Building and Battling: Nehemiah's Call to Action

Devotional

Day 1: Building and Battling Simultaneously

Description: Nehemiah's story in Chapter 4 is a vivid illustration of the necessity to build and battle at the same time. When Nehemiah and his people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they faced significant opposition from figures like Sanballat and Tobiah. These adversaries sought to disrupt their work through ridicule, discouragement, and confusion. However, Nehemiah's response was to continue building with one hand while holding a weapon in the other. This dual approach symbolizes the need to be prepared both spiritually and practically. As we pursue God's calling in our lives, we must be ready to defend against spiritual attacks while actively working towards our goals. This means being vigilant in prayer and strategic in our actions. [46:40]

Bible Passage: "And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me." (Nehemiah 4:18, ESV)

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are both building and battling in your spiritual journey? How can you incorporate prayer and strategic action into your daily routine?

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Day 2: Persistent Prayer and Vigilance

Description: Nehemiah and his people exemplified the importance of persistent prayer and constant vigilance. They prayed without ceasing and guarded the city day and night, understanding that their battle was not merely physical but spiritual. This teaches us that we must not become complacent in our spiritual lives. Instead, we should continually seek God's strength and protection in every season. Persistent prayer keeps us connected to God, while vigilance ensures we are always prepared for any spiritual attacks that may come our way. [55:17]

Bible Passage: "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of persistent prayer in your daily life? What are some ways you can remain vigilant against spiritual attacks?

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Day 3: Community and Support

Description: Just as Nehemiah had people standing guard and working together, we too need a supportive community to stand with us in prayer and action. The importance of community cannot be overstated; it provides strength, encouragement, and accountability. Sharing our dreams with the right people and having a community that prays and supports us is crucial for overcoming opposition and achieving God's vision. We must be discerning about who we share our dreams with, as the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Surrounding ourselves with a godly community helps us stay focused and resilient in our spiritual journey. [50:05]

Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you can rely on for spiritual support and encouragement? How can you actively contribute to building a supportive community around you?

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Day 4: Faith and Works

Description: Faith without action is dead. Nehemiah's story teaches us that we must translate our faith into tangible steps towards achieving what God has called us to do. This involves planning, strategizing, and executing God's vision for our lives. We cannot just pray and wait; we must also act on God's instructions. Nehemiah and his people not only prayed but also took practical steps to rebuild the wall, demonstrating that faith and works go hand in hand. Our actions should reflect our faith, and our faith should inspire our actions. [01:19:37]

Bible Passage: "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to take action based on your faith? How can you start implementing practical steps towards that goal today?

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Day 5: Generational Impact

Description: Our battle is not just for ourselves but for future generations. Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the wall were not only for the immediate safety and security of Jerusalem but also for the future prosperity of the city and its inhabitants. We are fighting to break generational curses and establish generational blessings. Therefore, we must remain vigilant, armed with the Word of God, and ready to sound the alarm when the enemy attacks. Our actions today have a lasting impact on future generations, and we must be mindful of the legacy we are creating. [01:03:24]

Bible Passage: "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:7, ESV)

Reflection: What are some ways you can ensure that your spiritual journey positively impacts future generations? How can you be intentional about breaking generational curses and establishing generational blessings in your family?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into Nehemiah Chapter 4, focusing on the theme of building and battling simultaneously. Nehemiah's story is a powerful reminder that when we are called to build something significant—whether it's a dream, a family, or a ministry—we will inevitably face opposition. The enemy, represented by figures like Sanballat and Tobiah, seeks to disrupt God's plans through ridicule, discouragement, and confusion. However, Nehemiah's response to this opposition was to continue building with one hand while holding a weapon in the other, symbolizing the need to be prepared both spiritually and practically.

We explored how Nehemiah's approach teaches us to rely on prayer and strategic action. He understood that the battle was not merely physical but spiritual, requiring constant vigilance and prayer. Nehemiah and his people prayed without ceasing and guarded the city day and night, demonstrating the importance of persistent prayer and readiness.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of community and support. Just as Nehemiah had people standing guard and working together, we too need to surround ourselves with a supportive community that can stand with us in prayer and action. We must be cautious about sharing our dreams too early, as the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.

Moreover, we discussed the necessity of combining faith with works. Faith without action is dead, and we must translate our faith into tangible steps towards achieving what God has called us to do. This involves planning, strategizing, and executing God's vision for our lives.

Finally, we were reminded that our battle is not just for ourselves but for future generations. We are fighting to break generational curses and establish generational blessings. Therefore, we must remain vigilant, armed with the Word of God, and ready to sound the alarm when the enemy attacks.

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Key Takeaways

1. Building and Battling Simultaneously: Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of being prepared both spiritually and practically. While building the wall, Nehemiah's people held weapons, symbolizing the need to be ready to defend against spiritual attacks while pursuing God's calling. This dual approach of building and battling is essential for overcoming opposition and fulfilling God's plans. [46:40]
2. Persistent Prayer and Vigilance: Nehemiah and his people prayed without ceasing and guarded the city day and night. This highlights the importance of persistent prayer and constant vigilance in our spiritual lives. We must not become complacent but continue to seek God's strength and protection in every season. [55:17]
3. Community and Support: Just as Nehemiah had people standing guard and working together, we need a supportive community to stand with us in prayer and action. Sharing our dreams with the right people and having a community that prays and supports us is crucial for overcoming opposition and achieving God's vision. [50:05]
4. Faith and Works: Faith without action is dead. We must translate our faith into tangible steps towards achieving what God has called us to do. This involves planning, strategizing, and executing God's vision for our lives. We cannot just pray and wait; we must also act on God's instructions. [79:37]
5. Generational Impact: Our battle is not just for ourselves but for future generations. We are fighting to break generational curses and establish generational blessings. Therefore, we must remain vigilant, armed with the Word of God, and ready to sound the alarm when the enemy attacks. Our actions today have a lasting impact on future generations. [01:03:24]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[46:40] - Building and Battling
[47:14] - Facing Opposition
[48:01] - Nehemiah's Response
[48:38] - Enemy's Tactics
[49:13] - Power in Company
[50:05] - Community Support
[51:34] - Persistent Prayer
[52:15] - Enemy's Confusion
[53:32] - Seeds of Doubt
[55:17] - Guarding the City
[56:24] - Overcoming Challenges
[57:37] - God Knows Your Capacity
[58:51] - Responding to Naysayers
[60:07] - Spiritual Warfare
[62:14] - Vindication from God
[62:50] - Fighting for Generations
[64:52] - Mixing Prayer with Strategy
[66:13] - Always Ready
[68:05] - Using the Word of God
[70:22] - Fighting Back
[71:34] - Picking Up Our Weapon
[72:21] - Red Riding Hood Analogy
[73:29] - Sounding the Alarm
[75:04] - God Frustrates the Enemy
[76:20] - Declaring God's Word
[77:21] - Using the Sword Properly
[78:01] - Prayer, Planning, and Execution
[79:37] - Faith and Works
[81:35] - Standing Firm
[83:17] - Declaring God's Word
[83:52] - Prayer and Fasting
[85:33] - Sharpening Our Blades
[87:35] - Matthew 11:12
[90:24] - Fighting for the Kingdom
[92:30] - Passion for God's Kingdom
[94:03] - Commitment to God
[95:43] - Advancing the Kingdom
[98:32] - Spiritual Violence
[100:15] - Sounding the Alarm
[101:27] - Persistent Prayer
[110:36] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the two main activities that Nehemiah's people were engaged in while building the wall? ([46:40])
How did Nehemiah and his people respond to the threats and opposition they faced? ([55:17])
What does James 2:17 say about the relationship between faith and works?
According to Nehemiah 4:9, what two actions did Nehemiah and his people take to protect themselves?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Nehemiah insisted on his people being both builders and warriors at the same time? ([46:40])
How does persistent prayer and vigilance play a role in overcoming spiritual opposition, according to Nehemiah's example? ([55:17])
What does the combination of faith and works look like in practical terms, based on James 2:17 and Nehemiah's actions? ([01:19:37])
How does the concept of community and support help in facing opposition, as seen in Nehemiah's story? ([50:05])

Application Questions

Nehemiah's people were always ready to defend themselves while building. How can you apply this principle of being spiritually and practically prepared in your daily life? ([46:40])
Nehemiah and his people prayed without ceasing and guarded the city day and night. How can you incorporate persistent prayer and vigilance into your routine? ([55:17])
Nehemiah relied on a supportive community to stand guard and work together. Who are the people in your life that you can rely on for spiritual and practical support? How can you strengthen these relationships? ([50:05])
Faith without action is dead. What is one specific step you can take this week to act on something you have been praying about? ([01:19:37])
Nehemiah's battle was not just for his generation but for future generations. What are some ways you can fight to establish generational blessings in your family or community? ([01:03:24])
The sermon emphasized the importance of combining prayer with strategic action. What is one area in your life where you need to develop a strategy to complement your prayers? ([01:06:13])
Nehemiah's people were always ready to sound the alarm when the enemy attacked. How can you be more alert to spiritual attacks and ready to respond with the Word of God? ([01:13:29])

Sermon Clips

1. "The reality is when you are building something where they carrying out a vision or a dream the when the enemy learns that you are building the enemy what God has called you to do what is also interesting is that the enemy just forget themselves right it just wasn't Sambalat because he was talking with a whole crowd of people and then Tobiah decides to step out say yeah that's true this is what is happening this is what's gonna happen they were they would feel and so there are times where the enemy comes but it comes not just in one person it comes with different people." [49:13] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "He understood that this wasn't a carnal thing he understood that that is where it is my strength comes from that in your building and they were halfway through and while they were halfway through they came back again and you know sometimes as believers when we think that we halfway through something we say okay the coast is clear we don't have to worry about anything the marriage going good the relationship going good ministry going good finances now what every time you build another layer of the wall the enemy wants to come and to tear down what you've already built or prevent you from building and completing what God wants you to complete." [51:34] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There are times when the weight of the assignment looks bigger than you. But I want to remind you today that when it is you're halfway through or when it is you're three quarters through, whatever level you're at, be reminded that God doesn't give you anything more. And you can't bear or handle. And so if you're having challenges, you can go to God for strength because even though it might look like it's too much, even though it looks like I'm by myself, even though it looks like it might only be two or three of us, understand that God is faithful. He knows your capacity." [56:24] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You see, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. And so we have to fight smart, not hard. Some people will quarrel. They will stress out themselves. They will break things. They will find an addiction. They do so many different things because of the stress or the difficulties they're facing with a family member, a co-worker, whoever it may be. Don't fight in the physical. Fight in the spiritual." [01:00:07] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "But the reality is my attention, all the things that I'm doing and I want to remind us today, Even in spite of what people say. I used to take it on real plenty. I've been honest with you all day. I used to go home, I would lie down. Oh gosh, how they can say that? How I could do it different? Different things. And then I learned at some point in time that it is not man I am pleasing, but it is God. Doesn't mean I don't listen to people's opinions, you know. Let me be clear about that. But what I'm saying is that when people speak ill about you, understand that God is able to vindicate you." [01:01:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The reminder this morning is that you're not just fighting for yourself. You are fighting, you are fighting to break generational curses. You are fighting to break things that the enemy is trying to come against you. You are trying to establish generational righteousness. You are trying to establish generational wealth. And the enemy wouldn't just let you do it just so. So what we have to do is come and take God and we have to stand up. Sometimes we feel like if it is we have so many scars. Sometimes we feel as if it is we're just tired and we're frustrated." [01:03:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Sometimes people are just praying and praying and praying but you're not doing anything. and they're wondering why it is not changing. So you can pray for change in our business, or you can pray for change in our ministry, or you can pray for change at home, but if you're not doing certain things, then it is you can't expect the change to happen. If it is you don't start to establish devotions in your family life, if it is you don't start to decide, you know, we're going to read a book in terms of how to be a better spouse, whatever it may be, we have to come to the place where it is we're praying, but we're fighting at the same time." [01:05:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We have to come to the place where it is recognized that. When I come to give, when it is you go in the office, there are times where it is you can't even use your phone because of the type of job that you have. You can't watch your phone. You can't watch how I do. Let me pull up this before. Let me respond to this. Let me do that. Let me do the other. So what are you really giving to God? What is your sacrifice? What it is you are submitting to the Father? I don't expect an amen, but we'll continue." [01:35:18] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "We have to come to the place where we become energetic and fired up about the things of God. I want to invite us to stand as we pray. So Father, this morning, God, we confess that at times we have not been spiritually violent. There are times where it is we have listened to the naysayers. There are times where it is we have put other things before you, God. There it is we have not been And so, God, for some if not all of us, we want to repent this morning because we want to change." [01:38:32] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "God, we understand that what we do, the Scripture says, what we do for you is what we love. And it doesn't mean that family is not important. It doesn't mean that it is we just focus on church while we're in the office. It doesn't mean that. But it means, God, that in spite of all those things happening and even putting, using strategies that you've given us for those things, we understand that we still choose to be passionate and energetic and fired up about the things of you. That we will still seek you for strategy for our families. We will seek you for strategy for our offices. And we will seek you for strategy for marriage." [01:39:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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