Discussion Questions:

Think of a time you assumed you already knew how to handle a situation, only to realize you needed to stop and think it through differently. What happened?

Nehemiah discovered that the wealthy nobles and officials were charging interest and enslaving their own Jewish brothers to profit from the famine (Neh. 5:1–5). What internal issues — attitudes, habits, or patterns — tend to do the most damage in a church, more than any outside opposition?

When Nehemiah confronted the nobles, they were silent and then repented, restoring what they had taken (Neh. 5:6–13). Is there a relationship in your life right now where you're avoiding a direct conversation instead of going straight to the person? What's holding you back? Is there someone you need to do some repair work with?

Nehemiah pointed out that their behavior toward each other would bring "the taunts of the nations" and damage their witness (Neh. 5:9). How does the way believers treat one another inside the church shape how outsiders view us and view Jesus? Can you think of an example, positive and negative?

Unlike previous governors who enriched themselves, Nehemiah refused his food allowance and used his own resources to provide for his people because of "the fear of God" (Neh. 5:14–18). What would it look like for you to lead — at home, at work, or in this group — by giving more of yourself rather than expecting more from others? Do you desire to lead more in Jesus’ church? How should you prepare? What next step could you take?

"We actually can't do the work of restoration out there unless God does the work of restoration in here.” Would you spend some praying as a group for your group and Lakeview as a whole, would experience the fullness of the restoration work God wants to do in us!