Bible Reading
Nehemiah 2:11–3:2 (ESV) — > 11 So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13 I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. 15 Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.
> 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
> 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”
> 3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
Ephesians 4:11–13 (ESV) — > 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Romans 12:4–8 (ESV) — > 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Observation Questions
- In Nehemiah 3, what kinds of people were involved in rebuilding the wall, and what does this reveal about who God calls to serve? ([09:06])
- According to Ephesians 4, what is the purpose of the different roles and gifts given to the church? ([12:05])
- In Romans 12, what does Paul say about the diversity of gifts in the body of Christ, and how are they meant to be used? ([16:33])
- In the sermon, what were some of the “gaps in the wall” mentioned that exist in the church today? ([25:31])
Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think Nehemiah made a point to list so many different names and occupations in the rebuilding of the wall? What message does this send to us about participation in God’s work? ([09:23])
- The sermon says, “Every believer is essential, not optional.” How does this challenge the way people often view their role in the church? ([18:51])
- The word “saint” is described as applying to all believers, not just the “spiritual elite.” How might this change the way someone sees their own value and calling in the church? ([13:03])
- The sermon describes church “gaps” as opportunities for God to work. How does this perspective differ from seeing needs as problems or burdens? ([29:51])
Application Questions
- The sermon described how everyone, from priests to perfume makers, took up a section of the wall—even when the work was dirty or unnoticed. Is there a “section of the wall” in our church or community that you have overlooked because it seemed unimportant or undesirable? What might it look like for you to step into that gap? ([10:36])
- The idea that “your past does not disqualify you—Jesus makes you new” was emphasized. Are there ways your past has held you back from serving or participating? How can you embrace your new identity in Christ and move forward? ([13:59])
- The sermon mentioned specific needs in the church—youth ministry, prayer, care, outreach, and even simple acts like greeting or cleaning. Which of these (or others) do you feel God might be nudging you toward? What is one step you could take this month to get involved? ([25:31])
- The message said, “God gives gifts not for us to hoard, but to steward for the good of others.” What is one gift, skill, or resource you have that you could use to serve others in the church or community? ([19:33])
- Humility and unity were described as marks of greatness in God’s kingdom. Is there a practical way you can serve someone in a humble or behind-the-scenes way this week? ([22:16])
- The sermon challenged us to see “gaps” as opportunities for God to write new “only God” stories. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know stepped into a need and saw God do something unexpected? How might this encourage you to take a risk in serving now? ([29:51])
- The New Testament says we are “one body with many members.” Is there a relationship in the church where you need to work toward greater unity or understanding? What is one thing you could do to build that connection? ([16:33])
