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