Healthy Politics - Lesson 4 We Are All in This Together - Nehemiah 5

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you seen misuse of power and favoritism work against community?

2. What difference does Nehemiah’s consulting with himself before talking to the rulers and nobles make?  How has taking time to think through situations helped you stay true to the standards of God’s Kingdom?

3. Why does Nehemiah emphasize over and over that what the nobles and rulers were doing was against their “brothers”?  How does seeing people this way curb selfishness and greed?

4. How does the image of God play an important role in Nehemiah’s leadership?  Why is living this way an effective way to do politics?  

5. Why does poor shepherding result in division and leaving people vulnerable?  How does this apply to our political situation today?

Healthy Politics--Lesson 3--In the Face of Opposition--Nehemiah 4

Discussion Questions:

1. What kinds of dreams or vision have you had shot down by other people’s criticism or ridicule? How is this a problem in our political system?

2. How does the layout of Nehemiah 4 (every advancement is met with criticism and opposition) correspond to your experience with spiritual development?

3. How have you seen exhaustion and discouragement add to the problems in our nation? How has Satan used these to hinder what God wants to build in your own life?

4. Why would God ask someone to run against horses? What do we learn from being challenged this way?

5. How does making prayer our first response change the perspective of the situation you face? Why is it so difficult for even committed followers to practice this?

Healthy Politics--Lesson 2--The Difference a Healthy Leader Makes--Nehemiah 2-3

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the battle with discouragement that David and Nehemiah both have to deal with reflect our times today? Is it comforting or frustrating that these battles happen over and over again in different generations and cultures?

2. What do you learn from Nehemiah about dealing with people who have a different agenda? What kind of principles do we see that would help us with our own political environment?

3. Why do you suppose Nehemiah doesn’t let anyone know what he came to Jerusalem to do for several days after he arrives? What is the wisdom in this?

4. Did anything surprise you in the organization and unity of the workers listed in chapter 3? What would help our nation, our church, our community come together like Israel did?

5. How much does celebration of achievement help with overcoming discouragement? How well does the Garden Ridge leadership help our church family celebrate achievement? Do you have any ideas for how this could, or should, be done?