Overcoming Resistance: Nehemiah's Blueprint for Faithful Living

 

Summary

In our journey through the book of Nehemiah, we have been reminded of the power of God's calling and the inevitable resistance that arises when we pursue His purposes. As we delve into chapters four and six, we encounter the raw reality of opposition that Nehemiah and the Jewish people faced as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. This resistance is not unique to them; it is a shared experience for all who dare to do great things for God.

Nehemiah's story teaches us that when we step out in faith, we must be prepared for resistance. It comes in various forms: disruption, demoralization, dismay, and distraction. Yet, Nehemiah's response to each of these challenges provides us with a blueprint for overcoming the obstacles we face in our spiritual journey.

Firstly, Nehemiah understood that the battle was not his alone; it belonged to the Lord. He rallied the people to remember that God was fighting for them. This truth fortified their resolve and enabled them to continue the work despite the opposition.

Secondly, Nehemiah expected casualties. He knew that the path of obedience to God's call could lead to loss—of friends, of comfort, of reputation. Yet, he also knew that enduring to the end was paramount, for those who remained steadfast would see the salvation of the Lord.

Thirdly, Nehemiah stayed on target. He refused to be distracted or discouraged by the attacks, whether they came from external enemies or internal dissenters. His focus remained on the task God had set before him, and he pressed forward with unwavering commitment.

The story of Nehemiah is not just a historical account; it is a narrative that resonates with our own experiences as believers. We, too, face resistance when we commit to living out God's call. But like Nehemiah, we are called to remember who fights for us, to expect and endure through the casualties, and to stay focused on the mission.

Key Takeaways:

- Resistance is a confirmation of our investment in God's work. When we face opposition, it is often a sign that we are doing something significant for the Kingdom. Let us take heart in knowing that the challenges we encounter are indicators of our commitment to God's purposes. [01:04:59]

- The presence of resistance in our lives requires us to be both practical and spiritual in our approach. Like Nehemiah, we must prepare for opposition by being wise as serpents and innocent as doves, trusting in God's provision and protection while also taking prudent steps to safeguard the work He has entrusted to us. [01:03:59]

- Overcoming resistance leads to reward. The trials we endure in the pursuit of God's calling are not in vain. They refine us and lead to a greater experience of God's faithfulness and blessing. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [01:10:33]

- The call to action is not just for a select few; it is for every believer. We are all called to be agents of change, to make a difference in our neighborhoods and beyond. Our lives should be marked by a holy discontent with the status quo, driving us to live out the radical, transformative gospel of Christ. [01:09:31]

- The story of Nehemiah reminds us that God is intimately involved in our struggles and that He is more than capable of carrying us through. When we face resistance, let us turn to Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, and find strength in His unchanging character and promises. [01:13:03]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 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!'"

2. Nehemiah 6:9 (ESV)
> "For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."

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. What were the different forms of resistance that Nehemiah and the Jewish people faced while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem? ([52:35])
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the mockery and threats from Sanballat and Tobiah? ([48:01])
3. What practical steps did Nehemiah take to prepare for the resistance they faced? ([01:02:01])
4. According to the sermon, what does resistance indicate about our commitment to God's work? ([01:04:39])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah emphasized that the battle belonged to the Lord? How did this belief impact the people's resolve? ([01:04:01])
2. In what ways can the resistance we face in our spiritual journey refine us and lead to a greater experience of God's faithfulness? ([01:10:33])
3. How does the story of Nehemiah illustrate the importance of staying focused on God's mission despite opposition? ([01:09:01])
4. What might be some modern-day examples of the types of resistance Nehemiah faced, such as disruption, demoralization, dismay, and distraction? ([52:35])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced resistance while trying to follow God's call. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:04:39])
2. Nehemiah expected casualties in the pursuit of God's call. Are there areas in your life where you need to prepare for potential losses to stay obedient to God's mission? ([01:07:27])
3. How can you remind yourself daily that the battle belongs to the Lord, especially when facing significant challenges? ([01:04:01])
4. Identify a specific distraction in your life that is hindering your focus on God's mission. What steps can you take this week to minimize or eliminate that distraction? ([01:09:01])
5. Nehemiah prepared both practically and spiritually for resistance. What practical and spiritual preparations can you make to better handle opposition in your spiritual journey? ([01:02:01])
6. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church who are facing resistance in their spiritual walk? ([01:13:45])
7. Think of a person or situation that has been a source of resistance in your life. How can you approach this with a mindset that sees resistance as confirmation of your investment in God's work? ([01:04:39])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Resistance as Divine Confirmation
Resistance in our spiritual walk is not a sign of failure but a confirmation of our commitment to God's work. When we encounter opposition, it can be tempting to question our path or to feel discouraged. However, it is in these moments that we must remember that significant endeavors for the Kingdom will inevitably face challenges. This resistance is a testament to the importance of the work being done and should serve as an encouragement to persevere. The very presence of obstacles is an indicator that we are engaging in efforts that have the potential to bring about substantial change and growth, both in ourselves and in the world around us. Let us take heart and find solace in the fact that the resistance we face is a part of the journey of faith, a journey that is marked by the assurance of God's ultimate victory. [07:40]

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake," (Philippians 1:29 ESV).

Reflection: How can the resistance you're currently facing be seen as a sign of your commitment to God's purposes, and how might this perspective change your response to it?

Day 2: Balancing Practical Wisdom with Spiritual Trust
Facing resistance requires a dual approach: practical wisdom and spiritual trust. Like Nehemiah, we must be strategic and shrewd in our actions, anticipating opposition and taking steps to protect the work God has entrusted to us. This means being vigilant, prepared, and proactive in the face of potential threats. At the same time, we must lean into our faith, trusting in God's provision and protection. It is a delicate balance of doing our part while depending on God to do what only He can do. This approach allows us to navigate the complexities of opposition with both intelligence and integrity, ensuring that our efforts are not only effective but also aligned with God's will. [01:03:59]

"But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV).

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to protect the work God has given you, and how can you simultaneously deepen your trust in His protection?

Day 3: Perseverance Through Trials Leads to Divine Reward
The trials and resistance we face while pursuing God's calling are not without purpose. They serve to refine us, to strengthen our faith, and to prepare us for the rewards that come with faithfulness. As we endure through challenges, we gain a deeper experience of God's faithfulness and a greater appreciation for His blessings. It is through perseverance that we come to see the fruits of our labor, the harvest that is promised to those who do not give up. This understanding can transform our perspective on suffering, allowing us to embrace it as a necessary part of our spiritual growth and as a precursor to the joy that awaits us. [01:10:33]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9 ESV).

Reflection: Reflect on a time when perseverance through a trial led to a greater experience of God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you in your current struggles?

Day 4: Called to Be Agents of Change Everywhere
The call to action is not reserved for a select few; it is a mandate for every believer. We are all called to be agents of change, to impact our immediate surroundings and the world at large. This means embracing a holy discontent with the status quo and allowing the radical nature of the gospel to transform our lives and actions. Our daily lives should reflect a commitment to living out the transformative power of Christ's love, seeking to make a difference in every interaction and every endeavor. This call to action is an invitation to step into our God-given potential and to participate in the unfolding of His Kingdom on earth. [01:09:31]

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

Reflection: What is one specific way you can act as an agent of change in your community this week, and how does this align with the transformative power of the gospel?

Day 5: Finding Strength in God's Unchanging Nature
When we face resistance, it is crucial to turn to God, the author and perfecter of our faith. Nehemiah's story reminds us that God is intimately involved in our struggles and that His character and promises are unchanging. In the midst of opposition, we can find strength and comfort in His presence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. This assurance allows us to face challenges with confidence, not because of our own abilities, but because of who God is and what He has promised to do. Let us draw near to Him in times of resistance, and find our courage and resolve in His steadfast love and faithfulness. [01:13:03]

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 ESV).

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to lean more into God's unchanging character and promises, and how can this reliance on Him provide strength in the face of resistance?

Quotes

- "Remember whose fight it is. Ultimately most resistance, if not all, is spiritual in nature. Nehemiah knew this was more than just a bunch of people flexing." [01:06:29] (Download | )

- "Expect casualties. When I choose to get serious about a walk with Christ, I am going to lose friends." [01:07:29] (Download | )

- "Stay on target. Nehemiah did not lose sight of what God had called him to. He believed and knew God's hand of blessing was on him." [01:08:59] (Download | )

- "Overcoming resistance leads to reward. Resistance is fruitful if you can overcome it with the power of God." [01:10:33] (Download | )

- "What if the resistance you are experiencing right now is God's confirmation that you're doing the right thing?" [01:13:03] (Download | )

- "A believer tested is a believer invested. If you are facing resistance for being faithful to what God has called you to, then it's a good indicator that you're invested." [01:04:59] (Download | )

- "If we get serious as a church about doing not just talking about but doing what God calls us to do, you're going to be resisted." [01:05:59] (Download | )

- "Sometimes the attack comes from the inside. People help you lose perspective about what God is doing." [01:01:29] (Download | )

- "They prepared to meet resistance head-on. They were not messing around. There's two ways that they prepared: first off was physically." [01:01:59] (Download | )

- "If a believer is not being tested, if a church is not being tested, there is no difficulty, maybe we need to evaluate how invested we are in the mission." [01:04:59] (Download | )

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Transcript
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