Nehemiah 6:15-7:73

1. Read Nehemiah 6:15-19. What is going on in this passage? Spend some time talking specifically about verse 16. What do you think that verse means?
2. Now that the wall is finished, Israel's enemies tremble in fear because "they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God" (verse 16). God caused the work to succeed. He is the reason—and their enemies now know it. God's sovereignty is on full display, and He is glorified among the nations. What do you think it means for something or someone to glorify God? How do we give glory to God?
3. The Bible regularly connects God's sovereignty with God's glory. Nehemiah was wise and worked hard. But that is not why the nations "fell in their own esteem" (Nehemiah 6:16). What does this passage teach you about God's sovereignty and God's glory?
4. Read Nehemiah 7:1-4. In one sense, Nehemiah understands the work is ordinary-construction is common and often mundane. But in another sense, he understands the work is deeply significant. How about you? What work and responsibilities fill your day? Do you view them as spiritually significant? If so, how?
5. It is one thing to glorify God when things are going well. But what about when things are not? What about when we suffer? What does it look like in your life to glorify God in the face of suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or pain?
6. Is anyone facing any unique or challenging circumstances where it seems particularly hard to glorify God? Or, are there any situations where it is hard to see how God could be glorified by your circumstances?
7. In closing, spend some time praying for one another, bringing these things to God in prayer, asking for provision, and asking that He would be glorified in and through you in these circumstances.