God Turns a Curse Into A Blessing
Nehemiah 13:1-9

Lesson 33

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. Without strong spiritual leadership, the people go backwards.
2. Sometimes believers have to do more than preach.

practical application

1. God can turn your “curse” into a blessing.
2. You can turn God’s blessing into a “curse.”

questions

1. Does backsliding happen suddenly and by surprise?
2. What was the problem in Nehemiah 13:4-5? Why did the problem occur? What was Nehemiah’s response when he heard about the problem?
3. Why is strong spiritual leadership necessary?
4. What happened when Moses was absent from the camp (Exodus 32:1-6)?
5. How could Eliashib, who had been one of the wall builders and in the joyous procession, have turned his back on God’s ordinances? Was he intentionally trying to overthrow what had been accomplished for God’s glory?
6. Give the examples of “Sometimes you have to do more than preach” from this chapter and from Mark 11:15.

answers

1. No. It is usually a fairly long and gradual process.
2. Problems occurred because Nehemiah was back in Persia, serving the king. Tobiah the Ammonite was living in the Lord’s house, although he shouldn’t have been allowed even to enter it! Also, Jews were mixing with those who were not God’s people. Nehemiah was angry, and he was motivated to set things right before God.
3. To keep the people committed and unified. Without strong leadership, people tend to slide downhill in their Christian lifestyle.
4. The people persuaded Aaron to make a golden calf, and God’s people worshiped the calf.
5. He became allied with Tobiah, and went along with his plan, ignoring God’s Word. Probably he didn’t intend to destroy God’s work—he just got caught up with Tobiah’s plans.
6. Nehemiah threw Tobiah and his belongings out of the Temple. The Lord Jesus drove the moneychangers out of the temple.

discuss/consider

1. Have there been times in your life, or in the life of someone you know, when God’s blessings actually became a “curse” because those blessings were not used for the Lord’s glory? What was the result? If this has happened in your life, confess it to the Lord, and determine that it will never happen again!
2. Name some of the areas in your life, your family or your church where God has turned a “curse” into a “blessing.” Have you thanked Him? Have you shared the story of this blessing with others, as a witness to God’s mercy and love?

challenge

When you know that someone or something is right, and people try to persuade you otherwise, look to the Lord and do what is right. Take a stand against the majority, if need be. Be a Caleb! (See Numbers 13:30-33.)

memorize

• “God turned the curse into a blessing.” Nehemiah 13:2