From Burden to Boldness: Building Together in Faith

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that everyone is a theologian, engaging with God and theology in their daily lives, whether they realize it or not. This understanding is crucial as we navigate our spiritual journeys and seek to deepen our relationship with God. I recommended the book "You Are a Theologian" by Jen Wilkin and JT English, which can serve as a valuable resource for those wanting to delve deeper into the theological foundations of the gospel and the Christian life.

We then turned our attention to the story of Nehemiah, focusing on his journey from burden to boldness, and ultimately to building. Nehemiah's story is a powerful reminder that God often calls us to tasks that seem too big for us, but it is in these moments that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Nehemiah's burden for the broken walls of Jerusalem birthed a vision that required boldness to approach the king and ask for the resources needed to rebuild. This boldness was met with God's favor, as the king granted Nehemiah's requests, allowing him to return to Jerusalem and begin the work.

The process of building, as Nehemiah demonstrated, begins with planning. He took time to assess the situation, understand the scope of the work, and develop a strategy. This is a lesson for us as we embark on our own building campaign, emphasizing the importance of prayerful planning and seeking God's guidance in every step.

Building also requires conviction. Nehemiah shared his vision with the people, inspiring them to join in the work despite opposition. His conviction was rooted in the belief that God would grant them success. This conviction is essential for us as we seek to build not just physical structures, but a community that reflects God's love and purpose.

Finally, building takes everyone. Nehemiah's story highlights the diverse group of people who came together to rebuild the walls, each playing a vital role. This is a call for all of us to find our place in the work God is doing, recognizing that every contribution matters.

Key Takeaways:

1. Everyone is a Theologian: Whether consciously or not, we all engage in theology as we consider God's role in our lives. Embracing this identity can deepen our understanding and relationship with God. [00:00]

2. From Burden to Boldness: Nehemiah's journey teaches us that a burden for change can lead to bold action. When we step out in faith, God often meets us with the resources and support we need. [39:01]

3. The Importance of Planning: Before building, Nehemiah took time to plan and assess. This highlights the necessity of thoughtful preparation and seeking God's guidance in our endeavors. [42:08]

4. Conviction in the Face of Opposition: Nehemiah's unwavering conviction in God's promise of success empowered him to overcome opposition. Our faith must be rooted in the belief that God is with us in our endeavors. [46:38]

5. Building Takes Everyone: The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls required the collective effort of many. Similarly, our community's growth and impact depend on each person's unique contribution. [50:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Theology
- [01:45] - Invitation to Community
- [03:00] - Nehemiah's Story Begins
- [05:15] - The Burden and Vision
- [07:30] - From Boldness to Building
- [10:00] - The Scope of the Task
- [12:30] - The Planning Phase
- [15:00] - Conviction and Opposition
- [17:30] - The Role of Community
- [20:00] - Stories of Builders
- [22:30] - The Call to Prayer
- [25:00] - Prayer Prompts
- [27:30] - Invitation to Trust
- [30:00] - Closing Prayer and Commissioning

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 2:11-20

Observation Questions:
1. What was Nehemiah's initial action upon arriving in Jerusalem, and why did he choose to act at night? [36:49]
2. How did Nehemiah communicate his vision to the people of Jerusalem, and what was their response? [46:38]
3. Who were the key figures opposing Nehemiah's plan, and what was their accusation against him? [46:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Nehemiah have chosen to inspect the walls at night and keep his plans initially secret? What does this reveal about his leadership style? [42:08]
2. How does Nehemiah's conviction in God's promise of success influence the people around him, and what does this suggest about the role of faith in leadership? [46:38]
3. In what ways does the opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem reflect challenges faced by leaders today when pursuing a God-given vision? [46:38]

Application Questions:
1. Nehemiah moved from burden to boldness. Can you identify a burden in your life that you feel called to act upon? What steps can you take to move from feeling burdened to taking bold action? [39:01]
2. Nehemiah's planning was thorough and prayerful. How can you incorporate more prayerful planning into your personal or professional life? What specific area could benefit from this approach? [42:08]
3. Nehemiah faced opposition but remained steadfast. Have you ever faced opposition when pursuing something you believed was right? How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now? [46:38]
4. Building takes everyone. What role do you see yourself playing in your community or church's mission? How can you actively contribute to the collective effort? [50:44]
5. Nehemiah inspired others to join in the work. How can you inspire those around you to engage in a shared vision or project? What specific actions can you take to motivate and encourage others? [46:38]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt a task was too big for you. How did you rely on God's strength in that situation, and what was the outcome? [39:01]
7. Nehemiah's story emphasizes the importance of community. How can you foster a sense of community in your current environment, and what steps can you take to strengthen relationships within your group? [50:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Your Role as a Theologian
In our daily lives, whether we realize it or not, we engage with God and theology. This understanding is crucial as it shapes our spiritual journeys and deepens our relationship with God. Recognizing that everyone is a theologian invites us to consciously explore and embrace this identity. By doing so, we open ourselves to a richer understanding of God's role in our lives and the world around us. This journey of theological exploration is not reserved for scholars or clergy but is a calling for every believer. Embracing this role can transform our faith, making it more vibrant and meaningful. [00:00]

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally engage with God today, recognizing your role as a theologian in your everyday life?


Day 2: From Burden to Boldness
Nehemiah's journey from burden to boldness is a powerful reminder that God often calls us to tasks that seem beyond our capabilities. When Nehemiah felt the burden for the broken walls of Jerusalem, it birthed a vision that required boldness to approach the king for resources. His story teaches us that when we step out in faith, God meets us with the resources and support we need. This boldness is not about self-confidence but about trusting in God's provision and timing. As we carry our burdens, we are invited to transform them into bold actions, trusting that God will provide the way forward. [39:01]

"And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14b, ESV)

Reflection: What burden has God placed on your heart, and how can you take a bold step of faith today to address it?


Day 3: The Necessity of Thoughtful Planning
Before Nehemiah began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he took time to plan and assess the situation. This highlights the importance of thoughtful preparation and seeking God's guidance in our endeavors. Planning is not just a practical step but a spiritual discipline that aligns our actions with God's will. By taking the time to understand the scope of our tasks and develop a strategy, we invite God's wisdom into our plans. This process of planning is an act of faith, trusting that God will guide us in every step of our journey. [42:08]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pause and seek God's guidance in planning your next steps?


Day 4: Conviction in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah's unwavering conviction in God's promise of success empowered him to overcome opposition. His story reminds us that our faith must be rooted in the belief that God is with us in our endeavors. Conviction is not merely a feeling but a steadfast trust in God's promises, even when faced with challenges. This conviction inspires us to persevere, knowing that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. As we face opposition, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting that God will grant us success. [46:38]

"Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 31:24, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stand firm in your conviction, trusting that God will see you through?


Day 5: The Power of Collective Effort
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls required the collective effort of many, each playing a vital role. This is a call for all of us to find our place in the work God is doing, recognizing that every contribution matters. Building a community that reflects God's love and purpose is a shared responsibility. Each person's unique gifts and talents are essential to the growth and impact of the community. As we come together, we are reminded that we are stronger and more effective when we work in unity, each contributing to the greater good. [50:44]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the community and the work God is doing around you today?

Quotes

"everybody's a theologian whether they realize it or not and everybody does theology in the real world as they talk about God and how God relates their life and all the things that they're dealing with but many of us feel like we're not theologians we feel like hey listen I've got got like very little understanding about the Bible and so if you want to get stronger in your understanding of God and theology I have this great book that I just want to put in front of you you are a theologian by Jen Wilkin and JT English this is a great book that will help everybody who's a follower of Jesus have a deeper understanding about the theological underpinnings of the gospel and what it looks like to follow Jesus answer some hard questions that some of us have been asking about God and how the world works and if you want to go deeper this is a great book for you And" [00:14:23] (43 seconds)


"Have you ever felt that way? We're like, man, the moment is too big. The job is too big. The calling is too big. Maybe you felt that way when you held your child for the first time. You're like, oh man, this life. God, keep this baby alive. And then teach it to read, eventually to drive and be a fully functioning human. The job is too big for me. I remember feeling that way when I started my PhD work. Listen, I was like an accidental PhD student." [00:37:00] (32 seconds)


"And Nehemiah begins to have a burden. He has a vision that is birthed in a burden, which is where all vision ultimately starts, right? You begin to have a burden. You start saying, there must be change. And Nehemiah heard that the walls of the city of Jerusalem were in ruins. They had been burned by fire. And worship was not flourishing in the city of Jerusalem. Some of the Jews had returned to rebuild the temple. They had returned to settle the land." [00:39:06] (31 seconds)


"Last week we saw where we must move from burden to boldness. Where Nehemiah started going, nope, it's not just enough to have a burden for the city. I need to have boldness. And he tells the king his desire and asks the king to send him back to rebuild the walls. And to his surprise, the king says that's a great idea and helps him move back to Jerusalem, gives him letters for safe passage, gives him letters for the supplies that he needs, and even gives him soldiers to go do the work. So Nehemiah now comes into Jerusalem where our story begins." [00:40:07] (39 seconds)


"Nehemiah says this to the people. He gathers them together. And he says to them, You see the trouble we are in? Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned. Come, let us rebuild Jerusalem's walls so that we will no longer be a disgrace. And I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. And they said, let's start rebuilding. And their hands are strengthened." [00:45:59] (30 seconds)


"Nehemiah says, God is going to do it. He will give us success. And we will start building. And you won't get to be a part of it. Because you're not willing to follow along with what God wants to do. See, at some point in your journey as a Christian, you have to have conviction about what God wants to do through your life. You know, a lot of us watch other people do spiritual things. And we go, man, I'm so glad they have conviction. But at some point, we have to have conviction that God wants to build something through our life and do something, even if it's too big for us." [00:49:06] (43 seconds)


"Because here's the third thing you need to hear, is that building will take everybody. Building takes everybody. Not just a few people. Nehemiah could not build the wall by himself. It was too big. His soldiers couldn't build the wall. It took everybody to rebuild the wall. And I want to take you through some of their stories. You know, sometimes when you hear certain parts of the Bible, you just kind of skip over them because, like, all the names and all the stories kind of blend together." [00:51:02] (30 seconds)


"In fact, here you find a list of names of people who actually say, we're moving from boldness to building. I want to show you a picture of, like, their names. This is the passage of Scripture. And here are the names of the people and the groups of people who built. Now, I say groups of people because you can just see this right here. Look at verse 3. It says, The sons of Hassanah. Like, that's a fascinating name. Like, the sons of Hassanah. I have no idea how many of those sons there were." [00:52:04] (27 seconds)


"And what you're going to find as we do this campaign is you're going to see your spiritual leaders rise up and lead. I've been so encouraged to hear the leaders in this church already say we want to rebuild the walls of First Baptist. And without prompting our deacons came to me and said we want to lead the way. I'm so proud of you men. You said we want to be the families to say we're going to put our pledges in first. We're going to we're going to step into this. We want to lead because we see the burden and we want to be bold and we want to build." [00:55:14] (31 seconds)


"Again it's going to take all of us to be a part of this journey. It's not just a few. It's not just the leaders. It's even our kids being a part of what we're doing. What we're doing in this moment is we're telling our children what it looks like to follow God and build God's kingdom. It is a discipleship moment not simply a building moment. Third there's a guy and if you guys skip down to verse um if you guys skip down to verse 14 you find a man named Malkiljah the son of Rahab." [00:56:38] (33 seconds)


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