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