jewish people breaking God’s Sabbath commands? What are some things that tempt you to neglect the Sabbath?
4. Read Exodus 20:8-11. As Christians, what is our primary reason for being? If attending church is no guarantee of Christian faith, what are some behaviors that demonstrate to ourselves and others that we are in Christ?
5. Why is rest critical for us as believers, no matter our age? Christian, where should we find our rest? (Read Matthew 11:28-30.)
6. Read Nehemiah 13:23-28. How were God’s standards being disregarded by His people? How did the governor respond to the failure of the people?
7. What happens when we ignore the plain warnings found in the Bible? What are some examples of Christians of whom you are aware who have fallen into serious sins? How should we react when we hear stories of Christians who commit grievous sins?
8. Read Nehemiah 13:29-31. Why did Nehemiah make this request? Is there anything we cannot ask of the Lord?
9. What are some steps we can take to keep our unbelieving neighbors/friends' lifestyles from rubbing off on us? What are some moral situations going on around us where you are tempted to compromise?
10. How can we ensure that our doctrine of God is thoroughly Biblical? What are some ways we should respond to the Lord’s outpoured grace in our lives? How can you make these reactions a more regular part of your life?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, unsaved neighbors, and congregation.
September 20, 2026 — Nehemiah 12:44-13:14
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? Why?
2. Read Nehemiah 12:44-47. Why did the governor begin staffing the Temple after the dedication of the walls? Why was it important that this project be an ongoing effort?
3. What is the risk we face if we, like the Jews, don’t follow the Lord’s instructions faithfully? What are some of the blessings we’ve received as those God has called to worship together at Bethel now?
4. Why don’t we get to pick and choose how we worship the Lord? What is supposed to be part of a Biblical worship service?
5. Read Nehemiah 13:1-3. Why did the Lord tell the Jews to exclude the Ammonites and Moabites from the assembly of God? What stands out to you from the story of Balaam (read Numbers 22-25 if you are struggling)?
6. What is the sin from which all others spring? Why is syncretism a serious threat for us as Christians? How should we respond when we find it?
7. Read Nehemiah 13:4-9. What period of time passes in these verses? What had Nehemiah been doing? What sin had been allowed to flourish?
8. What was the real issue with Eliashib giving Tobiah a room in the Temple? How did Nehemiah react to Eliashib’s action? Was his behavior justified? Why/why not?
9. Read Nehemiah 13:10-14. In God’s plan, how were the Levites to be cared for? When they failed to receive this support, how did the Levites respond? Were they wrong to do so? Why/why not?
10. What was Nehemiah’s response to this forgotten pledge? How does the Lord’s servant end this passage? What does this teach us about the source of our abilities?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, unsaved neighbors, and congregation.