Prayer and Precaution
Nehemiah 4:7-9

Lesson 10

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. Satan’s tactics are the same in every age.
2. Prayer and precaution go together.

practical application

1. Be prepared for increased opposition.
2. Make sure you watch as well as pray.

questions

1. What new tactics did the enemy use in trying to stop the rebuilding of the wall?
2. From what direction did the opposition come?
3. What did the Jews do in response to this new form of opposition?
4. What tactics is Satan using in the Creation/evolution controversy?
5. Is “setting a watch” evidence of a small faith and a lack of trust in God?
6. What is the difference between the prayers recorded in Nehemiah 4:4 and 4:9?

answers

1. Ridicule, indignation, mockery, and conspiracy
2. From every side
3. They prayed and posted guards to keep watch – night and day!
4. The same as he did in Nehemiah’s day – ridicule and scorn, open threats, and even political action.
5. No. God expects believers to work as well as to pray. Prayer and action go together while trusting God. Setting a watch is using the means that God gives us to fight the enemy. See Habakkuk 2:1.
6. In verse 4, Nehemiah prayed a public prayer. In verse 9, everyone in the congregation prayed.

discuss/consider

1. We need to be prepared for increased opposition as we build our spiritual walls. How should we prepare?
2. What kind of a watch have you set to thwart the enemy?
3. Have you found that it is easier to give up than to fight? What does God have to say about this?

challenge

Your character is tested by what it will take to stop you. How strong are you when someone ridicules you for your faith?

memorize

• “We prayed to our God…and we set a watch.” Nehemiah 4:9