Rebuilding Together: Embracing God's Call to Serve

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound lessons from the book of Nehemiah, focusing on the theme "Build Back Better, God's Way." This series has been a journey through understanding the biblical principles necessary for rebuilding what has been broken, not just physically but spiritually and communally.

We began by setting the stage with Nehemiah's role as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, highlighting his deep burden upon learning about the destruction of Jerusalem. His response—mourning, fasting, and praying—underscores the seriousness with which he approached this divine calling. His interaction with the king, who not only permitted but supported his mission with resources and protection, exemplifies how God prepares the path when we are aligned with His will.

As we moved into Nehemiah chapter 3, the focus shifted to the actual rebuilding of the wall. This chapter, though filled with names and assignments, reveals the communal effort in the restoration work. Every individual, regardless of their usual profession, contributed to the work. This inclusivity and diversity in skills highlight a key point: God uses all willing hearts, not just those who are seemingly qualified.

The sermon emphasized the importance of availability over ability. God's call is for availability, a willingness to serve and be used, despite our perceived inadequacies or lack of skills. This was vividly illustrated through the diverse group of people who came together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem—each person, from priests to perfume-makers, played a pivotal role.

We also explored the spiritual implications of rebuilding the walls, particularly the gaps that represent vulnerabilities to spiritual attacks in our lives. Just as the people of Jerusalem repaired the physical breaches in the wall, we too are called to mend the spiritual breaches that leave us exposed to the enemy's schemes.

Finally, the sermon called for a personal and communal reflection on our availability to God's work. Are we setting aside our disabilities and excuses, making ourselves truly available for God's purposes? This challenge was laid before the congregation, urging each one to consider how they might actively participate in God's restorative work, not just within the church walls but in their personal lives and communities.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Communal Effort in God's Work - Nehemiah's story is a powerful reminder that significant accomplishments in God's kingdom often require communal effort. Each individual's contribution, regardless of their background or skills, is vital. This teaches us the importance of unity and diversity in achieving God's purposes. [52:57]

2. Availability Over Ability - God's primary requirement is not our ability but our availability. This principle encourages us to offer ourselves to God as we are, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks He assigns us. This mindset shift can lead to significant spiritual growth and fulfillment in our service to God. [46:18]

3. Spiritual Vigilance in Personal and Communal Spaces - The act of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem serves as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance. We must be diligent in identifying and fortifying the gaps in our spiritual lives that could give the enemy a foothold, thereby protecting not only ourselves but also our communities. [58:55]

4. Consecration in Rebuilding - Any act of building, especially in a spiritual context, must be consecrated to God. This means dedicating every effort and every outcome to Him, ensuring that our works are not just for personal or communal benefit but for the glory of God. This consecration sets the foundation for blessed and sustained success. [01:01:16]

5. The Legacy of Faithful Service - Nehemiah's legacy was not just in the physical walls he helped to rebuild but in his example of faithful service to God. We are reminded that our true legacy will be measured by our faithfulness to God's call, our willingness to serve, and the spiritual impact we have on others. [01:06:00]

### Chapters

0:00 - Welcome
0:25:13 - Introduction to Nehemiah's Story
0:29:08 - Nehemiah's Burden and King's Support
0:31:14 - The Call to Rebuild
0:34:07 - The Communal Work Begins
0:38:08 - Diversity in God's Service
0:44:44 - Addressing Personal Disabilities
0:52:27 - The Challenge of Unfamiliar Tasks
0:58:06 - Rebuilding Close to Home
1:01:16 - Consecration of the Work
1:04:15 - Legacy of Faithful Service

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 3:1-11
2. Matthew 7:24-27
3. James 4:4

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the destruction of Jerusalem? How did he respond to this burden? [28:16]
2. In Nehemiah 3:1-11, what types of people were involved in the rebuilding of the wall? What does this diversity tell us about God's use of different individuals?
3. According to the sermon, what is more important to God: our abilities or our availability? Provide examples from the sermon to support your answer. [41:12]
4. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:24-27 relate to the theme of building back better, God's way?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah spent four months praying before approaching King Artaxerxes? What does this teach us about the importance of preparation and seeking God's guidance? [28:16]
2. How does the communal effort in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem reflect the importance of unity and diversity in achieving God's purposes? [38:08]
3. What does James 4:4 mean when it says that friendship with the world is enmity with God? How does this concept apply to the idea of being available for God's work? [48:14]
4. How can the act of consecrating our efforts to God, as seen in Nehemiah 3:1, impact the success and spiritual significance of our work?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a burden similar to Nehemiah's. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Nehemiah's example of mourning, fasting, and praying? [28:16]
2. In what ways can you contribute to your church or community, even if you feel unqualified or lacking in specific skills? How does the sermon challenge you to rethink your availability? [41:12]
3. Identify any "gaps" in your spiritual life that might leave you vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. What steps can you take to fortify these areas, both personally and communally? [58:55]
4. How can you consecrate your daily tasks and efforts to God, ensuring that your work is dedicated to His glory? What practical steps can you take to make this a regular practice? [01:01:16]
5. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. How can you ensure that your legacy is one of faithful service to God, similar to Nehemiah's? What changes might you need to make in your life to achieve this? [01:06:00]
6. Are there areas in your life where you have allowed busyness or other priorities to disable you from serving God effectively? How can you realign your priorities to be more available for God's work? [44:44]
7. How can you encourage and support others in your church or community to get involved in God's work, especially those who might feel unqualified or hesitant? What role can you play in fostering a culture of availability over ability? [38:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity and Diversity in God's Kingdom
In the story of Nehemiah, we see a vivid demonstration of how significant accomplishments in God's kingdom often require the collective effort of many individuals, each bringing their unique skills and backgrounds to the table. This unity in diversity is not just a strategy but a divine principle that underpins the way God orchestrates His work through us. When everyone, from priests to perfume-makers, contributes to a common goal, the result is a stronger, more resilient structure—both physically and spiritually. This principle is crucial in understanding how we, as a church and community, can achieve more when we work together, respecting and valuing each individual's contribution. [52:57]

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: Consider your unique talents and abilities. How can you actively contribute these to a community project or church initiative this week?

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Day 2: Embracing God's Call with Openness
The emphasis on availability over ability in Nehemiah's story teaches us that God values a willing heart more than perfect skills or qualifications. This principle encourages us to step forward in faith, offering ourselves to God as we are, trusting that He will equip us for the tasks He assigns. This mindset not only fosters a deeper dependence on God but also opens us up to unexpected opportunities for service and spiritual growth. When we make ourselves available, God moves in to do the extraordinary through the ordinary. [46:18]

1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;"

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you offer these areas to God this week, trusting Him to work through your availability?

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Day 3: Guarding Against Spiritual Complacency
The act of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual vigilance. Just as the physical breaches in the wall needed urgent repair to protect the city, the gaps in our spiritual lives require our attention to prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold. This takeaway calls us to be proactive in identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, thereby safeguarding not only ourselves but also our communities from spiritual decay. [58:55]

Nehemiah 4:17 (ESV): "Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other."

Reflection: Identify a "gap" in your spiritual life that could make you vulnerable. What practical steps can you take this week to begin fortifying this area?

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Day 4: Consecrating Our Efforts to God
In any act of building or rebuilding, especially within a spiritual context, it is crucial that every effort and outcome be consecrated to God. This dedication ensures that our endeavors are not merely for personal or communal benefit but are aligned with God's greater purpose and glory. By setting this foundation, we invite God's presence and blessing into our work, leading to sustained success and impact. [01:01:16]

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: What is one project or activity you are involved in that needs to be consecrated to God? How can you dedicate this work to Him this week?

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Day 5: Building a Legacy of Faithful Service
Nehemiah's legacy was not merely in the physical structures he helped to erect but in his example of faithful service to God. This challenges us to consider how our actions and service contribute to a lasting spiritual legacy. Our true legacy will be measured by our faithfulness to God's call, our willingness to serve, and the spiritual impact we have on others. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary achievements to eternal significance. [01:06:00]

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV): "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."

Reflection: Reflect on the legacy you are currently building. What changes can you make to ensure it aligns more closely with God's call on your life?

Quotes

"When building back better, God doesn't require your ability. He only requires your availability. You see, because if you think you have all these abilities that God can use, 99% of the time, you know who's gonna get the glory for what we do? Me." [40:27]( | | )

"I'm not worried about you being able. I want to know that you are available. Because I can tell you something. Jesus Christ made himself available to his Father on your behalf. Can you make yourself available to him on his behalf?" [51:49]( | | )

"When building back better, we will be challenged to perform tasks that we are not gifted in. You know, we see that all through scripture. We see God working in and through people that aren't specifically gifted or naturally gifted to do something." [52:57]( | | )

"He's not concerned about your abilities. He's always been concerned about your availability. Are you available to serve God, to be that instrument, that vessel that he has called you to be this day?" [46:18]( | | )

"Live a life that will leave a lasting legacy. Not the legacy that, you were the best wife or the best husband or that you had the best business or made the most money or owned the most land or caught the biggest bass or shot the biggest buck or killed the most ducks or whatever it is." [01:05:05]( | | )

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