Sunday Connect Lesson for June 18, 2023

WHEN OPPOSITION ARISES
The events of the book of Nehemiah took place just after those of the book of Ezra (445 BC-431 BC) with Nehemiah arriving in Jerusalem in 444 BC, 13 years after Ezra arrived.

Study The Word: Nehemiah organized the work and brought the supplies.  The people in Jerusalem began the monumental work of rebuilding the city wall for protection. Everything should move along smoothly, right? No!

Key Truth: Opposition is inevitable when doing what is right (Nehemiah 4:1-9).   Sanballat was a Samaritan official who was enraged by the work on the Jerusalem wall.  He and his cohorts plotted to hinder the work.

Key Truth: Believers should be ready for spiritual opposition (Nehemiah 4:10-13, 15-23).   The Jews were discouraged by the difficult task and frustrated by the enemies.  But Nehemiah equipped and instructed the people to resist their enemies.

Key Truth:  Believers should fight for their families and fellow church members (Nehemiah 4:14).  Nehemiah challenged the Jewish people working on the wall to be ready to fight for their loved ones and neighbors because the work they were doing was God's work.