Sermon Outline

September 16, 2007

PM Service

LESSONS FROM NEHEMIAH

1. The book of Nehemiah offers many insights into successful group efforts.

2. Working with a group is different from flying solo.

3. The work of the Lord's church is giant group effort.

4. Many times, one who refused to work for the good of the group has stopped

the good works of the church.

5. As God's people untertaking the great work of saving souls and preaching the truth

without compromise, the principles found in Nehemiah need to be given serious

condsideration.

6. Summarize Nehemiah's story. (God is consolation)--

The governor of Jerusalem who helped rebuild the wall of the city <Neh. 1:1; 8:9; 10:1; 12:26,47>. Nehemiah was a descendant of the Jewish population that had been taken captive to Babylon in 587-586 B. C. In 539 B. C. Cyrus the Persian gained control over all of Mesopotamia. He permitted the Jewish exiles to return to the city of Jerusalem. Nearly a century later, in Nehemiah's time, the Persian ruler was Artaxerxes I Longimanus (ruled 465-424 B. C.). Nehemiah was his personal cupbearer <Neh. 1:11>.

In 445 B. C. Nehemiah learned of the deplorable condition of the returned exiles in Jerusalem <Neh. 1:2-3>. The wall of the city was broken down, the gates were burned, and the people were in distress. Upon hearing this, Nehemiah mourned for many days, fasting and praying to God. His prayer is one of the most moving in the Old Testament <Neh. 1:5-11>.

Nehemiah then received permission from Artaxerxes to go to Judah to restore the fortunes of his people. He was appointed governor of the province with authority to rebuild the city walls.

Once in Jerusalem, Nehemiah surveyed the walls at night <Neh. 2:12-15>. He gave his assessment of the city's condition to the leaders and officials and then organized a labor force to begin the work.

Nehemiah and his work crew were harassed by three enemies: Sanballat the Horonite (a Samaritan), Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab <Neh. 2:10,19; 6:1-14>. But neither their ridicule <Neh. 4:3> nor their conspiracy to harm Nehemiah <Neh. 6:2> could stop the project. The builders worked with construction tools in one hand and weapons in the other <Neh. 4:17>. To the taunts of his enemies, Nehemiah repled: "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down" <Neh. 6:3>. Jerusalem's wall was finished in 52 days <Neh. 6:14>-- a marvelous accomplishment for such a great task. Nehemiah's success stems from the fact that he kept praying, "O God, strengthen my hands" <Neh. 6:9>.

Nehemiah's activities did not stop with the completion of the wall. He also led many social and political reforms among the people, including a return to pure worship and a renewed emphasis on true religion.

7. The following lessons are learned from Nehemiah.

A. A deep personal regard for God's Kingdom (1:3-4)

B. A Sincere regret for sin (1:6)

C. Knowing that only God can bring real success (1:11)

D. The importance of a trustworthy character (1:11)

E. Good works often bring opposition (2:10)

F. We must be challenged to produce our best work (2:17-18)

G. Increased success brings increased opposition (4:1-3)

H. God grants success to those who "have a mind to work" (4:6)

I. Progress must not be abandoned when enemies are faced (4:9-18)

J. Internal strife must be defeated (5:1-12)

K. There can be no compromise with enemies (6:1-3)

L. Rumors and false reports must not stop the work (6:5-9)

M. Those who would work with the enemy must not prevail (6:10-14)

N. God's word must ever be before the people (8:1-9)

O. Sacrifice is required (11:1-2)

P. For success to continue, we must keep our guard up (13:1-9).

Q. Contributions must be given (13:10-13)

R. Material concerns must not subvert spiritual matters (13:15-22)

S. Spiritual purity must prevail (13:23-31) vs.25

1. Success in the Lord's work is not easy.

2. However, when we are faithful to God He will ensure our success (Psalm 1:1; Matt.

6:33).