Sunday School Lesson October 23, 2022
Subject: Hear God’s Word
The Point: Seize opportunities to hear God’s Word proclaimed and explained.
The Passages: Nehemiah 8:1-3,7-12
Study The Bible: Nehemiah 8:1-3
1). Put yourself in a position to hear God’s Word.
- All the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses that the Lord had given Israel.
- On the first day of the seventh month, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding.
- While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
Lasting truths from: Nehemiah 8:1-3
* All people have a need to hear the Word of God.
* People must put themselves in a position to hear God’s Word read and taught.
* Listen to God’s Word as you go throughout your day.
2). Listen to God’s Word with the goal of understanding.
Nehemiah 8:7-8
- Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places.
- They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read.
Lasting truths from: Nehemiah 8:7-8
* Scripture is meant not just to read, it must be read for understanding.
* Learn to understand Scripture and pass it on to others.
* When you hear the Word and understand, you must be faithful to do what it says.
3). Respond to what you hear with both repentance and celebration.
Nehemiah 8:9-12
- Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them. “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
- Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the lord is your strength.”
- And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve.”
- Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration because they had understood the words that were explained to them.
Lasting truth from: Nehemiah 8:9-12
* Hearing and understanding the Word of God must be followed by application to one’s life.
* We must move from grieving over the Word to repenting of our sin.
* The joy of obeying God’s Word gives us strength to face whatever we experience in life.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- How do you most often hear God’s Word in your life?
- Who are the spiritual leaders in your life who help you better understand God’s Word.
- What are some other opportunities you can seize to hear God’s Word proclaimed and explained in your life?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”