Arise and Build: Uniting in Service Together
Summary
Today, we gathered as one church family across all our locations to pause from our regular series and focus on something foundational: the call to “arise and build” together. Drawing from the story of Nehemiah, we saw how God’s people, after years of exile and brokenness, were invited not just to rebuild a wall, but to restore what protected and defined their community. The temple represented God’s presence, but without the wall, it was vulnerable—just as our lives and our church are vulnerable without the protective strength that comes from everyone serving together.
We reflected on the cycles of grace and rebellion in Israel’s history, recognizing God’s incredible patience, 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 invitation to return and participate in His work remains. Nehemiah’s story is a miracle of favor and restoration, but it’s also a blueprint for us: when God’s people unite, shoulder to shoulder, each bringing their unique gifts, God does what no one could do alone.
Serving isn’t just about filling a need or doing a job. It’s woven into our very nature, as we are created in the image of a God who serves. Jesus Himself modeled this, not coming to be served, but to serve and give His life for many. When we serve, we reflect His heart to the world, and something profound happens in us: our faith grows, our lives expand, and we discover purpose and community. The act of serving is inseparable from worship; it’s how we move from knowledge about God to experiencing Him more deeply.
We also acknowledged that the church is not built by a few, but by all. The miracle of Nehemiah’s wall—built in just 52 days—was only possible because everyone, from priests to perfumers, goldsmiths to daughters, took their place. When we each step out, the church becomes strong, resilient, and able to reach the world with hope. There are no insignificant roles; every act of service closes a gap, strengthens the body, and makes room for God to move in miraculous ways.
Today, the invitation is simple but profound: start where you are, with what you have. Whether you’re new or have been here for years, God is calling you to arise and build. As we each do our part, we’ll see God’s kingdom advance in ways we could never imagine alone.
Key Takeaways
- We are created in the image of a serving God. Serving is not just a task or obligation; it is a reflection of God’s own character imprinted on us. When we serve, we are living out our truest identity, mirroring Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This is why serving feels both right and life-giving—it’s what we were made for. [15:22]
- Progress in faith requires stepping out to serve. Spiritual growth is not achieved by knowledge alone, but by applying what we know through acts of service. True maturity comes when we move from learning about Jesus to doing what He did, allowing our faith to be stretched and deepened in the context of community and action. Without serving, we risk stagnation and miss out on the fullness of God’s journey for us. [19:41]
- Serving expands our world and brings unexpected blessings. When we step beyond our comfort zones to serve others, our lives grow richer in relationships, purpose, and even joy. God often uses these moments to reveal new callings, connect us with lifelong friends, and even orchestrate life-changing encounters. The world of the generous truly gets larger, and in giving, we receive far more than we could have anticipated. [27:40]
- God’s greatest works are accomplished through collective effort. The miracle of Nehemiah’s wall was not the result of a single leader or a handful of experts, but the unified action of an entire community. Every person’s contribution mattered; when one part was missing, the whole was vulnerable. In the same way, the church’s strength and impact depend on each of us taking our place, using our unique gifts, and building together. [30:33]
- Serving is both the starting point and the safeguard for God’s work in our lives and church. Just as the wall protected the temple, our willingness to serve protects and advances what God is building among us. When we all arise and build, we create a place where God’s presence is experienced, needs are met, and the lonely find family. This is how the local church becomes the hope of the world—by every member playing their part. [32:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction and Heart Posture
[03:00] - The Story of Nehemiah: Context and Background
[06:30] - The Cycle of Grace and Consequence
[08:34] - God’s Invitation: Arise and Build
[10:02] - The Power of Unity: Next to Him
[13:04] - Created to Serve: Our Divine Design
[15:22] - Serving Reflects Jesus
[17:53] - Serving and Spiritual Progress
[19:41] - Moving from Knowledge to Action
[24:53] - Serving Expands Our Lives
[27:40] - Personal Testimony: Discovering Purpose
[29:13] - The Miracle of Collective Effort
[30:33] - Every Role Matters: Closing the Gaps
[32:36] - The Biblical Model of Church
[34:30] - Practical Steps: How to Get Involved
[37:18] - Signing Up and Next Steps
[39:30] - Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: "Arise and Build"
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### Bible Reading
Nehemiah 1:3; 2:19-20; 3:1-12 (selected verses, ESV)
> 1:3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
>
> 2:19-20 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.”
>
> 3:1-12 (summary) Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate... Next to them the men of Jericho built... Next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built... and so on, with goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, and even daughters all taking their place on the wall.
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, 4-6 (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... For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...
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### Observation Questions
1. In Nehemiah 3, what kinds of people participated in rebuilding the wall, and what does the repeated phrase “next to him” or “next to them” show about how the work was done? ([10:02])
2. According to Matthew 20:26-28, how did Jesus describe greatness in God’s kingdom?
3. In Romans 12, what does Paul say about the different roles and gifts in the body of Christ?
4. The sermon mentioned that the wall was rebuilt in just 52 days. What made this possible according to the story? ([29:13])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah emphasized the variety of people (priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, daughters) who worked on the wall? What message does this send about serving in God’s work? ([10:02])
2. The sermon said, “Serving isn’t just about filling a need or doing a job. It’s woven into our very nature, as we are created in the image of a God who serves.” How does this idea challenge or affirm your understanding of what it means to serve? ([15:22])
3. The pastor said, “We will not progress without serving.” Why might serving be necessary for spiritual growth, not just learning or attending church? ([19:41])
4. The story of Nehemiah shows that when everyone took their place, the wall was completed and the community was protected. What are the risks when some people don’t participate? ([30:33])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Start where you are, with what you have.” What is one area in your life or church where you could begin serving, even if it feels small or ordinary? ([37:18])
2. Think about the idea that “serving is inseparable from worship.” How could you make your acts of service—at church, at home, or in your community—an act of worship this week? ([17:53])
3. The pastor shared that serving often leads to unexpected blessings—new friendships, purpose, even life-changing encounters. Can you share a time when stepping out to serve led to something good or surprising in your life? If not, what’s holding you back from experiencing this? ([27:40])
4. The sermon highlighted that “there are no insignificant roles; every act of service closes a gap, strengthens the body, and makes room for God to move.” Is there a “gap” you see in your church or community that you feel called to help close? ([30:33])
5. The message warned that when we don’t serve, “the church is vulnerable, just as the temple was without the wall.” Are there areas in your spiritual life or in the church that feel unprotected or weak? How might serving help strengthen those areas? ([32:36])
6. The pastor said, “Progress in faith requires stepping out to serve.” What is one step you could take this month to move from learning about Jesus to doing what He did? ([19:41])
7. The story of Nehemiah shows that God can do more through all of us together than any one person alone. How can you encourage someone else in your group or church to take their place “on the wall” with you? ([29:13])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open eyes to see where God is inviting each person to “arise and build,” and for courage to step out and serve together.
Devotional
Day 1: We Are Created to Serve
God has woven the desire and capacity to serve into the very fabric of our being. When we step out to serve others, we are not just performing good deeds—we are reflecting the very nature of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life for many. Serving is not a burden or a task to be avoided, but a joyful expression of our identity as people made in the image of a God who serves. As we serve, the world around us experiences the love and character of Christ through us, and we discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that God intended for us all along. [15:22]
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 just about gaining more knowledge or attending more services; it is about stepping out of ourselves and putting our faith into action through service. The journey of faith moves forward when we begin to serve, give, and do the acts of Jesus, not just learn about them. Service is so closely tied to worship that in the original language of Scripture, the two are nearly inseparable—our worship of God should naturally lead us to serve others. If you feel stuck or stagnant in your faith, consider that the next step may be to serve in a new way, allowing God to deepen your walk as you pour out for others. [19:41]
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 service? How can you take a practical step to serve this week?
Day 3: Serving Expands Our Lives
When we serve others generously—with our time, talents, and resources—our world grows larger, richer, and more meaningful. Staying isolated and focused only on our own needs leads to a smaller, more limited life, but stepping out to serve connects us with new people, opportunities, and even God’s calling for our lives. Through serving, we often discover friendships, purpose, and even unexpected blessings that we would have missed otherwise. God uses our willingness to serve as a way to expand our hearts, our relationships, and our impact in the world. [27:40]
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 or serve this week, trusting that God will use this to expand your life and theirs?
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 of Jerusalem was rebuilt in record time because everyone—from priests to perfumers to daughters—took their place, so too does God build His church and advance His kingdom when we all arise and build together. No one’s contribution is insignificant; when we each do our part, God multiplies our efforts and does what none of us could do alone. [30:33]
Nehemiah 3:1-5, 17-18, 20 (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... After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest."
Reflection: What unique gift, skill, or passion has God given you that you can bring to serve alongside others in your church or community?
Day 5: Start Where You Are With What You Have
You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment, more experience, or a special invitation to begin serving—God calls you to start right where you are, with whatever you have in your hands. Whether it’s a smile, a skill, a listening ear, or a willingness to help, God can use your simple act of obedience to make a difference. As you step out in faith, you’ll find that God meets you there, grows you, and uses your service to bless others and build His kingdom. Don’t underestimate the impact of starting small; every act of service matters in God’s eyes. [37:18]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: What is one small, practical way you can serve today—right where you are and with what you have—trusting that God will use it for His purposes?
Quotes
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