Introduction:
Brief overview of Nehemiah’s context
SERMON TEXT
Opposition to the Rebuilding
4 [a]When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”
3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”
4 Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity.
Four Lessons in Nehemiah
I. Introduction A. Brief overview of Nehemiah’s context B. Setting the stage: Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
II. Facing Mockery and Opposition (Nehemiah 4:1-3) A. The scorn of Sanballat and Tobiah B. Recognizing external challenges in our own lives
III. Responding with Prayer and Perseverance (Nehemiah 4:4)
A. Nehemiah’s prayer for strength B. The importance of seeking God in the midst of challenges
IV. Unity and Determination (Nehemiah 4:6)
A. The people’s unity in purpose
B. Drawing parallels to the strength of a united community
V. Overcoming Discouragement (Nehemiah 4:9)
A. Nehemiah’s leadership in times of discouragement
B. Encouraging perseverance in the face of obstacles.
VI. Trusting God’s Provision (Nehemiah 4:14)
A. Nehemiah’s reminder of God’s protection
B. Applying trust in God’s provision to our own lives VII.
APPLICATION:
A. Identifying the walls we need to rebuild in our lives.
B. Encouraging each other to face challenges with faith.