Faith and Action: Nehemiah's Call to Restoration

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound narrative of restoration and faith through the lens of Nehemiah's story, a tale that resonates deeply with our current endeavors as a church community. We began by setting the stage with Nehemiah chapter 2, where Nehemiah, moved by a burden for the ruined state of Jerusalem, approaches King Artaxerxes with a bold request to rebuild the city. This act of faith, despite the potential for severe consequences, underscores a central theme of our discussion: God's call to engage in seemingly impossible tasks.

We delved into the historical context of Israel, a nation that had faced destruction and was under Persian rule. Despite these dire circumstances, Nehemiah's story is a testament to God's unceasing faithfulness. He prepares Nehemiah for a monumental task that aligns with God’s overarching narrative of restoration. This preparation is mirrored in our church’s current mission, particularly as we look towards expanding our community outreach and rebuilding our congregation post-pandemic.

A significant part of the sermon highlighted the obstacles Nehemiah faced, which are emblematic of the challenges we encounter in our spiritual and communal lives. The first obstacle was internal—Nehemiah’s fear. His approach to overcoming fear through prayer and preparation provides a blueprint for us. It’s a reminder that when God commissions us, He also equips us with the courage and resources to fulfill His call.

The external obstacles Nehemiah faced included opposition from local governors who mocked and threatened him. This mirrors the resistance we might face from societal pressures or internal doubts within our community. However, Nehemiah’s response—to trust in God’s promise of prosperity and protection—reinforces the need for steadfast faith in the face of adversity.

We also explored the practical steps Nehemiah took, from securing the king’s support to rallying the Israelites for the task of rebuilding the walls. His strategic approach, coupled with divine favor, facilitated the physical and spiritual restoration of Jerusalem. This strategic element is crucial for us as we plan community engagement and church expansion, emphasizing the need for both divine guidance and practical planning.

In conclusion, Nehemiah’s story is not just historical recounting but a call to action for us today. It challenges us to rise and build, not just in physical terms but also in spiritual and communal aspects. It’s about stepping out in faith, confronting our fears, and embracing the work God has set before us, trusting in His sufficiency and timing.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Call to Action in the Face of Ruin
Nehemiah’s response to Jerusalem’s destruction is a powerful example of proactive faith. He didn’t ignore the ruin; instead, he faced it head-on, which is a call for us to address the spiritual and communal disrepairs within our lives and our church. This proactive stance is crucial as it transforms our perspective from despair to purpose-driven action. [01:02:40]

2. Prayer as the First Response to Fear
When confronted with fear, Nehemiah’s immediate response was to pray. This teaches us that prayer should be our first resort, not a last resort. It’s through prayer that we align our fears with God’s sovereignty, ensuring that our actions are guided by faith rather than paralyzed by fear. [01:03:34]

3. Facing Opposition with Divine Confidence
Nehemiah’s encounter with opposition teaches us that when fulfilling God’s work, resistance is inevitable. However, his confidence in God’s promise—that He would make them prosper—equips us with the courage to face mockery and threats without yielding to discouragement. [01:09:17]

4. The Role of Strategic Planning in God’s Work
Nehemiah’s request for letters and protection from the king highlights the importance of strategic planning in doing God’s work. It reminds us that while our trust is in God, He also calls us to use wisdom and resources available to us to accomplish His purposes effectively. [01:11:09]

5. Community Mobilization for Collective Action
Finally, Nehemiah didn’t rebuild the wall alone; he mobilized the entire community. This underscores the importance of collective action in church endeavors. Every member has a role to play, and it’s through unified efforts that we can achieve the restoration God calls us to. [01:14:18]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [29:03] - Introduction to Nehemiah's Context
- [33:10] - Historical Background of Israel
- [36:16] - Nehemiah's Prayer and Preparation
- [42:49] - The Impossibility of God's Call
- [46:29] - Encountering and Overcoming Obstacles
- [53:14] - Nehemiah's Prayer Strategy
- [57:12] - Strategic Planning and Divine Favor

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV)
"Then I said to them, ‘You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.’ And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work."

2. 2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died."

3. Romans 8:31 (ESV)
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

### Observation Questions

1. In Nehemiah 2:17-18, what specific conditions of Jerusalem does Nehemiah describe to the people, and what action does he propose?
2. How do the people respond to Nehemiah’s call to action in Nehemiah 2:18, and what does this suggest about their collective mindset or spirit?
3. What does the phrase "the hand of my God had been upon me for good" imply about Nehemiah’s perspective on the challenges he faced?
4. According to Romans 8:31, what confidence does the believer have in the face of opposition?

### Interpretation Questions

1. Considering Nehemiah’s description of Jerusalem's condition, what might have been the emotional or spiritual state of the people before Nehemiah’s challenge?
2. How does Nehemiah’s reliance on God’s providence, as expressed in his speech, challenge our understanding of divine support in daunting tasks?
3. In what ways does the response of the people in Nehemiah 2:18 reflect a shift in community perspective or faith?
4. Reflecting on Romans 8:31, how can the assurance that "God is for us" transform our approach to personal or communal challenges?

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a situation in your community or personal life that feels like "ruins." What specific step can you take this week to initiate restoration or improvement?
2. Nehemiah spoke boldly about the disgrace of Jerusalem’s ruins. Identify a difficult truth you might need to address in your family, workplace, or community. How can you approach this conversation with both courage and compassion this week?
3. Considering the collective action of the people in Nehemiah’s story, identify a project or mission in your church or community that requires collective effort. What role can you play, and how will you commit to it this month?
4. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Think of a fear or opposition you are facing now. How can you remind yourself of this truth daily, and what practical step can you take to overcome this fear?
5. Inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:14, identify one way the love of Christ can control or influence a specific decision or action you face this week. How will you ensure that Christ’s love guides your actions?

Devotional

Day 1: Proactive Faith in the Face of Ruin
In the narrative of Nehemiah, we see a compelling example of proactive faith. When confronted with the ruins of Jerusalem, Nehemiah did not succumb to despair but instead took decisive action. This proactive approach is a powerful model for us today. In the face of spiritual or communal decay, we are called not to ignore but to engage actively. This engagement is not just about physical rebuilding but also about revitalizing our faith and community commitments. Nehemiah’s story encourages us to view challenges as opportunities to demonstrate our faith and commitment to God’s plans. [01:02:40]

James 2:17-18 ESV: "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What are the 'ruins' in your community or personal life that you have been ignoring? How can you take a step today towards addressing them?


Day 2: Prayer as Our First Response
When Nehemiah faced immense fear, his first response was to pray. This act of turning to God before taking action is a vital lesson for us. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and equips us with divine perspective and peace. It is through this communion with God that we find the strength and wisdom to face the challenges ahead. As we learn from Nehemiah, let prayer be our first response, not our last resort, ensuring our actions are empowered by faith rather than paralyzed by fear. [01:03:34]

2 Chronicles 20:3-4 ESV: "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."

Reflection: What fears are you currently facing, and how can you incorporate prayer into your initial response to these challenges?


Day 3: Divine Confidence Against Opposition
Facing opposition is a common aspect of fulfilling God’s work, as seen in Nehemiah’s experience. Despite threats and mockery, Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s promise of prosperity was unwavering. This divine confidence is crucial for us as well. It teaches us to rely not on our strength but on God’s promises when we face resistance. This reliance ensures that we remain steadfast and courageous, no matter the opposition. [01:09:17]

Isaiah 54:17 ESV: "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."

Reflection: Recall a recent situation where you felt opposed or discouraged. How can you apply divine confidence to overcome such challenges in the future?


Day 4: Strategic Planning in God’s Work
Nehemiah’s strategic planning, evidenced by his request for letters and protection, highlights the importance of combining divine guidance with practical planning. This approach not only facilitated the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls but also ensured the safety and cooperation needed for the task. As followers of Christ, we are reminded that while our ultimate trust is in God, He also calls us to wisely use the resources and intelligence He has given us to fulfill His purposes effectively. [01:11:09]

Proverbs 16:3 ESV: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

Reflection: What is one area in your ministry or personal life where you need to implement more strategic planning? How can you start this process today?


Day 5: Community Mobilization for Collective Action
Nehemiah did not rebuild the walls of Jerusalem alone; he mobilized the entire community. This collective action is a powerful reminder of the importance of community in God’s work. Each member of our church has a role to play, and it is through our unified efforts that we can achieve the restoration and growth God calls us to. Let us then seek to engage every member of our community in meaningful ways, fostering a spirit of cooperation and collective action. [01:14:18]

Ephesians 4:16 ESV: "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: What are some ways you can better engage with and mobilize your community or church group to work together towards a common goal?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "God purposely puts us in positions of impossibility. To prove to our hearts that the things he's accomplishing is impossible. The things he's accomplishing through us are really, I mean, he's behind it. And we want to see that in Nehemiah. And what we're hoping to learn, what I think Pastor John wants us to learn, is that God in this book is a God of restoration." [44:31](Download raw clip | | )

2. "We're trying to rebuild how the church works. We're trying to rebuild how the church gathers after the three, four year disruption of COVID. I get a chance to travel around mentoring church planners. I get to visit a lot of churches in a lot of cities. And believe it or not, lots of churches across America, many churches, most churches are still trying to figure out how do we get back to the rhythm of doing church." [45:25]( | | )

3. "The impossible work for all of us is the life. And so he takes that faithful scalpel and he just, like, sticks it in his friends. And he tells them the truth. The truth of the illusion of their wives. How what? To wake them up to the reality that they were in. Everything in their lives was not okay." [01:04:13]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "When confronted with fear, Nehemiah’s immediate response was to pray. This teaches us that prayer should be our first resort, not a last resort. It’s through prayer that we align our fears with God’s sovereignty, ensuring that our actions are guided by faith rather than paralyzed by fear." [53:14]( | | )

2. "Nehemiah’s encounter with opposition teaches us that when fulfilling God’s work, resistance is inevitable. However, his confidence in God’s promise—that He would make them prosper—equips us with the courage to face mockery and threats without yielding to discouragement." [01:09:17]( | | )

3. "Nehemiah’s request for letters and protection from the king highlights the importance of strategic planning in doing God’s work. It reminds us that while our trust is in God, He also calls us to use wisdom and resources available to us to accomplish His purposes effectively." [57:12]( | | )

4. "Finally, Nehemiah didn’t rebuild the wall alone; he mobilized the entire community. This underscores the importance of collective action in church endeavors. Every member has a role to play, and it’s through unified efforts that we can achieve the restoration God calls us to." [39:17]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?