Rebuilding Lives Through Honest Truth and God's Love
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. My name is Drew, and I'm one of the pastors here. I'm delighted that you've joined us today. Let's start with a bit of fun—high-five your neighbor and say, "Let's go Knicks!" and "Let's go Rangers!" Now, let's dive into our message series on the book of Nehemiah, a historical figure who comes to us at a pivotal time in the history of Israel. Nehemiah's story is set during the exile period, a time when Jerusalem was plundered and destroyed, and its people were exiled to Babylon. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, is burdened with the task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
Nehemiah's journey begins with a heartfelt prayer to God, seeking favor from the king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. Miraculously, the king grants his request. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah takes a few days to assess the situation. He goes out at night to examine the walls and gates, which have been destroyed by fire. The devastation is overwhelming, much like the aftermath of 9/11 in New York City. Nehemiah's first step as a leader is to define reality. He doesn't sugarcoat the situation; he presents it as it is—Jerusalem lies in ruins.
This honest assessment is crucial. Spirituality, at its core, is about defining reality. Nehemiah's approach is reminiscent of the 12-step movement in Alcoholics Anonymous, which also emphasizes the importance of admitting the truth. The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that we are powerless over our addictions and that our lives have become unmanageable. This step is incredibly difficult but essential for transformation.
Nehemiah's honesty inspires the people. He tells them, "You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire." But he doesn't stop there. He rallies the people, saying, "Let's rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." The people respond with a resounding, "Let us start rebuilding." Nehemiah anchors this vision of rebuilding in the belief that "the God of heaven will give us success."
The Christian message is similar. We are more sinful than we dare to believe, but we are also more loved than we dare to hope. Jesus came to live and die on our behalf, offering us a love that we could never earn or achieve on our own. This love sets us free and empowers us to rebuild our lives.
In my own life, I've experienced the power of admitting the truth. Growing up in a household with a violent father, I vowed never to be like him. Yet, there have been moments in my marriage where I lost control and raised my voice, causing pain to my wife, Tina. Admitting my faults and asking for forgiveness has been a humbling but transformative experience.
The 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous offer a roadmap for this kind of transformation. Steps like making a searching and fearless moral inventory, admitting the exact nature of our wrongs, and making amends to those we've hurt are all about living in the truth. These steps are deeply rooted in Christian principles and can lead to profound personal change.
In conclusion, whether it's Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem or us rebuilding our lives, the first step is always to define reality. Admit the truth, no matter how painful it is. Only then can we begin the process of rebuilding, anchored in the love and strength of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Defining Reality is the First Step: Nehemiah's first act upon arriving in Jerusalem was to assess the true state of the city. He didn't sugarcoat the devastation; he presented it as it was. This teaches us that spirituality begins with an honest assessment of our situation. Only by confronting the truth can we start the journey toward healing and rebuilding. [00:56]
2. The Power of Admission: The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that we are powerless over our addictions and that our lives have become unmanageable. This admission is crucial for transformation. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, admitting our sins and weaknesses is the first step toward receiving God's grace and love. [11:16]
3. Honesty Leads to Healing: Nehemiah's honest assessment of Jerusalem's ruins inspired the people to rebuild. In our lives, honesty about our faults and failures can lead to healing and transformation. The 12 steps emphasize the importance of making a searching and fearless moral inventory and admitting the exact nature of our wrongs. [16:27]
4. The Role of Forgiveness: Admitting our faults is not enough; we must also seek forgiveness. In my own marriage, writing a letter of apology to my wife for my outbursts was a humbling but necessary step. Forgiveness allows us to move forward and rebuild relationships that have been damaged. [21:23]
5. God's Love Empowers Us to Rebuild: The Christian message is that we are more sinful than we dare to believe, but also more loved than we dare to hope. Jesus' love sets us free and empowers us to rebuild our lives. Nehemiah anchored his vision of rebuilding in the belief that "the God of heaven will give us success." Similarly, we must trust in God's love and strength as we work to rebuild our lives. [29:15]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[01:54] - Nehemiah's Mission
[02:44] - Assessing the Ruins
[04:24] - Defining Reality
[08:12] - The Importance of Truth
[09:25] - The 12-Step Movement
[10:00] - The 12 Steps Explained
[11:16] - The Power of Admission
[13:49] - Steps Toward Transformation
[16:27] - The Role of Honesty
[18:12] - Marriage and Forgiveness
[19:12] - Personal Story of Forgiveness
[21:23] - Writing a Forgiveness Letter
[25:21] - Living in the Truth
[27:02] - Rebuilding with God's Help
[29:15] - The Christian Message
[30:25] - Admitting Powerlessness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (Nehemiah's assessment of Jerusalem's ruins and his call to rebuild)
2. John 8:32 (Jesus on the truth setting us free)
3. James 5:16 (Confessing sins to one another for healing)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon seeing the ruins of Jerusalem? How did he communicate this to the people? ([05:22])
2. According to the sermon, what is the first responsibility of a leader, as demonstrated by Nehemiah? ([07:38])
3. How does the 12-step program's first step relate to Nehemiah's approach to rebuilding Jerusalem? ([11:16])
4. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the importance of admitting faults and seeking forgiveness? ([19:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Nehemiah to give an honest assessment of Jerusalem's condition before starting the rebuilding process? How does this relate to our spiritual lives? ([06:08])
2. How does Jesus' statement in John 8:32, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," apply to the process of personal transformation discussed in the sermon? ([06:57])
3. In what ways do the steps of the 12-step program reflect Christian principles, and how can they lead to personal transformation? ([10:34])
4. How does the pastor's personal story about his marriage illustrate the role of honesty and forgiveness in rebuilding relationships? ([21:23])
#### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah defined reality by honestly assessing the ruins of Jerusalem. What areas of your life need an honest assessment, and how can you begin this process? ([05:22])
2. The first step in the 12-step program is to admit powerlessness over our addictions. Is there an area in your life where you need to admit powerlessness and seek help? ([11:16])
3. Jesus said, "The truth will set you free." What truth do you need to confront in your life to experience freedom? How can you take the first step this week? ([06:57])
4. The pastor shared a personal story about seeking forgiveness from his wife. Is there someone in your life you need to seek forgiveness from? What steps can you take to write a letter or have a conversation to ask for forgiveness? ([21:23])
5. Nehemiah rallied the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. What vision or goal do you need to rally others around in your life, and how can you anchor this vision in God's strength? ([27:02])
6. The Christian message is that we are more sinful than we dare to believe but also more loved than we dare to hope. How does this message impact your view of yourself and your relationship with God? ([29:15])
7. Reflecting on the pastor's story about his marriage, how can you practice humility and honesty in your relationships this week to foster healing and growth? ([21:23])
Devotional
### Day 1: Defining Reality is the First Step
Nehemiah's first act upon arriving in Jerusalem was to assess the true state of the city. He didn't sugarcoat the devastation; he presented it as it was. This teaches us that spirituality begins with an honest assessment of our situation. Only by confronting the truth can we start the journey toward healing and rebuilding. Nehemiah's approach is reminiscent of the 12-step movement in Alcoholics Anonymous, which also emphasizes the importance of admitting the truth. The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that we are powerless over our addictions and that our lives have become unmanageable. This step is incredibly difficult but essential for transformation. [00:56]
Nehemiah 2:13-15 (ESV): "I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned."
Reflection: What area of your life have you been avoiding to confront honestly? Take a moment to assess this area truthfully and ask God for the courage to face it.
### Day 2: The Power of Admission
The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that we are powerless over our addictions and that our lives have become unmanageable. This admission is crucial for transformation. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, admitting our sins and weaknesses is the first step toward receiving God's grace and love. Nehemiah's honesty about the state of Jerusalem inspired the people to take action. In our lives, admitting our faults and weaknesses can lead to profound personal change and spiritual growth. [11:16]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What is one sin or weakness you need to admit today? Consider sharing it with a trusted friend or mentor and ask for their prayers.
### Day 3: Honesty Leads to Healing
Nehemiah's honest assessment of Jerusalem's ruins inspired the people to rebuild. In our lives, honesty about our faults and failures can lead to healing and transformation. The 12 steps emphasize the importance of making a searching and fearless moral inventory and admitting the exact nature of our wrongs. This kind of honesty is not easy, but it is necessary for true healing and growth. [16:27]
Proverbs 28:13 (ESV): "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."
Reflection: Take a moment to make a moral inventory of your life. What are some areas where you need to be more honest with yourself and others?
### Day 4: The Role of Forgiveness
Admitting our faults is not enough; we must also seek forgiveness. In personal relationships, seeking forgiveness can be a humbling but necessary step. Forgiveness allows us to move forward and rebuild relationships that have been damaged. In the same way, seeking God's forgiveness is essential for spiritual renewal. Nehemiah's story reminds us that rebuilding starts with an honest assessment and is sustained by seeking and granting forgiveness. [21:23]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from. Can you take a step today to initiate that process?
### Day 5: God's Love Empowers Us to Rebuild
The Christian message is that we are more sinful than we dare to believe, but also more loved than we dare to hope. Jesus' love sets us free and empowers us to rebuild our lives. Nehemiah anchored his vision of rebuilding in the belief that "the God of heaven will give us success." Similarly, we must trust in God's love and strength as we work to rebuild our lives. This divine love and support are what make true transformation possible. [29:15]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: How can you anchor your efforts to rebuild your life in the love and strength of God? What practical steps can you take today to rely more on His love and less on your own strength?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Pete Scazzaro is one of my mentors. He has this phrase where he says the truth will set you free but first it will make you miserable. I mean, isn't that true? Like, anyone who's been on this journey of sobriety it's those first few days where it feels like that first day feels like an eternity. But if we can just string together enough days if we can just continue to live in the truth. Not to be so deluded about ourselves but to actually live the truth." [25:21]
2. "It's to get people rallied up, and to inspire people. But actually, he says, actually the first step of any kind of leader, and here's what Nehemiah does, is he's actually defining reality. He's actually able to assess, this is what really is. This is the pain and the predicament that we find ourselves in. Our place is in ruins. The fires have destroyed everything. This is where we are. Now again, I think this is something that I actually really appreciate. It's so different than what I would have expected, because I would expect Nehemiah to put on this happy face, to not bring down people's moods. But here he is, and he just examines, and he's taking an inventory of what is true and what is real." [08:12]
3. "Finally, after a couple months, I decided to just go to the area in Lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center was just to witness it and to pray and to see someone and to volunteer for different things. Different relief efforts that were happening down there. I remember upon getting out of the subway and going there for the first time, sections were sectioned off because the rubble was just so massive. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with grief and sadness. I think to actually witness the rubble, it was something altogether different to see what was happening there, to see how bad it really was." [04:24]
4. "Now, here's what I'd love for you to do. If you're not a Christian, here's what I believe. I believe you're going to read these 12 steps and be like, these are some powerful truths, if in fact they were embodied in someone's life. Now, if you are a Christian, here's what I think you'll be stunned by. You'll realize like, wow, I can see the Christian undertones for sure." [10:34]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Nehemiah, when he's in Jerusalem he's taking a fearless and searching inventory of what's happening. He examines what needs to be examined and look at what he says. He says, you see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and the gates have been burned with fire. He gives it to them straight. This is what he starts with. You know what I love about this? Look at what he says immediately after this. Now that we've admitted this let's rebuild. Let's rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace. Let's rebuild what has been broken and ruined. Let's do this together. And together they said let us rebuild. Let us start rebuilding." [25:54]
2. "It's almost like the ruins are so bad that the only thing he can do is just give this honest assessment of like, hey, you all see it, we all see it. Let's basically define reality right now. This place is in shambles. It's in ruins. It's been destroyed by fire. Now, one of the things I really appreciate about kind of this report of the first thing that Nehemiah does when he enters into Jerusalem, and especially as New Yorkers, I think we appreciate this, right? He just gives it straight. He takes the time to examine. He's not going to sugarcoat anything. He's not going to put this bubble wrap around stuff and be like, hey, look at what God has given to us, this opportunity before us. He doesn't give this rallying cry to begin. Instead, what he does, is he begins to examine, he begins to assess, and he begins to define how bad it really is." [06:08]
3. "It's to get people rallied up, and to inspire people. But actually, he says, actually the first step of any kind of leader, and here's what Nehemiah does, is he's actually defining reality. He's actually able to assess, this is what really is. This is the pain and the predicament that we find ourselves in. Our place is in ruins. The fires have destroyed everything. This is where we are. Now again, I think this is something that I actually really appreciate. It's so different than what I would have expected, because I would expect Nehemiah to put on this happy face, to not bring down people's moods. But here he is, and he just examines, and he's taking an inventory of what is true and what is real." [08:12]
4. "It's to get people rallied up, and to inspire people. But actually, he says, actually the first step of any kind of leader, and here's what Nehemiah does, is he's actually defining reality. He's actually able to assess, this is what really is. This is the pain and the predicament that we find ourselves in. Our place is in ruins. The fires have destroyed everything. This is where we are. Now again, I think this is something that I actually really appreciate. It's so different than what I would have expected, because I would expect Nehemiah to put on this happy face, to not bring down people's moods. But here he is, and he just examines, and he's taking an inventory of what is true and what is real." [08:12]
5. "It's to get people rallied up, and to inspire people. But actually, he says, actually the first step of any kind of leader, and here's what Nehemiah does, is he's actually defining reality. He's actually able to assess, this is what really is. This is the pain and the predicament that we find ourselves in. Our place is in ruins. The fires have destroyed everything. This is where we are. Now again, I think this is something that I actually really appreciate. It's so different than what I would have expected, because I would expect Nehemiah to put on this happy face, to not bring down people's moods. But here he is, and he just examines, and he's taking an inventory of what is true and what is real." [08:12]
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