Building People: Embracing God's Purpose Beyond Achievements
Summary
In Nehemiah chapter 8, we find a pivotal moment for the people of Jerusalem. After years of trials, tribulations, and the monumental task of rebuilding the city walls, they are left with a profound question: "Now what?" This question resonates with us today, as we often find ourselves at crossroads after significant life events, whether they are triumphs or trials. The completion of the wall was not the end but a new beginning. It was time to shift focus from building walls to building people. The walls now existed to protect and nurture the community, allowing them to grow spiritually and fulfill their divine purpose.
In our lives, we often tie our identity to our work or achievements. When these are completed, we may feel lost, asking, "Now what?" Nehemiah's story teaches us that in these moments, we must turn to the Word of God. The Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, guiding us through the uncertainties of life. Just as Ezra read the Word at the Water Gate, symbolizing the necessity of spiritual nourishment alongside physical sustenance, we too must seek the Word to quench our spiritual thirst.
The Word of God is not just for personal edification but also for community upliftment. We are blessed to be a blessing, called to stand for justice, love, and peace. Our faith is not just about hearing the Word but doing it, embodying the teachings in our actions. As we stand firm in our faith, we are called to praise and worship, informed by the Word and the stand we take.
In the face of life's "now what" moments, we are reminded that God's plans often defy human logic. His ways are higher, and His timing is perfect. We are called to surrender, trusting that He holds the victory and all power. As we navigate through life's transitions, let us be guided by the Word, stand firm in our faith, and continually praise His name.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identity Beyond Work: Our identity should not be solely tied to our work or achievements. When these are completed, we may feel lost, but it's an opportunity to redefine ourselves through God's purpose for our lives. We must shift our focus from building walls to building people, nurturing our spiritual growth and community. [06:32]
2. The Necessity of the Word: In moments of uncertainty, the Word of God is our guide. It is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, providing direction and clarity. Just as Ezra read the Word at the Water Gate, we must seek spiritual nourishment alongside our physical needs. [14:59]
3. Blessed to Be a Blessing: Our blessings are not just for personal gain but for uplifting our community. We are called to stand for justice, love, and peace, using our resources and influence to bless others. This reflects God's glory and fulfills our divine purpose. [25:20]
4. Faith in Action: Hearing the Word is not enough; we must be doers of the Word. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions, standing firm in our beliefs, and embodying the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. This active faith leads to true transformation. [32:22]
5. Trusting God's Plan: God's plans often defy human logic, but His ways are higher, and His timing is perfect. In life's "now what" moments, we are called to surrender and trust that He holds the victory and all power. Our faith in His plan brings peace and assurance. [32:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:00] - The Aftermath of Achievement
- [06:32] - Identity Beyond Work
- [10:00] - The Role of the Word
- [14:59] - Spiritual Nourishment at the Water Gate
- [18:00] - Community Upliftment
- [20:00] - Faith in Action
- [25:20] - Blessed to Be a Blessing
- [28:00] - Trusting God's Plan
- [32:22] - Surrender and Victory
- [35:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 8:5-6
2. Isaiah 40:8
3. Hebrews 4:12
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Ezra reading the Word at the Water Gate, and how did the people respond? [14:59]
2. How does the sermon describe the transition from building walls to building people in Nehemiah's time? [06:32]
3. What role does the Word of God play in guiding us through life's "now what" moments according to the sermon? [32:22]
4. How did the sermon illustrate the concept of being "blessed to be a blessing"? [25:20]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our identity should be redefined beyond our work and achievements? [06:32]
2. How does the sermon explain the necessity of seeking spiritual nourishment alongside physical needs? [14:59]
3. What does it mean to embody the teachings of the Word in our actions, as discussed in the sermon? [32:22]
4. How does the sermon encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when it defies human logic? [32:22]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "now what" moment in your life. How did you respond, and how might you incorporate the Word of God into similar future moments? [32:22]
2. Consider your current identity. Is it tied more to your work or achievements than to your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to shift this focus? [06:32]
3. How can you actively seek spiritual nourishment in your daily routine, similar to how the people sought the Word at the Water Gate? [14:59]
4. Identify a way you can use your blessings to uplift your community this week. What specific action will you take? [25:20]
5. Think of a situation where you need to trust God's plan. What practical steps can you take to surrender and trust in His timing and victory? [32:22]
6. How can you ensure that your faith is demonstrated through your actions this week? Identify one specific action you will take to embody the teachings of Christ. [32:22]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually thirsty. What did you do to quench that thirst, and how can you ensure you regularly seek the Word for spiritual nourishment? [14:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Redefining Identity Through Divine Purpose
In moments of achievement, we often find ourselves questioning our identity, especially when our work or accomplishments have defined us for so long. Nehemiah's story reminds us that our identity should not be solely tied to our work or achievements. When these are completed, it is an opportunity to redefine ourselves through God's purpose for our lives. The completion of the wall in Jerusalem was not the end but a new beginning, a shift from building walls to building people. This shift invites us to nurture our spiritual growth and community, focusing on the divine purpose God has for each of us. [06:32]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What recent achievement or completed task has left you feeling uncertain about your identity? How can you seek God's purpose to redefine yourself in this new season?
Day 2: The Guiding Light of God's Word
In times of uncertainty, the Word of God serves as a guiding light, providing direction and clarity. Just as Ezra read the Word at the Water Gate, symbolizing the necessity of spiritual nourishment alongside physical sustenance, we too must seek the Word to quench our spiritual thirst. The Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, guiding us through the uncertainties of life. It is essential to prioritize spiritual nourishment, allowing the Word to illuminate our path and provide the wisdom we need to navigate life's challenges. [14:59]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel lost or uncertain? How can you intentionally seek guidance from God's Word today to find clarity and direction?
Day 3: Blessings as a Means for Community Upliftment
Our blessings are not just for personal gain but for uplifting our community. We are called to stand for justice, love, and peace, using our resources and influence to bless others. This reflects God's glory and fulfills our divine purpose. As we are blessed, we are to be a blessing, sharing our resources and influence to uplift those around us. This call to action is a reminder that our faith is not just about personal edification but also about community upliftment and standing for justice, love, and peace. [25:20]
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one blessing in your life that you can use to uplift someone in your community today. How can you take a step to share this blessing with them?
Day 4: Faith in Action
Hearing the Word is not enough; we must be doers of the Word. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions, standing firm in our beliefs, and embodying the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. This active faith leads to true transformation, as we live out the teachings of Christ and allow them to shape our actions and interactions with others. It is through this active faith that we experience true transformation and become a living testimony of God's love and grace. [32:22]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Christ that you struggle to embody in your daily life? How can you take a practical step today to put this teaching into action?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Perfect Plan
God's plans often defy human logic, but His ways are higher, and His timing is perfect. In life's "now what" moments, we are called to surrender and trust that He holds the victory and all power. Our faith in His plan brings peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and His timing is perfect. As we navigate through life's transitions, let us be guided by the Word, stand firm in our faith, and continually praise His name, trusting in His perfect plan for our lives. [32:22]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? How can you practice surrendering this area to Him today, trusting in His perfect timing and ways?
Quotes
Nehemiah said you need the word of God you need the word of God now because the word of God is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path Isaiah said the grass withers and the flowers fail but the word of God endures forever I like the way the Hebrew writer put it for the word of God is alive and active sharper than any double -edged sword it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit joints and morrow it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart what do you do when you're in the now what moment you get lost in the word of God [00:09:58] (55 seconds)
The water gate is where they sent Ezra to preach the word. Ezra is preaching at the gate because everybody has to come to get water. And everybody, when they're coming to get water in order to survive, had to also get the word of God because food alone will not keep you. Water alone will not keep you. Bojangles alone will not keep you. Chick -fil -a alone will not keep you. You can have all the macaroni and cheese in the world, but if you don't have the word of God in your life, then you will be lost. You can have all the money in the world, resources in the world. You can be debt free and feeling free, but if you don't have the word of God, you'll be physically free, but spiritually bound. Thank you. [00:13:12] (52 seconds)
when you are in now what nehemiah gives us exactly what to do when you are in your now what's of life you must first start by walking through the word and letting the word walk through you [00:09:35] (20 seconds)
You can have all the money and prestige in the world but be spiritually bankrupt. What good is a paid off building if the souls in it are broke? Ezra brought the book the first day of the seventh month, Jewish New Year. It was a new beginning and a perfect time to get right with God. He stood on a wooden platform, a pulpit. He named 13 men to stand up with him. And as we go forward, I'm looking for some folk who are willing to stand with me as I stand with God. [00:20:25] (39 seconds)
Stand for loving and reading and obeying the word. Stand for love and justice. Stand for peace and joy. Stand for building God's kingdom. Teaching our children, caring for seniors and loving our neighbors. Stand for economic empowerment. Stand for home ownership. Stand for restoration for our brothers and sisters who are coming out on parole. Stand for adequate health care for everybody. I wish I had just a few folk who were willing to stand. [00:21:04] (32 seconds)
And many had said it would never happen. They talked about them saying that they could never get the job done. They had to get on one accord. They had to become singular in their mission. They had to deal with their issues and deal with adversity and keep on building the wall. It took them seven chapters to get it done. But here in chapter 8, the gates were restored and the enemy was defeated. Jerusalem could rejoice because they had stood against the odds and learned that with God all things are possible. They now had protection. They now could come together and work to achieve amazing things. But the problem is they had spent so much time on the wall that now that the wall was done, they were asking, now what? What? [00:05:02] (53 seconds)
The first half of this book, the people existed in order to build the walls. But now the walls exist so that the people can build. There had to be a shift in mentality, an approach to ministry. When people have spent a great deal of time and energy on an assignment, their identity can be tied to the work and the assignment. [00:06:02] (30 seconds)
Here it is in the text. They send a preacher to preach the word. His name was Ezra. Ezra was the preacher who was set up to preach the word of God. [00:12:13] (18 seconds)
when life gets difficult and you are growing sick and tired of being sick and tired i want to invite you to try a little water with me second corinthians says this so we do not lose heart though our outer self is wasting away our inner self is being renewed day by day for this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen you just need the word to help you digest this world yeah yeah yeah yeah do you have any challenges are you anxious or fearful well the word of god's got something for you in deuteronomy 31 6 be strong and courageous do not be afraid or terrified because of them or the lord your god goes with you he will never leave you nor forsake you let the word help you digest all this world is throwing at you ask your neighbor do you want to take a drink today you [00:16:36] (72 seconds)
God's mathematics don't make human intellectual sense. He emptied our sanctuary to grow it. That doesn't make sense. Until you look back and you look around and you say, yeah, He did it. God's calculus does not make human sense. AI won't help you with it. [00:31:30] (33 seconds)
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