Building Resilience: Embracing Opportunity Amidst Opposition
Summary
In our journey to build a better future, we draw inspiration from Nehemiah, the greatest builder in the Bible. Nehemiah's story teaches us that opportunity and opposition often go hand in hand. As we pursue our dreams and goals, we must be prepared for opposition, which is an integral part of God's will for our lives. The true test of character lies in how we handle this opposition. God is watching our response, and we must not let criticism or disapproval deter us from our God-given dreams.
Nehemiah's story of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem is a powerful lesson in handling opposition. We learn that opposition can come in various forms, such as rage, ridicule, racism, resistance, and rumors. These tactics are not new; they have been used for thousands of years to discourage and derail God's people. However, Nehemiah provides us with a model for responding to such challenges.
First, we must tell God how the opposition affects us. Nehemiah was a man of prayer, and he always turned to God first. When faced with criticism, we should express our feelings to God honestly. Prayer is a powerful stress reliever and helps us process our emotions.
Second, we must confidently state our trust in God. Nehemiah did not retaliate against his critics but instead reaffirmed his trust in God's plan. Ridicule and criticism cannot stop God's work unless we allow them to. By trusting in God, we can stay focused on our mission.
Third, we should strive to be better than those who insult us. Taking the moral high ground and responding with kindness and integrity is a powerful testimony of our faith. We should never stoop to the level of our critics but instead overcome evil with good.
Fourth, we can make God our defender by tithing. This little-known promise in the Bible assures us that when we put God first in our finances, He will be an enemy to our enemies and oppose those who oppose us.
Finally, we must remember that we will be rewarded forever. The trials and criticisms we face now are temporary, but the rewards in heaven are eternal. We should live for God's approval, not the fleeting opinions of others.
Key Takeaways:
- Opportunity and Opposition: Embrace the reality that opportunity and opposition often coexist. Opposition is part of God's will, and how we handle it reveals our character. Trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in your mission. [00:37]
- Prayer as a Response: When faced with criticism or ridicule, turn to God in prayer. Express your feelings honestly and let prayer be your stress reliever. Nehemiah's habit of praying first is a powerful example for us. [28:31]
- Trust in God: Confidently state your trust in God when facing opposition. Ridicule and criticism cannot stop God's work unless you allow them to. Trusting in God keeps you focused on your mission. [32:02]
- Moral High Ground: Be better than those who insult you. Respond with kindness and integrity, taking the moral high ground. Overcome evil with good, and let your actions reflect your faith. [36:49]
- Eternal Perspective: Remember that your reward is in heaven. The trials and criticisms you face now are temporary, but the rewards in heaven are eternal. Live for God's approval, not the fleeting opinions of others. [43:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Nehemiah
- [00:23] - Opportunity and Opposition
- [00:53] - Paul's Perspective on Opposition
- [01:34] - Handling Opposition
- [02:10] - The International Bucket Committee
- [02:50] - Learning from Nehemiah
- [03:18] - Biblical Warnings of Opposition
- [04:24] - Satan's Schemes
- [04:51] - Five Ways of Opposition
- [05:19] - Nehemiah's Challenges
- [06:02] - Rage and Ridicule
- [07:03] - Racism and Resentment
- [07:47] - Rumors and Resistance
- [08:30] - Fear of Disapproval
- [09:51] - Cultural Rudeness
- [10:32] - Five Forms of Ridicule
- [11:00] - Attacks on Character
- [14:41] - Accusations of Evil Motives
- [17:57] - Exploiting Prejudices
- [21:44] - Lies and Stories
- [24:05] - Predicting Failure
- [27:36] - Responding to Opposition
- [28:31] - Tell God How It Upsets You
- [31:09] - Confidently Trust in God
- [35:24] - Be Better Than Insults
- [39:06] - Make God Your Defender
- [43:16] - Eternal Rewards
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 4:1-9
2. 1 Corinthians 16:9
3. 2 Timothy 3:12
---
Observation Questions:
1. What were the five forms of opposition that Nehemiah faced while rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem? ([05:19])
2. How did Nehemiah initially respond to the ridicule and insults from his opponents? ([28:31])
3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between opportunity and opposition in the context of God's will? ([00:37])
4. What promise does God make in Exodus 23:19-22 regarding those who put Him first in their finances? ([39:06])
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Nehemiah's response to opposition demonstrate his trust in God, and what can this teach us about handling criticism in our own lives? ([32:02])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that ridicule and criticism can affect a person's sense of self-worth and identity? How does this relate to the tactics used against Nehemiah? ([13:33])
3. The sermon mentions that God promises to be an enemy to our enemies if we tithe. How might this promise influence a believer's approach to financial stewardship and trust in God? ([39:06])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the eternal perspective on trials and criticisms, and how does this perspective help believers remain steadfast in their mission? ([43:16])
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition while pursuing a goal or dream. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently after learning from Nehemiah's example? ([01:34])
2. Nehemiah turned to prayer as a first response to opposition. How can you incorporate prayer more intentionally into your daily routine, especially when facing criticism or challenges? ([28:31])
3. Consider a situation where you might be tempted to retaliate against someone who has insulted or criticized you. How can you take the moral high ground and respond with kindness and integrity instead? ([36:49])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan despite opposition. What specific steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God when facing challenges in your life? ([32:02])
5. How does the promise of eternal rewards influence your perspective on current trials and criticisms? What changes can you make to focus more on God's approval rather than the opinions of others? ([43:16])
6. The sermon mentions making God our defender by tithing. How can you prioritize putting God first in your finances, and what impact might this have on your faith journey? ([39:06])
7. Identify a person or situation in your life where you feel opposition. How can you apply the lessons from Nehemiah to approach this opposition with faith and resilience? ([05:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Duality of Opportunity and Opposition
In our pursuit of dreams and goals, we often encounter both opportunity and opposition. Nehemiah's story exemplifies this duality, teaching us that opposition is not only inevitable but also an integral part of God's will for our lives. The true test of character lies in how we handle this opposition. God observes our responses, and we must not allow criticism or disapproval to deter us from our God-given dreams. By trusting in God's plan and remaining steadfast in our mission, we can navigate the challenges that come our way. [00:37]
Nehemiah 4:1-3 (ESV): "Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?' Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, 'Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!'"
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you face. How can you see it as an opportunity to strengthen your character and trust in God's plan?
Day 2: Prayer as a First Response
When faced with criticism or ridicule, turning to God in prayer should be our first response. Nehemiah was a man of prayer, consistently expressing his feelings to God. Prayer serves as a powerful stress reliever, helping us process our emotions and align our hearts with God's will. By following Nehemiah's example, we can find peace and clarity amidst opposition, allowing us to remain focused on our mission. [28:31]
Psalm 55:16-17 (ESV): "But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice."
Reflection: When was the last time you turned to prayer in a moment of stress or criticism? How can you make prayer your immediate response in future challenges?
Day 3: Trust in God's Sovereignty
Confidently stating our trust in God when facing opposition is crucial. Nehemiah did not retaliate against his critics but reaffirmed his trust in God's plan. Ridicule and criticism cannot stop God's work unless we allow them to. By trusting in God, we can stay focused on our mission and not be swayed by the negativity around us. This trust empowers us to move forward with confidence, knowing that God is in control. [32:02]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What steps can you take today to deepen your trust in His sovereignty?
Day 4: Rise Above with Integrity
Taking the moral high ground and responding with kindness and integrity is a powerful testimony of our faith. Nehemiah teaches us to be better than those who insult us, overcoming evil with good. By not stooping to the level of our critics, we reflect our faith and demonstrate the transformative power of God's love. This approach not only honors God but also sets an example for others to follow. [36:49]
1 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to retaliate. How can you choose to respond with integrity and kindness in similar situations moving forward?
Day 5: Live with an Eternal Perspective
The trials and criticisms we face now are temporary, but the rewards in heaven are eternal. Nehemiah's story reminds us to live for God's approval, not the fleeting opinions of others. By maintaining an eternal perspective, we can endure present challenges with hope and perseverance, knowing that our ultimate reward is with God. This mindset shifts our focus from earthly concerns to heavenly promises. [43:16]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "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. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary trials to eternal rewards in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective today?
Quotes
Opportunity plus opposition equals God's will. Opposition is actually part of God's will in your life. Now I could describe my past 41 half years as your pastor, in the same way Paul says it in first Corinthians chapter 16 verse 9. He says it like this there is a great opportunity here for an effective work even though there is also much opposition. [00:37:04]
One of the greatest tests of character is going to be how you handle opposition in life, and God is watching your response. Do you panic under pressure? Do you become discouraged and quickly give up when anybody expresses anything that they don't like your goal or they look at you the wrong way? [01:39:28]
God wants you to be prepared to handle disapproval, to handle criticism, to handle opposition yes and even to handle harassment for your life and for your faith what you believe and what you do. Let me show you some verses about that before we actually go to the book of Nehemiah because God warns us repeatedly about this. [02:54:56]
When faced with criticism or ridicule, turn to God in prayer. Express your feelings honestly and let prayer be your stress reliever. Nehemiah's habit of praying first is a powerful example for us. Prayer is a great stress reliever. That's the first thing Nehemiah did. [05:04:48]
Confidently state that my trust is in God. Nehemiah did not retaliate back tit for tat with insults of his own. He ignores the hurtful words in his reply to the opposition. Instead, here's what he says: The God of heaven will give us success. We are his servants and we will start rebuilding. [05:59:20]
Be better than those who insult me. When you're under attack for your gender or your race or your faith or whatever, always take the moral high ground. Never stoop to a lower level. You be better than the critic, you be better than the opposition, you be better than those who are ridiculing and insulting. [06:29:52]
Make God my defender by tithing. This is a little known benefit of putting God first in your finances. Did you know that God in his word promises to be your defender if you return the first 10% of your income back to God? I'm not making this up. [07:51:19]
Remember that your reward is in heaven. The trials and criticisms you face now are temporary, but the rewards in heaven are eternal. Live for God's approval, not the fleeting opinions of others. Second Corinthians chapter 4 says this in verse 17 and 18. [08:56:40]
The things we see now are here today and gone tomorrow but the things we can't see will now last forever. The stuff we can't see now, it's not going to last but the stuff we can't see will last forever. What we can see is temporary what we can't see will last forever. [09:14:31]
Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5 verse 11 and 12, he promised blessed are you when people insult you or persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Be glad because your reward will be great in heaven. [09:55:20]
The big issue here of why we're so afraid of the disapproval of others is we care too much about stuff that isn't going to last. It's just the opinions of other people aren't going to last. What other people think of you is none of your business. [10:25:20]
So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the work of the Lord, about the Lord's work always be enthusiastic about the Lord's work for you know that nothing you do in service for the Lord is ever worthless. It's going to matter for eternity. [11:23:44]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 14, 2021. Do you have any questions about it?