Arise and Build: Embracing Our Call to Serve
Summary
Today, we explored the powerful story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, drawing out the deep truth that God calls each of us to arise and build—not just for ourselves, but for the sake of His people and His purposes in the world. The journey of Israel, with its cycles of faithfulness and rebellion, reminds us of God’s incredible patience and mercy, but also the reality that when we turn from Him, we open ourselves to the enemy’s influence. Yet, no matter how far we’ve wandered, God’s heart is always to restore, to rebuild, and to invite us into His miraculous work.
The temple in Jerusalem represented God’s dwelling place, much like the church today. But without walls, the city was vulnerable. In the same way, our lives need both the presence of God and the boundaries that keep us strong against spiritual attack. Nehemiah’s vision was not accomplished by a few experts, but by a diverse community—priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, leaders, and even daughters—each taking their place, side by side, to build what God had called them to.
Serving is not just a church program or a way to fill volunteer slots. It is woven into our very nature as people made in the image of a God who serves. Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve, and when we step into serving, we reflect His heart to the world. Serving is also the pathway to spiritual growth. Knowledge alone will not mature us; it is when we step out, give of ourselves, and join with others that our faith deepens and our lives expand.
When we serve, our world gets larger. We find purpose, community, and even unexpected blessings—friendships, callings, and sometimes even spouses! But more than that, we become part of something far greater than ourselves. The miraculous rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall in 52 days was only possible because everyone took their place. In the same way, the church becomes strong, vibrant, and a beacon of hope when every member arises and builds.
This is not about free labor or filling gaps. It’s about stepping into the life God designed for us, where our gifts, however ordinary they may seem, become essential bricks in the wall God is building. The invitation is simple: start where you are, with what you have, and watch what God will do through all of us together.
Key Takeaways
- We are created to serve, reflecting the very nature of God. Serving is not an add-on to the Christian life; it is at the core of who we are as people made in God’s image. When we serve, we embody the heart of Jesus, the suffering servant, and allow His character to be seen and felt by those around us. This is not just spiritual theory—science even shows that serving improves our health and well-being, confirming what God has built into us from the beginning. [57:29]
- Spiritual progress requires stepping out in service, not just learning more. Many believers stall in their faith because they stop at knowledge or community, but never move into action. True growth happens when we apply what we know, serving others and participating in God’s work. Service and worship are inseparable in God’s eyes; our love for Him is most fully expressed when it overflows into acts of service for others. [01:02:36]
- Serving expands our lives, opening doors to purpose, relationships, and blessing. When we step out of our comfort zones and serve, our world grows. We meet new people, discover gifts and callings, and often find unexpected joy and fulfillment. The generous life is a spacious life, and God uses our willingness to serve to bless us and those around us in ways we could never orchestrate on our own. [01:11:20]
- God’s greatest works are accomplished when everyone takes their place. The miracle of Nehemiah’s wall was not the result of a few experts, but of a whole community, each bringing what they had. When we withhold our gifts, we leave gaps that weaken the whole. But when we step in, no matter our background or skill, God multiplies our efforts and does what none of us could do alone. [01:13:28]
- The local church is God’s chosen instrument for hope and transformation. Serving in the church is not just about meeting needs; it’s about building a spiritual family where people encounter God, find belonging, and are equipped to impact the world. Every act of service, from greeting to teaching kids to leading groups, is a brick in the wall of God’s kingdom, making space for others to experience His love and power. [01:16:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Heart Posture
[02:30] - The Story of Nehemiah: Context and Background
[07:10] - The Importance of the Temple and the Wall
[11:30] - God’s Grace, Mercy, and the Consequences of Turning Away
[15:00] - Returning to God and the Miracle of Restoration
[18:45] - Facing Accusation and Intimidation from the Enemy
[22:00] - The Call: Arise and Build
[24:00] - The Power of Community: Next to Him
[27:00] - Point 1: We Are Created to Serve
[32:00] - The Health and Spiritual Benefits of Serving
[36:00] - Point 2: We Will Not Progress Without Serving
[41:00] - Service as Worship and Spiritual Growth
[45:00] - Testimony: Daryl’s Story
[47:00] - Point 3: Serving Expands Our Lives
[51:00] - Personal Stories and Unexpected Blessings
[54:00] - Point 4: God Does More Through All of Us
[58:00] - The Power of Everyone Taking Their Place
[01:02:00] - The Local Church as the Hope of the World
[01:05:00] - Practical Steps: How to Get Involved
[01:19:18] - Sign-Up Instructions and Next Steps
[01:22:06] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Arise and Build" (Nehemiah & Serving Together)
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### Bible Reading
Nehemiah 2:17-20 (ESV)
> Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”
Nehemiah 3:1-5, 12 (ESV)
> Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. ... Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV)
> But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 3, what kinds of people were involved in rebuilding the wall, and what does this show about who is called to serve?
[[53:33]]
2. According to Matthew 20:26-28, how does Jesus describe greatness in God’s kingdom?
3. In the sermon, what was the significance of the phrase “next to him” being repeated so many times in Nehemiah 3?
[[53:33]]
4. What was Nehemiah’s response to the accusations and intimidation from the enemy, and what does that reveal about his trust in God?
[[52:09]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to use a whole community—including priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, leaders, and even daughters—to rebuild the wall, instead of just a few experts?
[[53:33]]
2. The sermon says, “Serving is not just a church program or a way to fill volunteer slots. It is woven into our very nature as people made in the image of a God who serves.” What does it mean for serving to be part of our identity as followers of Jesus?
[[57:29]]
3. The pastor mentioned that “spiritual progress requires stepping out in service, not just learning more.” Why might knowledge alone not be enough for spiritual growth?
[[01:00:54]]
4. The wall was rebuilt in 52 days because “everyone took their place.” What might happen in a church or community if some people choose not to serve or use their gifts?
[[01:13:28]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Start where you are, with what you have, and watch what God will do through all of us together.” What is one area in your life or church where you could start serving, even if it feels small or ordinary?
[[01:19:18]]
2. Have you ever felt like your gifts or skills were too ordinary to matter in God’s work? How does the story of Nehemiah’s wall challenge that thinking?
[[53:33]]
3. The pastor shared that serving is “the pathway to spiritual growth.” Is there a place where you feel stuck in your faith? How might stepping out to serve help you move forward?
[[01:00:54]]
4. The message highlighted that serving often leads to unexpected blessings—like new friendships, discovering your calling, or even meeting a spouse! Has serving ever expanded your world in a surprising way? If not, what’s one step you could take to open yourself up to that possibility?
[[01:11:20]]
5. The sermon said, “When we withhold our gifts, we leave gaps that weaken the whole.” Are there any ways you might be holding back from serving? What’s one thing you could do this week to take a step forward?
[[01:13:28]]
6. The local church was described as “God’s chosen instrument for hope and transformation.” How does this change the way you view serving in the church, whether it’s greeting, teaching kids, leading a group, or something else?
[[01:16:35]]
7. Think about the phrase “arise and build.” What is one practical action you can take this month to help build up your church or community? Who could you invite to join you?
[[52:09]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts to serve, courage to step out, and for God to use their gifts—no matter how ordinary—to build His kingdom together.
Devotional
Day 1: We Are Created to Serve
God has designed each of us with an inherent desire and capacity to serve others, reflecting His own servant nature. When we step into serving, we are not just filling a need or volunteering our time; we are living out the very image of God in which we were created. Serving is not about obligation or free labor, but about expressing the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. As we serve, we allow the world to experience the love and character of Christ through us, and we discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that aligns with our true identity. [57:29]
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV)
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: In what specific way can you serve someone today—at home, work, or church—that would reflect the servant heart of Jesus to them?
Day 2: We Will Not Progress Without Serving
True spiritual growth is not achieved by knowledge alone, but by stepping out and serving others. While learning about Jesus is essential, it is only when we put our faith into action through service that we move forward in our journey with God. Service and worship are so closely linked in Scripture that they are nearly inseparable; our love for God naturally leads us to serve others. If you feel stuck or stagnant in your faith, consider that the next step may be to serve, as this is how we apply what we know and experience deeper transformation. [01:02:36]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area where you have been learning about Jesus but have not yet put that knowledge into action through serving? How can you take a step to serve in that area this week?
Day 3: Serving Expands Our Lives
When we serve, our world grows larger—our relationships deepen, our sense of purpose increases, and we discover new opportunities and blessings. Generosity with our time and talents not only benefits others but also brings abundant blessing and flourishing into our own lives. Stepping out to serve connects us with people we might never have met, opens doors to new friendships, and can even reveal God’s calling for our lives. Serving is not just about what we give; it’s about how God uses it to expand and enrich our own journey. [01:11:20]
Proverbs 11:24-25 (The Message)
"The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."
Reflection: Who is someone outside your usual circle that you could serve this week, and how might stepping out to help them expand your own world?
Day 4: God Can Do More Through All of Us Together
God’s greatest works are accomplished not by a few superstars, but by ordinary people coming together, each doing their part. When everyone brings their unique gifts and serves side by side, God multiplies our efforts and does what none of us could do alone. The story of Nehemiah’s wall shows that every person’s contribution matters—when one part is missing, there’s a gap. But when we all arise and build together, God’s house is strengthened, and miracles happen. [01:14:06]
Nehemiah 3:1-5 (ESV)
"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord."
Reflection: What unique gift or skill do you have that you’ve been holding back, and how can you offer it to serve alongside others in your church or community?
Day 5: Serving Builds and Protects the House of God
Serving is not just about meeting practical needs; it is about building and protecting what God is doing in His church and in the world. When everyone participates, the church becomes a place where people encounter God, find family, and experience transformation. Every act of service—no matter how small—strengthens the body of Christ and helps fulfill the mission Jesus gave us. The local church is the hope of the world, and your willingness to serve is vital to its strength and impact. [01:16:35]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to help build up and protect your church community, ensuring that no “hole in the wall” is left unattended?
Quotes
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