The following ten points summarize some of the major themes and teachings covered in a recent sermon series on the book of Nehemiah.
- Recognize and respond to needs as God leads us.
Nehemiah hears a report that his people are living in distress and reproach in Jerusalem. The walls and gates of the city are in disrepair, and the inhabitants are vulnerable and disgraced. He is concerned about the need, brings it to God, and is willing to help meet the need. Let us continue to recognize, be concerned with, pray about, and respond to the needs in our area.
- Pray without ceasing!
Nehemiah is a man of prayer. It is his prayer life that sustains him in the midst of his trials and in the face of his enemies. Let us rebuild our prayer lives through Adoration, Confession, Claiming God’s promises, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Let’s be known as a people of prayer.
- Rise up and build together.
The Israelites had a mind to work and were unified together in one purpose. God has strategically placed each one of us within families, neighborhoods, and spheres of influence where we can be Christ’s ambassadors through his strength and for his glory.
- Remember the Lord, great and awesome.
The people faced discouragement and fear because of the opposition to the rebuilding. Nehemiah encouraged them to remember the Lord, great and awesome. Let us remember the truth of God’s Word, His faithfulness to us, the cause of the glory of God, and His eternal attributes.
- Stop strife in its tracks.
Internal conflict threatened to divide and destroy the people. Nehemiah took the time to address these issues before the people could go any further in rebuilding. Let us be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Let us forgive as we have been forgiven. We made a promise to stop strife in our lives and in our church.
- Grow in generosity.
Nehemiah modeled generosity to the people through personal sacrifice and generous service to others. Let us by generous with the gifts of time, money, or possessions God has given us. Let us be generous to those God places in our path.
- Stand strong in the Lord.
Nehemiah’s enemies threatened him and the workers and tried to deceive them to stop the work of the Lord. Nehemiah stood firm against the opposition and had discernment to counter lies with truth. He also asked God to strengthen his hands. Let us stand strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Let us not give ground to the enemy. Let us not be deceived by false doctrine but instead use the Word of God as our standard for truth and know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
- Walk in the fear of the Lord.
Hananiah, the leader of the citadel, was a faithful man and feared God more than many. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, our other fears will fade into the background. Let us not be bound by a fear of people. Let us hate evil. Let us be known as a body that is faithful and fears God above many.
- Read and obey God’s Word.
Spiritual revival in the Israelites began with hunger and desire for God’s Word. They listened attentively as Ezra read from the Torah and vowed to follow what they heard. Let us engage in God’s Word through reading, hearing, studying, memorizing, and/or writing. Let us respond to His Word through obedience.
- Confess who God is and our sins.
Nehemiah 9 is an extended prayer concerning God’s faithfulness and the people’s unfaithfulness. The people respond to God’s Word through confessing their sins. Let us confess God’s faithfulness, one generation to another. Let us confess our sins, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Heritage Village Church 