Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Rejoicing in the Lord's Faithfulness (Nehemiah 12:27-13:3)

Bryan Schneider · December 7, 2019

Nehemiah 12:27

sharonrpc.org/sermons/rejoicing-in-the-lord-s

Summary

Jerusalem's rebuilt wall is dedicated with purification, sacrifices, two thanksgiving choirs, instruments, and joy so great that it is heard far away.
The celebration remembers God's covenant faithfulness through exile, return, rebuilding, renewed hearing of Scripture, and restored worship.
Women, children, leaders, priests, Levites, singers, and ordinary people share in the rejoicing, showing worship as the act of the whole covenant community.
The people put their promises into practice by bringing firstfruits, tithes, and portions so that priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers can serve.
Hearing the law also requires costly obedience concerning the assembly, reminding the people that public vows must become actual faithfulness rather than words alone.
Gentile Christians could not claim Israel's temple privileges by natural descent, but through Christ and the Spirit they are adopted, cleansed, and welcomed into the heavenly holy place.
Christ's resurrection is the better firstfruits, guaranteeing the resurrection of his people and turning the restored wall's celebration toward the final defeat of death.

Which acts of God give Jerusalem reason for public thanksgiving?
Why does the text repeatedly emphasize joy and include women and children in it?
How do purification and sacrifice frame the dedication celebration?
What does bringing firstfruits and tithes show about turning covenant promises into action?
Why does hearing God's law sometimes require costly correction as well as celebration?
How are Gentile believers brought from outsider status into God's household and holy presence?
Why does Paul call the risen Christ the firstfruits of those who have died?
How does future resurrection enlarge present thanksgiving?

Dedication: The public setting apart of Jerusalem's rebuilt wall with worship, thanksgiving, purification, and sacrifice.
Firstfruits: The first yield offered to God in gratitude and trust, fulfilled climactically in Christ's resurrection as the pledge of his people's resurrection.
Covenant faithfulness: God's reliable keeping of his promises despite his people's repeated failure.
Consecration: Setting people or gifts apart for holy service according to God's command.
Adoption: God's reception of believers as sons and daughters with access to his household through Christ.
Resurrection hope: Confidence that because Christ rose as firstfruits, those who belong to him will also be raised.