AM I A TEAM PLAYER?
NEHEMIAH – GOD’S MAN IN TIMES OF CRISIS
LESSON # 4 – Nehemiah 3 (A complete lesson)
· A bricklayer’s testimony… A Funny Bricklayer Accident Story (atimetolaugh.org)
· Although the story of the bricklayer is funny and fictitious, what important lesson does it teach?
· Why is it dangerous to be a “Lone Ranger” as a Christian?
· What qualities are involved for being a good “team player”?
Nehemiah 3, at first look, is a boring list of the names of people who were involved in the building of the walls of Jerusalem. It is here, though, that we find some things that the builders had in common. Some things need to be true of everyone if we are going to work as a team.
CONCERN
Although it is not stated specifically, there was concern on the part of the individuals involved. What do you think the citizens of Jerusalem were concerned about that motivated to help build the walls?
Several groups came in from other cities to help such as Tekoa, Gibeon, and Mizpah. What concerns might have motivated them to help, even though they didn’t live in Jerusalem?
What mutual concerns will help us solve a family or a church crisis?
What mutual concerns will all Christians have that are truly committed to Christ?
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
The fact that everyone seemed to get busy is an indication of their conscientiousness. What are some other indications that a person is conscientious?
Remember that there were probably thousands of people working on this project. Only the leaders are mentioned. One of the key reasons this project worked was because “the people had a mind to work”. (Nehemiah 4:6)
I am reminded that the construction of Christ’s church is to be a group effort involving leaders and individuals (Ephesians 4:11-16). Let us not short-change others by failing to try and involve them.
COMPLIANCE
Why is it necessary to have standards in a church?
Why do people not like standards?
In the building of the walls, there had to be standards. What would the wall have looked like if there weren’t standards and everyone did their own thing?
Remember, each one of us will answer to the ultimate building inspector! 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
Because we answer to the Lord, our goal in building should be to be compliant to Him. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
COOPERATION
One thing that impresses me and others is the different types of people involved in the work. What are some of the different occupations found listed here in chapter 3?
One group that should be signaled out for their cooperation is the Tekoites. Their leaders didn’t help but they managed to repair two sections of wall. 3:5, 27
Another indication of good cooperation is that the ladies were also involved in what was probably considered man’s work (Vs. 12). What were some of the “behind the scenes” things that the ladies were probably doing?
COORDINATION
There were 40-41 separate building projects going on over a distance somewhere between a mile and a mile and a half. Why was coordination necessary?
What repeated words in chapter 3 show that the works were coordinating with each other?
What part does communication have in coordination?
Why is coordination important in mission projects?
Why is coordination important in the local church?
COMMENDATION
This chapter is actually Nehemiah’s commendation of his leaders. He couldn’t commend the thousands that worked, but he could single out the leaders.
Why do people need to be commended for jobs well done?
What happens when people are not commended or thanked?
Remember one of the key jobs of assembling together is to “exhort one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). I believe that part of encouraging others is commending them.
Don’t miss Baruch in verse 20. He stood above all the rest, and Nehemiah said so!
CONSECRATION
Eliashib the high priest and his brethren the priests are mentioned in verse 1. It is significant that they sanctified their work. Their work was consecrated to God.
Let us make sure that all we do in the area of building, crisis management, or any other area, be consecrated to the Lord.