Embracing God's Call: Faithfulness and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that God seeks willing people to accomplish His work. We began by celebrating the international workers among us and the inspiring story of Benny, who has traveled to every country in the world. We then delved into the story of Nehemiah, a man who felt inadequate but was used by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's story teaches us that God often calls us to tasks that seem beyond our abilities, but He equips and supports us through the journey.
We also heard a modern-day story about Jose, a college student who found an envelope full of cash and chose to return it to its owner, Vivian, along with a letter sharing his faith. Years later, Jose learned that his act of integrity and faith had a profound impact on Vivian and her family, leading them to Christ. This story underscores the message that even small acts of obedience can have far-reaching, eternal consequences.
Nehemiah's example shows us that success in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness. Despite facing significant opposition and discouragement, Nehemiah and his team persevered by staying in community, remembering God's constant presence, and giving their best effort. We are reminded that every good work will face challenges, but with God's help, we can overcome them.
As we reflect on these lessons, we are encouraged to say "yes" to God's call, no matter how small or daunting the task may seem. By doing so, we allow God to work through us in ways we may not fully understand until we reach heaven.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Seeks Willing People: Whenever God wants to accomplish something, He looks for willing individuals. It may seem like a small task, but if you are willing to say, "Lord, here I am," He will lead you and give you assignments that make an impact. Your willingness to follow God's promptings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. [40:51]
2. Success Shows Up in Faithfulness: Nehemiah's story teaches us that success in God's eyes is about being faithful. Despite overwhelming odds and significant opposition, Nehemiah and his team persevered. They stayed committed to the task, trusting that God would fight for them. This faithfulness is what God honors and uses to accomplish His purposes. [55:52]
3. Stay in Community: Nehemiah emphasized the importance of community. He instructed the people to come together whenever they heard the sound of the trumpet. This principle applies to us today; we are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. Being in community provides support, encouragement, and strength to face challenges together. [58:36]
4. Remember God's Constant Presence: In times of difficulty, Nehemiah reminded the people of God's greatness and constant presence. He encouraged them to remember that God is great and awesome, and He is with them. This reminder helps us to stay focused and encouraged, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. [01:01:20]
5. Give Your Best for Others: Nehemiah and his team worked tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, giving their best effort. This teaches us to bring our best to whatever task God has called us to, whether big or small. By doing so, we honor God and make a significant impact in the lives of others. [01:02:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:07] - Introduction and Prayer
[39:04] - Story of Jose and Vivian
[40:51] - God Seeks Willing People
[43:35] - Nehemiah's Assignment
[46:18] - Importance of City Walls
[49:01] - Facing Opposition
[53:06] - Overcoming Challenges
[55:52] - Success in Faithfulness
[58:36] - Stay in Community
[01:01:20] - Remember God's Presence
[01:02:51] - Give Your Best Effort
[01:05:46] - Conclusion of Jose's Story
[01:09:02] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:10:46] - Closing Song and Declaration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NIV)
> "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."
2. Nehemiah 4:19-20 (NIV)
> "Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!'"
3. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
> "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction to the state of Jerusalem's walls, and how did he motivate the people to start rebuilding? (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
2. How did Nehemiah and his team handle the extensive and spread-out nature of their work on the wall? (Nehemiah 4:19-20)
3. According to Colossians 3:23-24, how should we approach the tasks and work we are given?
4. In the sermon, what modern-day example was given to illustrate the impact of small acts of obedience? ([39:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah emphasized the importance of community and collective effort in rebuilding the wall? (Nehemiah 4:19-20)
2. How does the story of Jose returning the envelope of cash relate to the concept of faithfulness in small tasks? ([39:04])
3. What does it mean to "work at it with all your heart" as described in Colossians 3:23-24, and how can this principle be applied to everyday tasks?
4. How does remembering God's constant presence, as Nehemiah encouraged, help us face challenges and opposition? ([01:01:20])
#### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah faced significant opposition and discouragement. What are some challenges you face in your current tasks, and how can you stay committed despite them? ([49:01])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of community. Are you currently part of a supportive community? If not, what steps can you take to become more connected? ([58:36])
3. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task. How did you see God's support and equipping in that situation? ([38:32])
4. Jose's story shows the impact of small acts of obedience. Can you think of a recent small act of obedience in your life? What was the outcome? ([39:04])
5. Nehemiah and his team worked tirelessly from sunrise to sunset. What is one area in your life where you feel called to give your best effort? How can you start doing that this week? ([01:02:51])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's constant presence in your daily life, especially during difficult times? ([01:01:20])
7. What is one specific way you can say "yes" to God's call this week, no matter how small or daunting the task may seem? ([40:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Willingness to Follow God's Call
God seeks willing individuals to accomplish His work. When He calls, He looks for those who are ready to say, "Lord, here I am." This willingness is not about the size of the task but about the heart's readiness to follow God's promptings. The story of Nehemiah illustrates this beautifully. Despite feeling inadequate, Nehemiah responded to God's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His willingness to step into a daunting task led to a significant impact. Similarly, the modern-day story of Jose, who returned an envelope full of cash and shared his faith, shows how small acts of obedience can have far-reaching, eternal consequences. Your willingness to follow God's call, no matter how small or daunting the task may seem, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. [40:51]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt a nudge to do something for God but hesitated. What held you back, and how can you prepare your heart to say "yes" the next time He calls?
Day 2: Faithfulness in the Face of Opposition
Success in God's eyes is measured by faithfulness. Nehemiah's story teaches us that despite overwhelming odds and significant opposition, faithfulness is what God honors. Nehemiah and his team faced numerous challenges, but they stayed committed to the task, trusting that God would fight for them. This perseverance and faithfulness are crucial in accomplishing God's purposes. When you remain faithful, even in the face of adversity, you align yourself with God's will and allow Him to work through you. [55:52]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."
Reflection: Reflect on a current challenge you are facing. How can you remain faithful and trust that God will fight for you in this situation?
Day 3: The Strength of Community
Nehemiah emphasized the importance of community. He instructed the people to come together whenever they heard the sound of the trumpet. This principle applies to us today; we are not meant to walk the Christian life alone. Being in community provides support, encouragement, and strength to face challenges together. In times of difficulty, the presence of a supportive community can make a significant difference. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we have others to lean on. [58:36]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about your current community. How can you contribute to building a stronger, more supportive environment for yourself and others?
Day 4: Remembering God's Presence
In times of difficulty, Nehemiah reminded the people of God's greatness and constant presence. He encouraged them to remember that God is great and awesome, and He is with them. This reminder helps us to stay focused and encouraged, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. God's presence provides the strength and courage needed to face any challenge. When you remember that God is with you, it changes your perspective and gives you the confidence to persevere. [01:01:20]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of God's presence throughout your day, especially during challenging times?
Day 5: Giving Your Best Effort
Nehemiah and his team worked tirelessly from sunrise to sunset, giving their best effort. This teaches us to bring our best to whatever task God has called us to, whether big or small. By doing so, we honor God and make a significant impact in the lives of others. Giving your best effort is a form of worship and a testament to your commitment to God's work. It shows that you value the task He has given you and are willing to invest your time and energy into it. [01:02:51]
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: Identify a task or responsibility you have been given. How can you approach it with a renewed commitment to give your best effort as an act of worship to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whenever God wants to get work done, he looks for willing people. It may not seem like a big deal at the time. It might be like finding a random envelope, or might be like finding a random envelope, or it might be like finding a random envelope, making a phone call to someone you feel prompted, you're thinking about. It might be helping a stranger. It might be doing a task that is somewhat familiar to you. But whatever it is, if you're willing to say, Lord, here I am. I want to follow you. You've forgiven me. You've put your spirit in my life. I'm available for whatever you want to do through me." [40:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're alive, are you breathing today? Just check the person next to you. Make sure they're still breathing or make sure they're okay. They've got a pulse. If you're breathing today, can I tell you this? I saw someone literally check a pulse back there. I like that. Thank you. Yeah, that's great. God has a plan for you, right? He wants to make an impact through your life. He wants your influence to grow and to do something with your life where you're going to get to the end of your life. And you're going to look back and go, God, I had no idea what you were doing through my life, what you accomplished." [49:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, if you are a follower of Christ, if you've put your trust in him, here's what we know. You are called to be a light wherever you go. Do you believe that? I mean, that's you. Jesus wants to do his work through you. Think of the difference it would make if all of us collectively, together, if we said, Lord, yes, use me. Use me, Lord. No matter the challenge, however inadequate I feel, despite my insecurities, whatever comes my way, Lord, I'm saying yes to you. I believe you'll never leave me. Use me." [01:08:16] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whenever God wants to get work done, he looks for willing people. The question is, will we say yes to him? I want to be one of those people, don't you? Can we just tell him right now? Can we just tell him, let's pray together. I'm going to lead us in a prayer here, and let's just tell him again that we want him to make an impact through our lives." [01:08:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Whenever God wants to get work done, he looks for willing people. It may not seem like a big deal at the time. It might be like finding a random envelope, or might be like finding a random envelope, or it might be like finding a random envelope, making a phone call to someone you feel prompted, you're thinking about. It might be helping a stranger. It might be doing a task that is somewhat familiar to you. But whatever it is, if you're willing to say, Lord, here I am. I want to follow you. You've forgiven me. You've put your spirit in my life. I'm available for whatever you want to do through me." [40:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every good work faces opposition and disappointment. I think you've seen that. It happens every time where you're like, man, I was doing it and all of a sudden like this obstacle and that disappointment and we had a delay and this didn't go right. And it happens every time. Look, listen to what happens here to Nehemiah. Chapter 2, verse 19. But when Sanballat the Hororite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked us and ridiculed us. What is this you are doing, they asked. Are you rebelling against the king?" [49:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nehemiah tells them, I like that little phrase, he says, wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Here's what he's saying. He's saying, we're going to lock arms together. We have a job to get done, but we're going to make sure when we need to get, we're going to get together here. We're going to, we're in this together. It's a theme you see all the way through the Bible, that the life with God is not meant to be a solo adventure." [58:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Remember the Lord's constant presence. I love how Nehemiah, when the people are under duress, and there's a lot of crazy stuff happening, he tells them this in verse 14 here in chapter 4, he says, remember the Lord who is what? Great and awesome, right? Nehemiah, I mean, the people were, you know what they thought was great and awesome? Like, the task before them, like, this is like overwhelming. This is crazy, and Nehemiah didn't deny that it was a big project, but he goes, but you know who's with us? We have the Lord, and he's great and awesome." [59:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Whenever God wants to get work done, he looks for willing people. The question is, will we say yes to him? I want to be one of those people, don't you? Can we just tell him right now? Can we just tell him, let's pray together. I'm going to lead us in a prayer here, and let's just tell him again that we want him to make an impact through our lives." [01:08:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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