The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength!

Hearing and understanding the Word of God leads to genuine JOY!

The Progression of the Involvement of the Hearers:

The people were INTERESTED in the Word of God. (Neh 8:1)

The people were ATTENTIVE to the Word of God. (Neh 8:2-3)

The people were RESPECTFUL towards the Word of God. (Neh 8:4-6)

The people UNDERSTOOD the Word of God. (Neh 8:7-8)


A proper understanding of the Word of God leads to:

  1. CONVICTION of SIN. (Neh 8:9)


  2. CELEBRATION of SALVATION. (Neh 8:10-12)

Mark Ort - HBCPN Elder

This is a photo of what archaeologists believe is the Water Gate, from where Ezra read from the Law in Nehemiah 8.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above with your cursor for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Nehemiah 8:1-12

  1. When you come to a passage of scripture that is dry or tedious (genealogies, measurements of the temple, etc), what can you do to maintain interest and focus?
     
  2. When someone is explaining the Word to you (preaching, commentaries, etc), how do you know if what they are saying is right and true?
     
  3. Does weeping and mourning over your sin increase or decrease your capacity to experience true joy? Why? Or how so?


Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another!