Arise and Build: The Power of Serving Together
Summary
Today is a call to “arise and build”—to step into the purpose and power of serving together as the people of God. Looking at the story of Nehemiah, we see a people who, after years of exile and devastation, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild not just the temple, but the protective walls around it. The temple represented God’s presence, but without the walls, the city and its people remained vulnerable to attack. In the same way, our lives and our church need both the presence of God and the protection and strength that comes from serving together.
God’s design is that every person, regardless of background or skill, has a part to play. The narrative in Nehemiah 3 repeats “next to him” over and over, emphasizing that the miracle happened not through a few experts, but through everyone standing shoulder to shoulder. Serving is not just a church program or a way to fill volunteer slots—it’s 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 serve, we reflect his heart to the world.
Serving is also essential for our spiritual growth. We don’t progress in our faith simply by learning more; we grow by stepping out and applying what we know, by doing the acts of Jesus, not just studying them. Service and worship are inseparable in the biblical mindset—true worship leads to service, and service is an act of worship. When we serve, our world expands. We find community, discover purpose, and experience God in new ways. Our lives become larger, richer, and more connected.
But perhaps most importantly, God can do far more through all of us together than any one of us alone. The wall in Nehemiah’s day was rebuilt in 52 days—a miracle only possible because everyone took their place. When we each bring our unique gifts, the church becomes strong, protected, and able to reach the world with the hope of Jesus. There are no insignificant roles; every person matters, and every act of service builds something eternal. So the invitation is simple: start where you are, with what you have, and join in what God is building. Let’s arise and build together.
Key Takeaways
- Serving is woven into our identity as people made in God’s image. Jesus, the ultimate servant, shows us that to serve is to reflect the very heart of God. When we step out to serve, we’re not just filling a need—we’re living out our true, redeemed nature and allowing the world to encounter Christ through us. [57:24]
- Spiritual growth requires more than knowledge; it demands action. We cannot progress in our faith journey by learning alone. True maturity comes when we move from understanding the acts of Jesus to actually doing them, allowing service to become both our worship and our pathway to deeper relationship with God. [01:02:43]
- Service is the catalyst for an expanded life. When we step beyond ourselves to serve others, our world grows—new friendships are formed, purpose is discovered, and our hearts are enlarged. Generosity with our time and talents not only blesses others but brings unexpected blessings and opportunities into our own lives. [01:09:27]
- God’s greatest works are accomplished through collective effort, not individual heroics. The miracle of Nehemiah’s wall was only possible because everyone, regardless of skill or status, took their place. When each person brings their unique gifts, the church becomes strong, resilient, and able to fulfill its mission in the world. [01:11:40]
- Every act of service matters, and every person is needed. There are no insignificant roles in God’s house; when even one person withholds their part, there’s a gap that weakens the whole. The biblical model is not a few doing everything, but everyone doing something—together, we build a place where God’s presence dwells and lives are transformed. [01:15:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Heart Posture
[02:30] - Why We’re Taking a Break from the Series
[04:10] - The Story of Nehemiah: Context and Background
[08:20] - The Temple, the Wall, and Our Lives
[12:15] - The Enemy’s Accusations and Nehemiah’s Response
[16:00] - The Call to “Arise and Build”
[18:30] - The Power of Serving Together: Nehemiah 3
[22:40] - Created to Serve: It’s in Our DNA
[27:00] - Serving and Spiritual Progress
[32:10] - Service as Worship and Love in Action
[36:00] - Testimony: Daryl’s Story
[38:30] - Serving Expands Our Lives
[43:00] - God Does More Through All of Us
[48:00] - Every Role Matters: No Holes in the Wall
[51:00] - Practical Steps: How to Get Involved
[54:00] - Prayer and Sending Out
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Arise and Build – Serving Together"
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### Bible Reading
Nehemiah 3:1-5, 17-19 (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. ...
> After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.
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.
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.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 3, what phrase is repeated over and over, and what does it show about how the wall was rebuilt? ([51:56])
2. According to Matthew 20:26-28, what does Jesus say about greatness and serving?
3. In Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how does he describe this act?
4. The sermon mentioned that people from all walks of life helped rebuild the wall. What are some of the different types of people listed in Nehemiah 3? ([53:30])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah 3 emphasizes “next to him” so many times? What does this repetition teach us about God’s design for community and teamwork? ([51:56])
2. The sermon says serving is “woven into our identity as people made in God’s image.” How does Jesus’ example in Matthew 20 help us understand what it means to reflect God’s heart? ([57:24])
3. Romans 12:1 connects worship and service. How does the idea that “service is worship” challenge or change the way someone might view volunteering or helping others at church? ([01:00:59])
4. The wall was rebuilt in 52 days because everyone took their place. What does this say about the importance of every person’s contribution, even if their role seems small? ([01:11:40])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Serving is not just a church program or a way to fill volunteer slots—it’s woven into our very nature as people made in the image of a God who serves.” Do you see serving as part of your identity? Why or why not? ([57:24])
2. Think about a time when you served others, either in church or outside. Did you experience any spiritual growth or new friendships as a result? What changed for you? ([01:09:27])
3. The message challenged us that “we don’t progress in our faith simply by learning more; we grow by stepping out and applying what we know.” Is there an area where you feel “stuck” in your faith? How might serving help you move forward? ([01:02:43])
4. The story of Nehemiah shows that every person’s work mattered—there were “no insignificant roles.” Are there ways you’ve underestimated the value of your own gifts or contributions? What might God be inviting you to do? ([01:15:37])
5. The pastor shared that when we serve, “our world expands”—we find community, discover purpose, and experience God in new ways. What is one practical step you could take this month to serve alongside others? ([01:09:27])
6. Sometimes people feel too busy or unqualified to serve. What are some obstacles that keep you from serving, and how could you overcome one of them this week? ([01:19:27])
7. The invitation was to “start where you are, with what you have, and join in what God is building.” What is one area in church or your community where you could start serving, even in a small way? ([01:19:27])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts to serve, courage to step out, and unity as you “arise and build” 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 not only fulfill our purpose but also allow the world to experience the love and character of Jesus through our actions. Serving is not about obligation or free labor; it is about living out the image of God in which we were created, as Jesus Himself came not to be served but to serve and give His life for many. As we serve, we become living examples of Christ’s love, and our acts of service become a powerful testimony to those around us. [57:24]
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 putting faith into action through serving others. Worship and service are inseparable in God’s eyes; our love for Him should naturally lead us to serve those around us. If you feel stuck or stagnant in your faith, consider whether you have stepped out to serve—because it is in serving that we move forward in our journey with God and experience deeper transformation. Knowledge applied through service is what leads us to maturity and a fuller experience of God’s presence and purpose. [01:02:43]
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—relationships deepen, new opportunities arise, and we discover gifts and callings we never knew we had. Staying isolated or self-focused keeps our lives small, but stepping out to serve connects us with others and with God’s greater purpose. Through serving, we find community, purpose, and even unexpected blessings, as God uses our willingness to bless others and to shape our own lives in the process. [01:09:27]
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 reach out to and serve this week, and how might that act of generosity expand your 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 bringing their unique gifts and efforts. Just as the wall in Nehemiah’s day was rebuilt by people from all walks of life working side by side, so too does God build His church and advance His kingdom through the collective service of His people. When everyone participates, the impact is multiplied, and God’s purposes are fulfilled in ways that no one could achieve alone. [01:13:34]
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, skill, or perspective do you have that you could bring to your church or community, and how might God use it when combined with the efforts of others?
Day 5: Serving in the House of God Changes Lives
Serving in the local church is not just about meeting practical needs—it’s about creating an environment where people can encounter God, find family, and experience transformation. Every act of service, from greeting at the door to leading a group or helping with children, plays a vital role in building God’s kingdom and making His love tangible. When you step out to serve, you become part of something bigger than yourself, and God uses your willingness to change lives—including your own. [01:17:42]
Psalm 92:13-14 (ESV)
"They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green."
Reflection: Where is God inviting you to plant yourself and serve in His house, and what step can you take today to say “yes” to that invitation?
Quotes
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