• Read Nehemiah 5.1-19

God's work seldom goes ahead without opposition. Christ's New Testament statement that “they hated me, they surely hate those who follow me” was true in the Old Testament times as well. There is no stated reason for the opposition reported here, but it obviously came from those who had no use for God's people, Israel.

1. An Attack on Morale — Nehemiah 4.1-5
   1. Categorize the types of opposition seen in this chapter. What would be the natural responses of a people to these kinds of challenges?
   2. Do you see any evidence of similar opposition being faced by the church and missions today?
2. An Attitude of Cooperation — Nehemiah 4.6
   1. Note verse 6: What does it take for people to have a “heart/mind to work”?
   2. What steps could/would you take to help a group develop this attitude?
3. An Armed Threat — Nehemiah 4.7-8
4. An Armed Response — Nehemiah 4.9-23
   1. How do you respond to Nehemiah's plan to arm his people for fighting while doing the work of the Lord?
   2. What are some lessons for us in understanding and helping discouraged people?