Nehemiah 7-8

1. The Covenant Renewal
   1. Chapters 8-10 compose of a section dealing with the spiritual renewal of the people
   2. “Only a people which has experienced God’s redemption and renewal, a people to whom is entrusted the law of God (ch.8), who recognize their dependence upon him (ch.9) and who are fully committed to a life of faithful obedience (ch.10) can ensure that the institutional structures which have been set in place serve their true purpose” (H.G.M. Williamson)

1. The Law of Moses
   1. The Torah—First 5 Books of the Old Testament
   2. God’s law for how God’s people were to live (moral and civil)

1. The Reading of God’s Word
   1. Ezra- the priest (13 years after his journey to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple)
   2. All the people were gathered together (there is power in assembly)
   3. Read early morning to mid-day
      1. They were hungry for God’s word
   4. The people had a humble and reverent attitude (vs. 5-6)
   5. The people had a repentant heart (v.9)
   6. Do you read God’s word with eagerness, humility, and a willingness to change?

1. Celebration
   1. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” v. 10
   2. In obedience to the scriptures
   3. Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:4)
   4. Following God’s word is a positive thing
   5. To conform to God’s ways is not a burden, but joyful and fulfilling

1. God’s Word for Our Church
   1. The Bible—Old and New Testaments
   2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17— All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
   3. Ephesians 6:17—the sword of the Spirit
   4. Do we proclaim it in our services?
   5. Do we properly teach it?
   6. Do we follow it?
      1. Do you conform your life to the scriptures?