Lessons from Nehemiah | Week 9 – Grace  

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In the 1750s, John Newton was a slave trader. After a near death experience, he began to study the Bible. As he read the Word, God spoke to him. Several years later, Newton changed paths and became an abolitionist. Maybe you don’t have such an extreme conversion story but God’s grace is nonetheless equally as important. We all start off rebelling against God and living for ourselves. No matter where we have been or what we have done, God's grace and mercy will transform us and set us on a new course. We are reminded by the words of Newton’s most well know hymn that we were once blind wretches but, because God’s grace is amazing, we can now see. “I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.” Thank you Jesus!

 

READ Romans 1:17

 

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

 

READ the passage again and consider these related questions.

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How do we receive the righteousness of God?

 

What does it mean to live a righteous life? 

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

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Read Nehemiah 9; 1 Timothy 1:13-16

 

1. Discuss the connection between the reading of the Word, repentance, and worship (v.3).

 

Read Titus 3:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-10

 

2. What does it mean that our good works cannot save us?

 

3. Why is it important for us to remember that we are sinners?

 

4. Compare the account of Israel’s history in Nehemiah 9:6-37 to the life of a follower of Jesus. Why is it important not to judge the Israelites too harshly?

 

Read 1 John 1:9-10; Romans 10:9-11

 

5. What does it mean to “believe in your heart”?

 

6. Why must we confess our sins?

 

7. Discuss the result of believing, declaring and confessing?

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