Lesson 18
background notes
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doctrinal / teaching points
- Slander is one of Satan’s most devastating attacks.
- Strength against slander is found in God, not in self-defense.
practical applications
- Don’t give the enemy a chance for more than slander.
- Don’t do something foolish because of fear.
questions
- The enemy made a fifth attack in attempt to hinder the rebuilding of
the wall. What was the strategy this time?
- Who was behind this strategy?
- What is slander and why is it so devastating? How is it countered?
- Why is it so difficult to keep from defending yourself when you are
slandered?
- What did Nehemiah do when he was slandered?
- Why does fear make people do strange things?
answers
- The enemy made a personal attack on Nehemiah.
- Satan. He prompted Sanballat to pretend to be friends with Nehemiah,
while attacking him.
- It is character assassination, and it is very difficult to counter.
It is countered by finding refuge and strength in God, and not in self-defense.
- We want to set the record straight, no matter how much time and energy
it takes! It seems unfair to be attacked and not do everything we can
to defend ourselves.
- Nehemiah found strength in God. He denied the charge and committed
the matter to God.
- Fear makes people irrational so they cannot think clearly. They may
overreact and say or do the wrong thing.
discuss/consider
- Have you ever been slandered? If so, what did you do about it? Be sure
that you don’t give the enemy a chance for more than slander.
- Have you ever become irrational because of fear? How did you control
it?
challenge
Have you ever joined in when you heard something against someone? Have you
ever repeated something against someone, whether it was true or false? Will
you determine to make changes, if this has occurred in your life?
memorize
- “Never take your own revenge.” Romans 12:19
- “Now therefore, O God, strength my hands.” Nehemiah
6:9
