The Book

The Book
(Nehemiah 8)
Rev. Neil Kim

 I. People were hungry for God’s Words.
They were not forced to come, but willingly and voluntarily gathered themselves together.  Not only the men came, but women and all the children old enough to understand came all together as one. (vv. 1-2)
All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. (v. 3)

 II. When the people listened attentively to God’s Words, they begin to understand themselves.
People had reverence and respect for God’s Words. (v. 5)
They all acknowledged by saying “Amen.” (vv. 6-8)

 III. The Word of God brings a true joy through weeping.
Weeping came first. (v. 9)
Then, the joy came. (vv. 10-12)

 IV. God’s Word requires experience.
Ezra instructs Israelites to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, and they were to live in booths during those time. (vv. 13-17)
It was not enough to hear the Word of God.  So Nehemiah wanted people to live it out so that they can experience the effect of God’s Words. 
You must think and experience His Words daily basis. (v. 18)

 V. Application
When has God’s Word touched you in a powerful way?  Share your experience.
Share a time when you have experienced conviction and grief from a passage your read in the Bible.
What prevents us from a genuine repentance?