Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 6 Intro/ Opposition=The situation of two heavenly bodies when longitude or right ascensions differ by 180 degrees. Tides Opposition to building of wall from people that had no rights and most unsuspecting place. People whose only connection was a mixed marriage. (Sanballet, Tobiah and Arab) Sometimes inadequacy stirs up conflict. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV) Opposition could see that the gates were about to be put on and were feverish trying to distract Nehemiah and stop the work. Their last chance Opposition start subtly/ Sanballet what are u doing Doesn't work bring another / Sanballet and Tobiah Doesn't work few more/Sanballet Tobiah Arabs ammonites Doesn't work a whole group Sanballet all above and Samaritans Doesn't work will start nibbling at your work/ it will fall down Doesn't work start nibbling at heat/working against King Persia Nehemiah eyes on what God called him to do. 1.Focused From the time that God puts the rebuilding of wall on his heart, to surveying situation,to building, to facing ridicule he remains focused. Notice He does but not necessarily everyone around him. Sometimes doing what God calls you to means that you have to be the one to lead the charge and keep it moving forward. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:16-18 NIV) Nehemiah was able to stay focused because he had the wisdom of heaven. He kept calling to the God of heaven for direction and strength. His focus brought him favor from God. How do you stay focused in the face of opposition and intimidation? Learn from Nehemiah. You know where your headed and you keep your eyes there. Move forward and stick with it. It wasn't a committee meeting. 2.Nehemiah well guarded Protected/ Nehemiah was protected by God and man. Therefore opposition felt even more threatened. Nehemiah knew that God would protect the project to the end. Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10 NIV) Wisdom of the Lord protected him A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs 14:3 NIV) You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7 NIV) He had the protection of his workers carried a sword in one hand and hammer in other. Therefore he did not fear 3.Nehemiah discerning Understood spirit of opposition therefore he could keep his eyes on God. This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: "Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured." (Isaiah 8:11-15 NIV) Opposition Deceitful Manipulative Jealous False teachers Out to destroy Nehemiah did not fear opposition and stood his ground. What are we to do? Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:13-19 NIV) Conclusion Personal story I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— (Romans 1:11 NIV) Glenda Love how Nehemiah has the "eyes of a rescue"! Imogene

Week 4 Homework

Week 4 Pray before you read Nehemiah chapters 5 and 6. What are the oppositions and difficulties Nehemiah and his people face. Where does Nehemiah always turn for help? When you face opposition where do you turn ? Honestly, when you look closely at difficult situations you have faced opposition, have you been part of rebuilding or part of tearing down? Scripture: Hebrews 13:21 1 Peter 4:8

Week Three

Week three teaching Introduction Overview chapter 1/ Nehemiah's burden for his people chapter 2/Nehemiah deep sadnes and blessing from the king to rebuild the wall Chapter 3/people of all kinds helping build the wall/ not a perfect picture Chapter 4 Nehemiah clear strong focus. However great opposition. :Sanbalet and Tobiah,the governor of Samaria and his servant were related to Israel because of unlawful marriage/they did not have the connection or burden that Nehemiah had for his people. Both the Moabites and Ammonites were distant relatives of the Jews, having originated from the incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:36-38). God had given them a land-inheritance on the eastern side of Jordan and instructed the Israelites not to harass them (Deut. 2:9, 19). Whenever you set out to do what God has called you to do you can count on a peace in your heart but great opposition from man. Many times opposition comes from the most unexpected places. Battle in the seen and unseen world Battle in the seen. Nehemiah's case in the seen world he had everything he needed. He had the blessing of His heavenly king and the blessing of his earthly king. He had protection both from God (chapter 2 God will give me success) and he had written protection from the king. He had heavenly provision for his heart and spirit because he knew God was with him and he had all the men and supplies that he could possibly need provide by the king. He had all he could possibly need! And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NIV) He set out to complete the building the wall and immediately faced human opposition. Have you ever been there? I have .....example. Why is this and what does it look like? Jealousy Anger / Sanballet/ridicule taunting/plotting and scheming/angry and then very angry Not wanting change Wanting power for self Wanting their own name to be exalted above anyone else's Needing affirmation and attention Battle in the unseen. How it affects us. 2 chronicles 18 Spirit of lies. Pitfalls to watch out for: Fear.... the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (2 Timothy 1:7-9 NIV) Discouragement/. Personal example Allowing the enemy to plant seeds of doubt. Exhaustion Lack of confidence Defeat... Nehemiah/ God will give success The battle in the unseen is over your mind and heart to keep you from doing what God has called you to do. Signs are: feelings of isolation Confusion Ability to lie and not feel bad about it Discouragement Defeat What to do about it when you encounter opposition as you've set out to do all that God has told you to do! Pray Be attentive to keeping yourself protected instead of panic and fear/verse 13 and 14 Remember who God is.encourage yourself and those around you verse 14 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV Take up the sword./sword at side/word of God ) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17 NIV) Continue to state the truth to yourself and those helping you./Nehemiah did Continue working do not stop. Beware of people that come into your midst that you are unaware of Take a realistic view of where it's coming from Conclusion eyes on God He will give you success. Nehemiah 2 Glenda