Let Us Rise Up And Build

1. Let Us Rise Up And Build Nehemiah 2:17-20

2. Not the Beginning of Work in the Kingdom of God • Kingdom of God (Israel) existent long before • Begun as God led them from Egypt by hands of Moses • God provided them with the law, the land & all needs • Many faithful workers, kings, prophets & people before • But still a work to be done in Nehemiah’s time • Work was essential & unique in many ways • But it depended on prior work done by God & faithful • There is also a present work for us to do in our time • Do not ignore, but build on previous work done

3. Setting the Context of Nehemiah • Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king • Heard of the difficulties present in Jerusalem • Prayed to God for blessings on the remnant • Sadness for his people was noticed by king • King asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do • Nehemiah prayed to God • Asked permission to help rebuild Jerusalem • Helped rebuild the wall & direct towards law • Common people helped in the work • Enemies opposed the work • Nobles of the Jews refused to work & aided evil

4. But the Work Was Completed! If they could complete their work then, we can complete our work today

5. Circumstances While Work Was Being Done

6. Enemies Were Opposing Work • Enemies took every opportunity to oppose • Neh. 2:19 Laughed people of God to scorn • Neh. 4:1-3 Were angry & mocked the Jews • Neh. 4:7-8 Conspired to fight & confuse Jews • Neh. 4:11 Sought to stay hidden in attack • Neh. 6:1-9 Diverted attention with false charge • Neh. 6:10f Used a Jew to stop work, cause fear • Our enemy & his allies will oppose our work • Satan is our constant adversary (1 Pet. 5:8) • Allies work to deceive & destroy (2 Cor. 11:13f)

7. Nobles Did Not Help, But Hurt • Nobles & rulers repeatedly caused problems • Neh. 3:5 Would not put their necks to work • Neh. 4:14f Encouraged to work, but did not • Neh. 5:6f Put financial burden on workers • Neh. 6:17f Family ties & bond with enemies • Neh. 13:23f Lasting effect of joining with enemy • Power & wealth predominantly oppose truth • Not many nobles obey gospel (1 Cor. 1:26-29) • Rulers led effort to kill Jesus (Matt. 26:3-4) • God seeks the lowly & humble (Matt. 11:25f)

8. People Had A Mind To Work • “So we built the wall… for the people had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6) • Characteristics of their successful work: • Constantly prayerful & watchful (4:9) • Everyone came to work, none hid (4:15) • Came to build & fight at same time (4:16f) • Ready to assist others in time of need (4:20) • Led by example of self-sacrifice & work (5:14f) • Stayed at the work until it was done – in 52 days (6:15) • We can succeed in Lord’s work the same way

9. 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints), that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth. KJV -“…they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints…”

10. Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God... Note Example of Paul in 2 Cor. 6:1-11

11. Attention Given To Law Helps Us Understand Why Work Got Done • All came to hear reading of the law (8:2-3) • Gave sufficient time to know God’s will (8:3) • People were attentive to God’s word (8:3) • Showed reverence at reading of law (8:5-6) • Considered words & their meaning (8:7-8) • Tender-hearted at instruction of law (8:9) • Understanding of God’s will caused joy (8:12) • Changed behavior to observe the law (8:14f) • People who heed God’s will do His work

12. Am I An Enemy Of God’s Work? Am I A Hindrance To God’s Work? Am I A Diligent Worker In The Cause Of Christ?