Discussion Questions
April 26, 2026 — Nehemiah 2:1-8
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? What is your favorite verse from this passage? Why?
2. In your own words, how do faith and works operate together? Is this a positive or negative topic for you?
3. Read Nehemiah 2:1. How much time has passed since the end of chapter 1? What has Nehemiah been doing in the interim?
4. What spiritual fruit did this waiting period help develop in Nehemiah’s life? What are some other Biblical people who had to learn this lesson?
5. Have you ever used prayer as an excuse not to help another person? What should you do to make that situation right?
6. Read Nehemiah 2:2-3. What does the term the King used for sick also mean? Why is this important information for us?
7. What is the cupbearer's number one rule for long life and happiness? Who is God’s chosen person to lead the restoration of the Jews and this community?
8. Read Nehemiah 2:4. How does Nehemiah respond to the King’s query in this verse? Is this your first reaction to stress in your life? Why/why not?
9. How might we make prayer a greater part of our lives? Is there ever a time when prayer is inappropriate?
10. Read Nehemiah 2:5-8. How do we know Nehemiah has spent the last four months planning? Why does Nehemiah need letters from the King?
11. How did Artaxerxes respond to Nehemiah’s requests? Why did the King react like this? What does this teach us?
12. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, and unsaved neighbors.
April 19, 2026 — Nehemiah 1:1-11
1. What particularly stood out to you from this sermon? Was anything significantly reassuring or challenging? What is your favorite verse from this passage? Why?
2. When you hear the phrase ‘biblical leadership,’ what comes to mind? Is this a positive or negative topic for you?
3. Read Nehemiah 1:1-2. What is the setting of Nehemiah’s prayer? Where was this place located? What month was it? Why is this information important?
4. Who is Hanani to Nehemiah? Define providence. Why have we been providentially placed here ‘for such a time as this’?
5. Read Nehemiah 1:2-4. Does the fruit displayed by your life look more like the world or the church? What are some habits that would demonstrate to others that we are identified with God’s people?
6. What caused Nehemiah to pray? What are some things that bring you to your knees in prayer?
7. Read Nehemiah 1:5-11. How does Nehemiah begin his prayer? How should we normally begin our prayers? Why?
8. In his confession, Nehemiah notes his shared responsibility for what? Does this make you uncomfortable? Would you be at ease confessing the sins of previous generations at Bethel? Why/why not?
9. What are some promises God has made to us in His Word? What promises have had the greatest impact in your Christian walk?
10. What is Nehemiah’s twofold request to the Lord? Who is Nehemiah praying about here? Who/what are you currently praying about?
11. Spend some time praying for the needs of our family, friends, group members, and unsaved neighbors.