• Read Nehemiah 7.1-73

This chapter, although not the most exciting in the book, provides an opening to the discussion of the importance of the people of God being the people of God in community. This chapter shows his concern that the people be rightly oriented and be assured of their inheritance and calling.

1. The Next Step in Security — Nehemiah 7.1-4
   When the walls were completed, they needed a system to protect them by being sure the doors/gates were closed at the right times. Notice how Nehemiah wanted a faithful and God-fearing man to be in charge of this task.
   1. What does a man who “feared God more than many” look like? What things would characterize this person?
   2. Taking a reflective look, what is there in my life that communicates the fact that I fear God? What have I seen in others that causes me to believe they fear God?
2. The Next Step in Purity — Nehemiah 7.5-73
   God's people were given very strict regulations as to who was included in their number and could be included in their priestly leadership. Here Nehemiah began the work to determine just “who was who”.
   1. Nehemiah was a man who “practiced the presence of God.” Notice verse 5 and discuss: How can a person know it is God speaking to him with a specific instruction, and not just his own thinking?