Hearing the Word of God

Jim ButlerNehemiah 8

Nehemiah 8 records the post-exilic assembly of Judah gathered before Ezra at the Water Gate to hear the public reading and exposition of the Law — an occasion that produced expectancy, attentiveness, reverence, and responsive obedience in the people. This sermon draws four corporate lessons from that assembly and applies them to the gathered church's posture toward the preached Word. The congregation is called to come to the Lord's Day service as Cornelius came to Peter: not to be entertained, but to hear all that God has commanded. Biblical preaching, the sermon argues, necessarily produces conviction for sin, thanksgiving, rejoicing, and a desire for more of the Word.