Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Opposition

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Friesland Community Church! Today, we continued our journey through the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapter 4. We explored the theme of standing firm in our faith amidst opposition and the importance of community in overcoming challenges. Nehemiah faced significant external threats from figures like Sambalot and Tobiah, who ridiculed and plotted against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Despite these challenges, Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem remained steadfast, relying on prayer and collective action to persevere.

We discussed how Nehemiah's immediate response to opposition was prayer, demonstrating that our first line of defense should always be to turn to God. However, prayer alone was not enough; Nehemiah also took practical steps to protect the community by posting guards and ensuring everyone was prepared to defend the work they were doing. This dual approach of prayer and action is crucial for us as well.

We also emphasized that everyone has a role in God's work. Just as every person in Jerusalem had a part to play in rebuilding and defending the wall, each of us has a unique role in the body of Christ. Whether it's through building, defending, or supporting, no one is called to stand on the sidelines.

Finally, we touched on the importance of being vigilant even when we feel secure. The enemy is always looking for weaknesses, and we must be prepared to defend our faith continually. This involves setting up personal guardrails and being aware of our vulnerabilities.

As we prepare for communion next week, let's reflect on any areas in our lives where we need to seek forgiveness or reconciliation. Communion is a time for nourishment and encouragement, and we want to come to the table with reverence and readiness.

### Key Takeaways

1. Stand Firm in Faith Together: When opposition arises, it's crucial to stand firm in our faith as a community. Nehemiah gathered the people and reminded them of God's presence and promises. In our lives, we should support one another, especially in small groups, to remind each other of God's faithfulness and to pray for one another. [49:33]

2. Prayer Fuels Perseverance and Action Strengthens It: Nehemiah's immediate response to opposition was prayer, but he also took practical steps to protect the community. This teaches us that while prayer is essential, it must be accompanied by actionable steps to address the challenges we face. Faith without action is dead. [54:15]

3. Everyone Has a Role in God's Rebuilding: Just as every person in Jerusalem had a part to play in rebuilding and defending the wall, each of us has a unique role in the body of Christ. Whether it's through building, defending, or supporting, no one is called to stand on the sidelines. We are all part of God's mission. [57:11]

4. Work with One Hand on the Mission and One Hand on Defense: Even when our spiritual health is strong, we must always be ready to defend our faith. The enemy is always looking for weaknesses, and we must be vigilant. This involves setting up personal guardrails and being aware of our vulnerabilities. [01:00:03]

5. Unity and Vigilance in the Face of Opposition: Nehemiah 4 is a call to unity and vigilance for the church. We are challenged to stand together through opposition, not just as individuals but as a united body of Christ. This unity helps us to persevere and remain vigilant against the enemy's attacks. [01:02:49]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[11:43] - Introduction and Worship
[18:28] - Encouragement in Hard Seasons
[25:05] - Leaning into God and Each Other
[28:02] - Announcements
[30:07] - Elder and Deacon Nominations
[31:19] - Prayers for Hurricane Victims
[32:25] - Prayer for the Community
[33:11] - The Lord's Prayer
[38:48] - Nehemiah 4:1-23 Reading
[46:06] - Standing Firm in Faith Together
[49:33] - Encouragement in Community
[54:15] - Prayer and Action
[57:11] - Everyone's Role in Rebuilding
[01:00:03] - Mission and Defense
[01:02:49] - Unity and Vigilance
[01:05:29] - Closing Prayer and Communion Preparation
[01:10:22] - Final Hymn and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Nehemiah 4:1-23
- 1 Peter 5:8-10
- Ephesians 6:11-13

### Observation Questions
1. What were the main external threats Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem faced while rebuilding the wall? ([41:49])
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the ridicule and threats from Sambalot and Tobiah? ([42:34])
3. What practical steps did Nehemiah take to protect the community while continuing the work on the wall? ([44:49])
4. According to 1 Peter 5:8-10, what does God promise to do after we have suffered for a little while?

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah's immediate response to opposition was prayer, and how does this reflect on his leadership? ([53:26])
2. How does the dual approach of prayer and action in Nehemiah 4 apply to our modern-day challenges and spiritual battles? ([54:15])
3. What does it mean for everyone to have a role in God's work, and how can this be seen in the context of a church community? ([57:11])
4. How can the concept of working with one hand on the mission and one hand on defense be applied to our personal spiritual lives? ([01:00:03])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in your faith. How did you respond, and what could you learn from Nehemiah's example of prayer and action? ([53:26])
2. In what ways can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to stand firm in their faith during challenging times? ([49:33])
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to set up personal guardrails to protect your faith. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen those defenses? ([01:00:03])
4. How can you actively participate in God's work within your church community? What unique role do you feel called to, and how can you start contributing? ([57:11])
5. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can you balance prayer with actionable steps to address this challenge effectively? ([54:15])
6. As we prepare for communion next week, are there any areas in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or reconciliation? How can you take steps towards this before coming to the table? ([01:05:29])
7. How can you remain vigilant in your spiritual life, even when you feel secure? What are some specific actions you can take to stay alert to the enemy's attacks? ([01:00:03])

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Firm in Faith Together
When opposition arises, it's crucial to stand firm in our faith as a community. Nehemiah gathered the people and reminded them of God's presence and promises. In our lives, we should support one another, especially in small groups, to remind each other of God's faithfulness and to pray for one another. Nehemiah's story teaches us that we are stronger together, and that unity in faith can help us overcome any challenge. By standing firm together, we can encourage and uplift each other, ensuring that no one faces their battles alone. [49:33]

Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'"

Reflection: Think of a time when you faced opposition. How did the support of your faith community help you stand firm? How can you be a source of support for someone in your community today?

Day 2: Prayer Fuels Perseverance and Action Strengthens It
Nehemiah's immediate response to opposition was prayer, but he also took practical steps to protect the community. This teaches us that while prayer is essential, it must be accompanied by actionable steps to address the challenges we face. Faith without action is dead. Nehemiah's dual approach of prayer and action is a powerful reminder that we must rely on God while also taking practical steps to safeguard our spiritual and physical well-being. This balance ensures that we are not only spiritually prepared but also practically equipped to handle life's challenges. [54:15]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to pair prayer with action? What practical steps can you take today to address a challenge you are facing?

Day 3: Everyone Has a Role in God's Rebuilding
Just as every person in Jerusalem had a part to play in rebuilding and defending the wall, each of us has a unique role in the body of Christ. Whether it's through building, defending, or supporting, no one is called to stand on the sidelines. We are all part of God's mission. Recognizing and embracing our unique roles allows us to contribute effectively to the collective mission of the church. By understanding our individual gifts and talents, we can better serve the community and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [57:11]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to contribute to the mission of your church community?

Day 4: Work with One Hand on the Mission and One Hand on Defense
Even when our spiritual health is strong, we must always be ready to defend our faith. The enemy is always looking for weaknesses, and we must be vigilant. This involves setting up personal guardrails and being aware of our vulnerabilities. Nehemiah's strategy of working with one hand and defending with the other is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. It reminds us to stay focused on our mission while also being prepared to defend our faith against any attacks or temptations. [01:00:03]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: What personal guardrails can you set up to protect your spiritual health? How can you stay vigilant in defending your faith while pursuing your mission?

Day 5: Unity and Vigilance in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah 4 is a call to unity and vigilance for the church. We are challenged to stand together through opposition, not just as individuals but as a united body of Christ. This unity helps us to persevere and remain vigilant against the enemy's attacks. By fostering a sense of unity and collective vigilance, we can better support each other and stand strong against any challenges that come our way. This collective strength is essential for the church to thrive and fulfill its mission. [01:02:49]

Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community? What steps can you take to ensure that you and your fellow believers remain vigilant in the face of opposition?

Quotes

1. "But maybe you feel like you are in a battle right now and that's okay. And I want to remind each of us that feel like we're in that season of battle that Jesus won is fighting for us. But also at the end of that battle, 1 Peter 5.10 says this in the New Living Translation. In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory. By means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered for a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you. And He will place you on a firm foundation. That firm foundation we stand on together. And that is one of those encouraging things, that we may be in a hard seat, in a hard season, and even if we are, we don't lose hope or faith. Because Jesus is real. God is real. And that is why we sing the song, Firm Foundation. He won't fail, He won't fail, He won't fail." [18:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus, you've never said in your word that you will stop bad things from happening. You have said in your word, though, that you will make all things work out for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose. So help us as we face these hard things, whether it's illness or family strife or whatever it is. Lord, help us to lean into you and each other. Because that's the only way we're going to make it through. Putting our lives on your foundation." [25:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When opposition arises we need to stand firm in our faith together. Nehemiah came and he was the leader he was the one but let's be honest when life hits us hard whether it is through a health issue or someone just being a jerk it can get in our heads quick and the bullying that happens not just in high schools it happens with adults too sorry to say high schoolers it's going to happen and but we need to stand firm together last week Noah talked about coming together to serve this week we're talking about coming together to help protect one another and encourage one another." [46:22] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "In isolation discouragement defeats but in community prayer and purpose defend and we need to understand that when we get kind of picked off by the herd that's how a lion and other predators work the devil is the same way it's nothing new he tries to pick us off so when you're alone and by yourself that is a very dangerous place to be we need to get into community and pray for one another." [52:36] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Perseverance is fueled by prayer but grows through intentional action we need to understand that we can't just cry out to God when our lives are a wreck and expect things to magically just poof God will convict us to make changes and through those changes things will start to change I can tell you this in my own life where I lived my way and it was when I went through that kind of gut-wrenching time part of it was a lot of it was my own doing that I wasn't following Jesus and when I started to make that change things changed I wasn't self-sabotaging anymore we need to pray yes that should be our first line of defense but when God brings to mind hey Darren you need to make that change you need to put yourself out there we should be making these actionable steps." [55:41] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Everyone has a role in God's rebuilding everyone no one stands on the sideline if you notice from last week's passage Noah listed off these names of family upon family upon family and everyone was in on the action this week as well this week everyone not only built together they also defended together as well some people had spears and just were guards but some people worked carried bricks and had swords at their side in case and then there was this trumpet guy that was always kind of roaming down the wall making sure that nothing bad was happening and if it did he would jump to that spot blow the horn and everyone would come running what would it look like if our churches when someone was struggling came alongside like not just one person but like multiple coming alongside praying encouraging how much different do you think our world would be." [57:11] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We work with one hand on the mission one hand on the defense even those of us that have walls that have been built up and that were strong in our faith we need to always be ready to defend here's the thing if you have strong walls if your spiritual health is kind of good right now you can get lulled into thinking I don't need to defend anymore but Satan the enemy it keeps trying to find holes in the wall he keeps trying to find places where we're vulnerable and we all have vulnerable spaces now I am much less vulnerable than I used to be but I know first hand that Satan always is poking trying to find a place where he can trip me up cause me to fall off of following Jesus with all my heart mind and soul I need to be ready with one hand to defend." [01:00:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We don't stop building because there is an enemy we build and defend at the same time we build with one hand and guard with the other God gave us two arms and hands for a reason see Nehemiah 4 is a call to unity for the church it's a call for perseverance and vigilance we are challenged together through opposition not just as individuals but united body of Christ you and I sit here today on the shoulders of men and women that have come before us through this place and throughout Christian history we are benefiting from the faithfulness church of Jesus Christ will stand forever and we can choose to be a part of building that up but we can never get lulled into a thinking that I'm good I've arrived because yes you may have rebuilt walls but there's always an enemy trying to attack we don't have to look for an enemy under every bush but we need to be aware of some of our weak spots and guard appropriately." [01:02:49] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I have guardrails that I put up in my own life that are different than other people and I don't call them sin for other people when they blow past guardrails but I also know my propensity for sin so I don't I don't believe that having a cigar or anything is sinful but I also know that I can't because I have a pretty addictive personality I've proven that over my life so I put up these guardrails that I won't even touch anything with a cigar or anything because I know me I know my wall is low there and I need to place a guard so that I don't fall to the enemy's attack and believe you me I've been around people that are smoking cigars and they're kind of having fun at a place where people are at a party or whatever and I just I can't and sometimes I want to but I also know that more than likely if I have one I'll be smoking and it will be over for me I don't want that that's my guardrail it doesn't have to be yours I just know where my wall is weak so I choose to put up an extra guardrail there you don't have to but I encourage you to find out where your defenses are weak where are your vulnerable points and then help people that come alongside you to help you shore that up." [01:03:42] (95 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "God wants good for us. And He doesn't want us to stay where we are. He wants to heal us and give us wholeness. And we'll continue on that path until we meet Him face to face. So to Him who is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine, be with each and every one of you, now and for always. Amen." [01:15:18] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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