Restoration Through Ordinary People: Nehemiah's Example
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to the 11 o'clock service at First Baptist Church. Today, we are beginning a new four-week series on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was an ordinary man, a cupbearer to the king, who God used to accomplish extraordinary things. This series will explore how God uses ordinary people to fulfill His purposes, focusing on the themes of restoration and renewal.
Nehemiah's story begins with him hearing about the ruined state of Jerusalem's walls, which deeply troubles him. He responds by sitting down to cry, kneeling down to pray, and then standing up to act. His prayer in Nehemiah 1 is a model for us, acknowledging God's greatness, confessing sins, and asking for God's favor. Nehemiah's willingness to be part of the solution, despite being an ordinary person, is a powerful example of how God can use anyone to bring about significant change.
The physical walls Nehemiah rebuilt symbolize spiritual protection and renewal. Just as Nehemiah saw the need to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, we must recognize areas in our lives, families, and communities that need spiritual restoration. This series will challenge us to identify what needs rebuilding in our lives and to take action, trusting that one ordinary person plus God is more than enough to make a difference.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Uses Ordinary People: Nehemiah was a cupbearer, an ordinary man, yet God used him to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days. This shows that God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. We should never underestimate what God can do through us if we are willing to be used by Him. [33:06]
2. The Importance of Lament: Nehemiah's first response to hearing about Jerusalem's ruined walls was to sit down and cry. This act of lament is crucial as it shows a broken heart for the things that break God's heart. We should allow ourselves to feel deeply and mourn over the brokenness in our lives and the world, as this can lead to genuine action and change. [52:10]
3. Prayer as a Foundation: Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1 is a powerful example of how to approach God in times of need. He acknowledges God's greatness, confesses his sins, and asks for God's favor. This teaches us that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort, and that it should be rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and promises. [55:43]
4. Owning Our Part in the Problem: Nehemiah didn't just blame others for the state of Jerusalem; he confessed his own sins and the sins of his people. This humility and willingness to own our part in the problem is essential for true restoration and reconciliation. It challenges us to look inward and take responsibility for our actions. [01:01:24]
5. Taking Action: After lamenting and praying, Nehemiah stood up to act. He didn't wait for someone else to solve the problem; he took responsibility and sought God's help to be part of the solution. This teaches us that faith without works is dead, and that we must be willing to step out in faith and take action to see God's plans fulfilled. [01:05:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:01] - Introduction of John Shin
[32:40] - God Uses Ordinary People
[33:06] - Examples of Ordinary People in the Bible
[34:41] - Why Study Nehemiah?
[35:03] - The Old Testament Narrative
[40:43] - The Importance of History
[43:42] - Spiritual Implications of Nehemiah
[46:00] - Nehemiah's Popeye Moment
[49:54] - Nehemiah's Prayer
[55:43] - Acknowledging God's Greatness
[01:01:24] - Confessing Our Sins
[01:05:56] - Taking Action
[01:14:03] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:1-11
2. Psalm 51:17
3. Jeremiah 29:11
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the ruined state of Jerusalem's walls? ([46:46])
2. How does Nehemiah begin his prayer in Nehemiah 1:5, and what does this reveal about his view of God?
3. According to the sermon, what does the physical act of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls symbolize? ([44:13])
4. What specific actions did Nehemiah take after lamenting and praying? ([49:54])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Nehemiah, an ordinary cupbearer, was used by God to rebuild Jerusalem's walls? How does this reflect the theme of God using ordinary people? ([34:01])
2. In what ways does Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1 serve as a model for how we should approach God in times of need? ([55:43])
3. How does Nehemiah's willingness to own his part in the problem (confessing his sins and the sins of his people) contribute to the process of restoration and renewal? ([01:01:24])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of taking action after prayer and lament? How does this relate to the concept of faith without works being dead? ([01:05:56])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an ordinary person facing an extraordinary challenge. How did you see God working through you in that situation? ([34:01])
2. Nehemiah's first response to the news about Jerusalem was to sit down and cry. What is something in your life or community that breaks your heart and leads you to lament? ([52:10])
3. Nehemiah's prayer acknowledged God's greatness and confessed sins. How can you incorporate these elements into your own prayer life? ([55:43])
4. Nehemiah took responsibility for his part in the problem. Is there a situation in your life where you need to own your part and seek reconciliation? ([01:01:24])
5. After lamenting and praying, Nehemiah stood up to act. What is one specific action you can take this week to address an area in your life that needs restoration or renewal? ([01:05:56])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of spiritual protection and renewal. Identify one area in your life, family, or community that needs spiritual protection. What steps can you take to address this need? ([44:13])
7. Nehemiah's story shows that one ordinary person plus God is enough to make a difference. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges? ([01:06:18])
Devotional
### Day 1: God Uses Ordinary People
Nehemiah was a cupbearer, an ordinary man, yet God used him to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days. This shows that God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. We should never underestimate what God can do through us if we are willing to be used by Him. [33:06]
Nehemiah's story is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the most unlikely individuals to carry out His plans. Despite his seemingly insignificant position as a cupbearer, Nehemiah was chosen by God to lead a monumental task—the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This task was not just a physical reconstruction but also a symbol of spiritual renewal and protection for the people of Israel. Nehemiah's willingness to step out in faith and take on this challenge demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to achieve His purposes.
This theme encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize that we, too, can be used by God in extraordinary ways. It challenges us to be open and willing to respond to God's call, no matter how ordinary we may feel. When we align ourselves with God's will and trust in His power, we can become instruments of significant change and restoration in our communities and beyond.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (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; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel ordinary or inadequate. How can you offer this area to God and trust Him to use you for His extraordinary purposes?
### Day 2: The Importance of Lament
Nehemiah's first response to hearing about Jerusalem's ruined walls was to sit down and cry. This act of lament is crucial as it shows a broken heart for the things that break God's heart. We should allow ourselves to feel deeply and mourn over the brokenness in our lives and the world, as this can lead to genuine action and change. [52:10]
Lament is an essential but often overlooked aspect of our spiritual lives. Nehemiah's initial reaction to the news of Jerusalem's desolation was to weep and mourn. This deep emotional response reflects a heart that is in tune with God's own sorrow over the brokenness and sin in the world. Lament allows us to process our grief and align our hearts with God's, preparing us for the steps we need to take toward healing and restoration.
In our fast-paced world, we may be tempted to skip over lament and move straight to action. However, taking the time to genuinely mourn the brokenness around us can lead to more profound and meaningful change. It helps us to develop compassion and empathy, driving us to seek God's guidance and strength as we work towards restoration in our lives and communities.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life or community that you need to lament? Spend time in prayer, expressing your sorrow to God and asking for His comfort and guidance.
### Day 3: Prayer as a Foundation
Nehemiah's prayer in chapter 1 is a powerful example of how to approach God in times of need. He acknowledges God's greatness, confesses his sins, and asks for God's favor. This teaches us that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort, and that it should be rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and promises. [55:43]
Prayer is the cornerstone of Nehemiah's response to the crisis in Jerusalem. Before taking any action, Nehemiah turns to God in heartfelt prayer, acknowledging His greatness, confessing his own sins and those of his people, and seeking God's favor and guidance. This model of prayer highlights the importance of approaching God with humility and reverence, recognizing His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
Nehemiah's prayer also underscores the need for a deep understanding of God's character and promises. By grounding his prayer in the knowledge of who God is and what He has promised, Nehemiah demonstrates a faith that is both informed and confident. This teaches us that our prayers should not be mere wishful thinking but should be rooted in the truth of God's Word and His revealed nature.
James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you make prayer your first response in times of need? Consider setting aside a specific time each day to pray, acknowledging God's greatness, confessing your sins, and seeking His guidance.
### Day 4: Owning Our Part in the Problem
Nehemiah didn't just blame others for the state of Jerusalem; he confessed his own sins and the sins of his people. This humility and willingness to own our part in the problem is essential for true restoration and reconciliation. It challenges us to look inward and take responsibility for our actions. [01:01:24]
One of the most striking aspects of Nehemiah's prayer is his willingness to confess not only the sins of his people but also his own. This act of humility and self-examination is crucial for genuine restoration and reconciliation. By acknowledging his own shortcomings and taking responsibility for his part in the problem, Nehemiah sets an example of integrity and accountability.
In our own lives, it can be easy to point fingers and blame others for the issues we face. However, true healing and change begin when we look inward and own our part in the problem. This requires humility and a willingness to confront our own sins and failures. By doing so, we open the door for God's grace and forgiveness to work in us, leading to genuine transformation and renewal.
1 John 1:8-9 (ESV): "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to take responsibility for your actions? Spend time in prayer, confessing your sins to God and asking for His forgiveness and guidance in making things right.
### Day 5: Taking Action
After lamenting and praying, Nehemiah stood up to act. He didn't wait for someone else to solve the problem; he took responsibility and sought God's help to be part of the solution. This teaches us that faith without works is dead, and that we must be willing to step out in faith and take action to see God's plans fulfilled. [01:05:56]
Nehemiah's journey from lament to action is a powerful testament to the importance of combining faith with works. After mourning the state of Jerusalem and seeking God's guidance through prayer, Nehemiah didn't stop there. He took decisive action, leveraging his position and resources to initiate the rebuilding of the city's walls. This proactive approach demonstrates that while prayer and lament are essential, they must be accompanied by tangible steps of faith.
This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where James reminds us that faith without works is dead. True faith compels us to act, to step out in obedience and trust that God will work through our efforts. Nehemiah's example challenges us to move beyond passive faith and become active participants in God's redemptive work in the world.
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to address a need or problem in your life or community? Ask God for the courage and wisdom to step out in faith and take that action.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you know that God can use even someone like you? If you can believe that. You know that? God can use even you. That's right. He does use the gifted and talented. But here's what you need to know. God specializes in using ordinary people." [33:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God loves to use ordinary people. In fact, if you think about it, if you think over the, the Bible, the Bible is full of story of God using ordinary people like fishermen and farmers and shepherds. God uses the stuttering. God uses the stumbling. God uses the reluctant, the choose someone else kind of people. God uses the rejected. God uses teenagers. God uses foreigners. God uses peasants." [33:35] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One ordinary person plus God is enough, right? One ordinary person could be a fisherman, could be a farmer, could be a teenager, could be a kid. One person with God is enough. In fact, the reality is it's more than enough. And that's the story of Nehemiah." [01:06:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is looking for people who will let their hearts be broken, who will drop to their knees, and then stand up to act. Over these next few weeks, I'm so excited for us as a church to start to explore together. Where is that? What needs to be restored in my life? What needs to be made different here in our community, in our church, in our family?" [01:08:22] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The eyes of the Lord range through, out the whole earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." [01:08:45] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So practical answer. Why Nehemiah? Why now? Because it's part of God's story and for the last seven years we've been tracking with that story and when we come to Nehemiah we actually come to the end of the narrative. From here we'll be able to study some of the prophets and there's all kinds of other things for us to study but it's the next and the final chapter in this story." [43:14] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So one of the questions we're going to come back to time and time again over these four weeks is what is God renewing? What does God need to rebuild? What needs revival in your life? What needs revival in this church? Because that's what we see with the rebuilding of the walls that represents restoration and renewal." [45:18] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So he sits down and has this moment and we see that Nehemiah's story is basically the story of an ordinary guy saying, God, I'm open to be used by you and then God uses him to change his world in 52 days. So, what I want to do is as we walk through this chapter is I want to see some ways that God uses ordinary people. There's three things that we're going to see in Nehemiah that if we are going to be the kind of people that God uses these things should be true in our life as well." [49:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So he sits down and he mourns and then he kneels down and prays. And in fact, the rest of Nehemiah chapter one is essentially his prayer. And so Nehemiah chapter one, verse five says this. It says prayer and he begins, Lord, Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments. Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel." [55:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He says, God, I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly towards you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant Moses. So he doesn't start by pointing the finger at someone else. He doesn't start by saying it's the Babylonians' fault. They knocked your walls down. It's the Persians' fault. They kept us here. He says, he acknowledges, God, I confess my part in this, my family's part." [01:01:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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