The Apsotles: What Makes Them Tick? lesson #1 and questions #1

Peter: A Hard-Hitting Servant

The following Scriptures trace key encounters between Peter and Jesus.  These encounter’s helped shape Peter from a businessman to a servant of the Lord.

Biblical Foundation ________________________________________________

40 Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which means "Anointed One"), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, "You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which means "Rock"). [John 1:40-42]

27 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will run away, because it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. 28 But after I have been resurrected, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."

 29 Peter told Him, "Even if everyone runs away, I will certainly not!" 30 "I assure you," Jesus said to him, "today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times!" 31 But he kept insisting, "If I have to die with You, I will never deny You!" And they all said the same thing. 32 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified. 34 Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow-- to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake." 35 Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, " Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." 37 Then He came and found them sleeping. "Simon, are you sleeping?" He asked Peter. "Couldn't you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake and pray so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." [Mark 14:27-39]

54 They seized Him, led Him away, and brought Him into the high priest's house. Meanwhile Peter was following at a distance. 55 They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, and Peter sat among them. 56 When a servant saw him sitting in the firelight, and looked closely at him, she said, "This man was with Him too." 57 But he denied it: "Woman, I don't know Him!" 58 After a little while, someone else saw him and said, "You're one of them too!" "Man, I am not!" Peter said. 59 About an hour later, another kept insisting, "This man was certainly with Him, since he's also a Galilean." 60 But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.                        [Luke 22:54-60]

15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Feed My lambs," He told him.

 16 A second time He asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," he said to Him, "You know that I love You." "Shepherd My sheep," He told him. 17 He asked him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, "Do you love Me?" He said, "Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You." "Feed My sheep," Jesus said. 18 " I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don't want to go."

 19 He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God. After saying this, He told him, "Follow Me!"               [John 21:15-19]

Principle Development ______________________________________________

Jesus took a tough minded small business man with a lot of raw talent and many rough edges and eventually turned him into a powerful servant of God.  It took time, but it happened.  Underneath the coarse exterior was a heart beating with love.  Jesus changed him from the inside out and He wants to change you as well.

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________

The final chapter in Nehemiah’s life story leaves us with two important perspectives on leadership.  The first involves the appointment of qualified leaders, and the second involves dealing with sin in the lives of God’s people.

Principle 1

Jesus Christ Can Use You

God specializes in transforming our hearts, redirecting our self-centered energy, and reshaping our raw talent and abilities to achieve His purposes in this world.  He did this for Peter and as we’ll see, for the other men that followed Him.  They were all different and unique.  Only one turned his back upon Jesus!

Principle 2

It Takes Time

As far as we know, Peter and his brother, Andrew, grew up in a good Jewish home.  They had been taught the Law of Moses.  The promise of the coming Messiah was not a strange concept to these men.  When Peter began to follow Christ, it took several years for God to deal with his self-sufficiency, pride, and prejudice.

Principle 3

Prejudice

Five years after Pentecost, the Lord confronted Peter about his prejudice against Gentiles…  When Peter obeyed the Lord and abandoned his bias, the rest of the church followed Peter’s lead.  It was one of his finest moments.

QUESTIONS

1. Of Peter’s characteristic’s, which do you feel you possess?
2. Why do you think Jesus renamed Simon, “the Rock”?
3. Why do you think Peter got defensive when Jesus spoke of denial?
4. Why did Jesus ask Peter to pray with Him in the Garden?
5. What do you think affected Peter’s denial the most?
6. After his denial, how do you think he felt about his relationship with God?
7. When do you resonate most closely with the life of Peter?
8. What part of spiritual growth challenges you the most?
9. How has God used failure in your life to grow you?
10.  What do you sense God is trying to tell you know?

Chisel of Criticism Lesson #9

Laying the Foundation

Opposition is still not done, with only the doors remaining to be hung Nehemiah’s opponents are still trying to remove him.  They will try to ruin his reputation and compromise his influence.  Although their plans are slick, Nehemiah keeps his eyes on the Lord and the work given by Him to complete!

Chisel of Criticism________________________________________________

When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it-- though at that time I had not installed the doors in the gates-- 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: "Come, let's meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley." But they were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?" 4 Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply. 5 Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations-- and Geshem agrees-- that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king 7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: "There is a king in Judah." These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let's confer together. 8 Then I replied to him, "There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind." 9 For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, "They will become discouraged in the work, and it will never be finished." But now, my God, strengthen me. 10 I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you tonight! 11 But I said, "Should a man like me run away? How can I enter the temple and live? I will not go." 12 I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me. 14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me. [Nehemiah 6:1-14]

Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________

The roaches are coming out of the wood work; Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem made one final effort to keep Nehemiah from hanging the doors and completing the walls of Jerusalem.  Since they could not get him, they’ll try to demoralize the people.  Since they couldn’t take his life, they will settle for attacking his character

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________

This may be difficult for us to relate with, for not many deal with threats against our life.  Nehemiah’s responses yield some powerful principles to live by.

Principle 1

Challenging another’s motives

The group of enemies wanted to get Nehemiah to come to a peace conference, 25 miles away from Jerusalem.  Nehemiah did not question, but refused to go, due to the work which needed his attention.

Principle 2

Wait for your critic’s motives to be revealed

After 4 failed attempts, Nehemiah’s enemies changed their plan.  They sent a messenger to publicly read “bogus” charges against Nehemiah.  Demanded to meet him and said how they feel.

Principle 3

Respond to non-Christians as Jesus taught

Conduct yourself honorably among Gentiles…”be ready to give a defense”

Principle 4

Never take revenge

Nehemiah’s enemies attempted to kill him then discredit him; his response was a biblical way for us to handle public pressures

Principle 5

Do not allow fear to cloud your perspective

First they tried to intimidate Nehemiah by making references to the King.  Then they spoke about a false prophecy concerning Nehemiah’s life.  Nehemiah did not allow these threats and rumors to cause him to act irrationally

Principle 6

Follow God’s principles

Nehemiah followed God and delivered the threats, rumors and schemes over to Him.  He named them by name!

View from the Top - Lesson #8

Laying the Foundation

This week we’ll discover how the Persian King made Nehemiah governor of Judah.  Originally, the emperor’s concern had been how quickly Nehemiah could complete his project and return to the palace (2:6).  Once he heard about the kind of leadership Nehemiah provided in Judah, the emperor wanted him to remain there.  For 12 years, Nehemiah selflessly served the Jews of Judah and Jerusalem.  He exemplifies to us all how to accept promotion and success.

A View from the Top________________________________________________

14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah-- from the twentieth year until his thirty-second year, 12 years-- I and my associates never ate from the food allotted to the governor.  15 The governors who preceded me had heavily burdened the people, taking food and wine from them, as well as a pound of silver. Their subordinates also oppressed the people, but I didn't do this, because of the fear of God.  16 Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn't buy any land. 17 There were 150 Jews and officials, as well as guests from the surrounding nations at my table. 18 Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me. An abundance of all kinds of wine was provided every 10 days. But I didn't demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy. 19 Remember me favorably, my God, for all that I have done for this people. [Nehemiah 5:14-19]

Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________

Shortly after Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem to tackle the security of that city and the social stability of the entire Jewish Nation, Artaxerxes, the King, appointed him governor of Judah.  Nehemiah’s short term assignment in his native land became an open ended government position that stretched on for 12 years.  We will see in Nehemiah 13 that later he even returned for a second term.  So, the question is how did Nehemiah handle his new position, his power, his perks that came with his title?

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________

Nehemiah’s example speaks clearly to every one of us as we live and work in our various communities and assignments.

Principle 1

Blessing from God

Some Christians are afraid of advancement, particularly to positions that involve authority and increased responsibility.  Perhaps they fear failure

Principle 2

Personal Growth

Increased responsibility stretches us in a variety of ways.  It can increase our faith and teach us to pray more often and more effectively.

Principle 3

Improve Finances

When we earn enough to live comfortably, our security in life increase and we grow free from worry and fear.

Principle 4

Provide Working Conditions for Others

Nehemiah was sensitive to the needs of those he governed.  He knew they were struggling for years with the enemies around them!

Principle 5

New Temptations

The previous governors all used their position to expand their own kingdoms and it was expected the Nehemiah would do likewise.

Principle 6

Not on Backs of Subordinates

Ambition can turn us from Godly counsel to self-promotion.  Do not fall prey to selfish ambition.

Principle 7

Avoid the Appearance of Evil

Nehemiah gave up his right to collect the Governor’s food allowance as well as other taxes imposed by other governors.

Principle 8

Ensure Motives are Proper

What factors are driving you to seek advancement or promotion?  Always make sure they honor God and give Him the glory!

Cementing Relationships - Lesson #7

Laying the Foundation

We discover that not all of the obstacles to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem came from the outside enemies.  Serious internal problems threatened the unity of the Jewish community.  Selfishness and greed threatened to do what armies could not—halt the work of God.  This turn of events must have devastated Nehemiah, but he knew he had to face the problem and deal with it.  It made no sense to fortify Jerusalem if the people inside it were corrupt.

Forging a Band of Brothers ________________________________

There was a widespread outcry from the people and their wives against their Jewish countrymen.

 2 Some were saying, "We, our sons, and our daughters are numerous. Let us get grain so that we can eat and live." 3 Others were saying, "We are mortgaging our fields, vineyards, and homes to get grain during the famine." 4 Still others were saying, "We have borrowed money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards. 5 We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others." 6 I became extremely angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints. 7 After seriously considering the matter, I accused the nobles and officials, saying to them, "Each of you is charging his countrymen interest." So I called a large assembly against them 8 and said, "We have done our best to buy back our Jewish countrymen who were sold to foreigners, but now you sell your own countrymen, and we have to buy them back." They remained silent and could not say a word. 9 Then I said, "What you are doing isn't right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God and not invite the reproach of our foreign enemies? 10 Even I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. Please, let us stop charging this interest. 11 Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and olive oil that you have been assessing them." 12 They responded: "We will return these things and require nothing more from them. We will do as you say." So I summoned the priests and made everyone take an oath to do this. 13 I also shook the folds of my robe and said, "May God likewise shake from his house and property everyone who doesn't keep this promise. May he be shaken out and have nothing!" The whole assembly said, " Amen," and they praised the LORD. Then the people did as they had promised. [Nehemiah 5:1-13]

Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________

Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, had told him when they first met in Susa, “the survivors in the province, who returned from the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace.”  Hanani, made it clear that more than walls and gates needed rebuilding.  Ideally, Nehemiah had wanted to complete the physical rebuilding first in the hope that success would inspire the people to seek out spiritual renewal as well.  As it turned out, some spiritual issues could not wait.  These issues needed addressing even as the wall went up.

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________

Anyone who’s been in a leadership position knows about conflict resolution.

Principle 1

Dealing with internal problems

The internal conflict Nehemiah experienced in Jerusalem and Judah was so severe it could have scuttled the whole project.  Worse yet, it threatened to bring reproach on the name of the Lord.  Some people were running out of food due to focusing their time and energy on the wall project at a time when famine pinched everyone’s food supply.  Many had mortgaged their homes and land to buy food.  Others had borrowed money at an exorbitant rate from wealthy fellow Jews.  Finally, a wave of foreclosures resulted in the selling of children into slavery to pay their parents’ debts.

Principle 2

Don’t ignore internal problems

Can you imagine how Nehemiah must have felt when he faced these new problems?  He was already engaged in a psychological battle with enemies.  In addition he felt the full weight of responsibility for keeping Israel in a state of military preparedness while keeping the wall construction project on track.  There are times when a leader wants to give up.  The pressures get so great it seems impossible to go on.  Surely, Nehemiah had those feelings.  Once again, however, we see the power of his character.  He had come too far to give up.  Morale had hit rock bottom, and he knew he could not show signs of personal fatigue and discouragement.

Principle 3

Divide the negative emotions and handle the internal conflict

When Nehemiah heard the Jewish children were being sold into slavery and that wealthy Jews were oppressing the poor ones, he “became extremely angry”.  In spite of his fatigue and stress, low physical and psychological tolerance did not prompt Nehemiah’s anger.  The selfishness, greed, and insensibility of some of his fellow Jews caused his fury.  In spite of his intense anger, Nehemiah did not take immediate action.  Rather he backed off, got control of himself, and did some very careful and serious thinking.  He established some emotional distance from the problem so he could gain proper perspective.

Principle 4

Leading by example

Nehemiah pulled no punches when he finally confronted the offending nobles and officials.   He could expose their hypocrisies and inconsistencies because he had a track record of compassion and selfless concern for others.  He didn’t hesitate to point out what he and others had been doing to help the poor among the Jewish community.  He made it clear that he and others had been paying money out of their own pockets to free indebted and enslaved Jews.  “What you are doing isn’t right.  Shouldn’t you walk in fear of our God and not invite reproach of our foreign enemies?”

Forging a Band of Brothers - Lesson #6

Laying the Foundation
Tonight, we’ll consider the cold, hard details of the days leading up to the completion of the walls and gates of Jerusalem.  The defenses were in place.  Workers and leaders had accepted the burden of double duty.  It was going to be a long, arduous push to the finish line, but it was too late to turn back.  The workers had invested so much in the walls that they needed to see the job done!  Things were as bad as they could get.  Nehemiah convinced them to continue and persevere; they are doing God’s work!

Forging a Band of Brothers ________________________________

15 When our enemies heard that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall. 16 From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, 17 who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. 18 Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the trumpeter was beside me. 19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: "The work is enormous and spread out, and we are separated far from one another along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the trumpet sound, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!" 21 So we continued the work, while half of the men were holding spears from daybreak until the stars came out. 22 At that time, I also said to the people, "Let everyone and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day." 23 And I, my brothers, my men, and the guards with me never took off our clothes. Each carried his weapon, even when washing. [Nehemiah 4:15-23]


Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________
Since Sanballat’s psychological warfare campaign against the Jews failed miserably, the enemies of the Jews realized they needed a fresh approach to stopping the wall construction…and they needed it NOW!  Given the pace of the construction, there was no time to lose.  Sanballat and his partners came up with a plan which they thought would turn the tide of the events to their favor.


Principles to Live By_______________________________________________
Nehemiah defeated Sanballat and Tobiah in round #1 by maintaining morale in the face of their mockery.  He defeated them in round #2 by organizing defenses in anticipation of their surprise attack.  To get through the rest of the ‘bout, he had to keep the workforce at a high level of preparation and performance.  His leadership was masterful because his faith in God was unshakeable.



Principle 1
Be On Constant Guard
When Sanballat and his cohorts discovered that their plan for a secret attack on Jerusalem was common knowledge and the children of Israel had organized and defended themselves, they backed off.  From that day on, half of Nehemiah’s men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows and armor.  Even those who continued the work carried weapons.  Nehemiah also knew the city and its builders were vulnerable due to dispersion of the workers all around the walls.  Consequently, he stationed a trumpeter next to him.  In case of an attack, the trumpeter would blow a blast to signal everyone to rush to counterattack the enemy!


Principle 2
Stand Together in Our Battle
One of the greatest challenges Nehemiah faced in rebuilding the wall was to develop a strategy for a unified force in case of an attack.  The work is enormous and spread out, and we are separated from one another along the wall.  As we have seen, he appointed a man who would follow him everywhere he went, and in case of an attack he was to sound the trumpet to rally everyone to the spot of the battle.


Principle 3
God Will Fight for Us
To make sure the people really knew they could proceed with confidence, Nehemiah once again underscored the divine nature of their task.  In the same breath that he issued a warning to listen for the trumpet so they could prepare to take military action, he also promised, Our God will fight for us.  Once again, Nehemiah was telling the children of Israel that if they did their part, including moving ahead by faith, then God would do His part.

The work went forward.  Everyone worked diligently from daybreak until the stars came out.  Those living outside the city didn’t even return to their homes.  Rather they spent the night in Jerusalem, laboring by day and guarding by night.  Even when they stopped to rest, they didn’t remove their clothes.  They kept their weapons within arm’s reach so that, at any moment’s notice, they could be ready to defend themselves.

Renovating Hope - Lesson #5

By Deep Creek Baptist Church in Under Construction · Edit Doc

Laying the Foundation
Tonight, we examine the second stage of opposition that Nehemiah and the wall builders encountered from the hands of their opponents. When intimidation did not work, they tried sneak attacks… Wonder if Nehemiah will call the National Guard?

Round Two: A Conspiracy Theory ________________________________

7 When Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they became furious. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw it into confusion. 9 So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard because of them day and night. 10 In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall. 11 And our enemies said, "They won't know or see anything until we're among them and can kill them and stop the work." 12 When the Jews who lived nearby arrived, they said to us time and again, "Everywhere you turn, they attack us."
13 So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. 14 After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes." 15 When our enemies heard that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall. [Nehemiah 4:7-15]

Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________
Since Sanballat’s psychological warfare campaign against the Jews failed miserably, the enemies of the Jews realized they needed a fresh approach to stopping the wall construction…and they needed it NOW! Given the pace of the construction, there was no time to lose. Sanballat and his partners came up with a plan which they thought would turn the tide of the events to their favor.

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________
The Jews were definitely ahead at half-time as they went into the locker room. Nehemiah was clearly a better quarterback. Sanballat, on the other hand, couldn’t seem to get his team across the line of scrimmage, let alone in the end zone. When the second half came, things were different. Nehemiah’s team had worked their hearts out in the first half. They were physically and emotionally exhausted. That is when Sanballat brought in fresh recruits and a completely new set of plays.


Principle 1
Persevere
Nehemiah and the Jewish workers were energized and excited about what they were doing. They had attacked the project with a spirit of unity and zeal to serve the Lord. But once they reached the halfway point in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem they faced a normal motivational problem. Even in the best of times, it’s easy to let down when you’re halfway there. Furthermore, in the face of Sanballat’s and Tobiah’s mockery, they had used up an incredible amount of emotional and physical energy.


Principle 2
Hope
When Nehemiah and the Jews heard of the secret plot to attack Jerusalem, they met this “corporate threat” with “corporate prayer.” Nehemiah’s personal prayer model was paying-off. He reported, “we prayed to our God”. They had all learned that prayer and hard work go hand-in hand. However, their strategy did not yield immediate results. Word kept pouring in of an impending attack. Guards were posted at night. Predictably, the task before the children of Israel began to look bigger than it really was. The piles of rubbish seemed to be getting bigger!


Principle 3
Example
Nehemiah had modeled for the Jews both how to pray and how to work hard. However, anxiety and fear spawned by daily rumors grew in the hearts of the people. Nehemiah knew he had to keep hope alive. He called both leaders and people together and challenged them to reject fear and trust God. In addition to guards, whole families were put in harm’s way to protect the project. In view of the threat of annihilation, Nehemiah challenged them to fight for their country, their families, and their homes. He would not let a deteriorating situation alter his objectives and his motivation. He would not give up!

Demolishing Discouragement - Lesson 4

By Deep Creek Baptist Church

Laying the Foundation

Tonight, we look at some of the problems that arose during the building project and how Nehemiah handled them.  The opposition from conflict with those outside the will of God; this shouldn’t surprise you, but it should not discourage you either.  Tonight, we’ll see the evil ones, schemes to discourage, distract and destroy-Hope!

Demolishing Discouragement________________________________

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews
 2 before his colleagues and the powerful men of Samaria, and said, "What are these pathetic Jews doing? Can they restore it by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they ever finish it? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?" 3 Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, "Indeed, even if a fox climbed up what they are building, he would break down their stone wall!" 4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from Your sight, because they have provoked the builders. 6 So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had the will to keep working.  [Nehemiah 4:1-6]

Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________
If we only read the first three chapters of Nehemiah, we might get the impression that once everyone had been carefully and wisely assigned a particular section of the wall, everything else is smooth sailing…Not so!  From the moment the reconstruction began, Nehemiah and the Jews faced incredible opposition from their enemies.  God’s work never goes forward without opposition.  Satan sees to that, and Nehemiah’s experience in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem certainly illustrates this point graphically and dramatically.

Principles to Live By_______________________________________________
Discouragement is one of Satan’s most common methods for hindering God’s work in our lives.  When our morale is low, we are vulnerable to his lies, his slander, and his temptations.  For years before Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, the Jews in and around the capital city had led a discouraged and demoralized existence.  God used Nehemiah to help them rise above their negative circumstances and get a positive path.  His leadership formula can work for us today as well.


Principle 1
We must Focus: First
At first Sanballat ignored Nehemiah as just an annoyance.  Soon he realized Nehemiah had succeeded in elevating the Jewish morale and organized an effective building campaign.  He was now viewed as a threat in Samaria.  Threatened people usually act in one of three ways:  (1) extremely fearful and retreat; (2) angry and aggressive; (3) or blend fear and anger.  The latter is Sanballat.  He first hesitated due to fear then became angry and aggressive.  Initially he tried psychological attacks (v2-3).  Nehemiah continued to seek God earnestly, speaking about Him and persevered with the wall until it reached ½ its proposed height.(v6)

Do not ever forget that God is interested in every detail of your life; including the hurts, discouragement and disappointments.  We all face times of trial like Nehemiah, it is during these times, and we need to pray for encouragement rather than removal or withdraw.  Just turn to Philippians 4:6 when troubled!


Principle 2
Pray Focused on God’s Will
In this chapter we see Nehemiah praying for God to give the enemy their own medicine.  4:4-5. He prayed God would punish the tormentors harshly for their sins.  These enemies had rejected God’s grace.

Conversely Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to pray for them.  The apostle Paul forbade us to seek revenge against our enemies.  Instead, he urged Israel, “Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good”. Romans 12:21.  We should follow the rule God set for His bride today.  We should not follow Nehemiah’s prayer but learn from his determination to pray in accordance with the will of God.-KEY!


Principle 3
Feet to Our Prayers
Some people pray and wait, but not Nehemiah!  He prayed, and at the same time continued to build (carrying out the will of God).  He put feet to his prayers or made the rubber meet the road.  He faced the attacks with both spiritual and natural resources.  He asked the Lord to handle the problem, meanwhile asking his foreman for another brick.  It was Nehemiah’s spirit of diligence, perseverance, determination and enthusiasm which encouraged the Jews.  Since their spirits and attitudes were positive, this enabled Nehemiah also to remain positive.

Constructing a Vision of Hope Week 3

• Laying the Foundation

  
  

  Tonight, we look at how Nehemiah organized the people of Jerusalem and Judah to rebuild rapidly the walls and gates of Jerusalem.
  
  Workers of Jerusalem Unite ______________________________________
  
  Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated it. 2 The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib, and next to them Zaccur son of Imri built. 3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. 4 Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Beside them Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs. 5 Beside them the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not lift a finger to help their supervisors. 6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. 7 Next to them the repairs were done by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River. 8 After him Uzziel son of Harhaiah, the goldsmith, made repairs, and next to him Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 After them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house. Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs. 11 Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab made repairs to another section, as well as to the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Beside him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs-- he and his daughters. 13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars, and repaired 500 yards of the wall to the Dung Gate. 14 Malchijah son of Rechab, ruler over the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. 15 Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler over the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and roofed it. Then he installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also made repairs to the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king's garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the city of David. 16 After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler over half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Warriors. 17 Next to him the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him Hashabiah, ruler over half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him their fellow Levites made repairs under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler over half the district of Keilah. 19 Next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler over Mizpah, made repairs to another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle. 20 After him Baruch son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 Beside him Meremoth son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, made repairs to another section, from the door of Eliashib's house to the end of his house. 22 And next to him the priests from the surrounding area made repairs. 23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. Beside them Azariah son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. 24 After him Binnui son of Henadad made repairs to another section, from the house of Azariah to the Angle and the corner. 25 Palal son of Uzai made repairs opposite the Angle and tower that juts out from the upper palace of the king, by the courtyard of the guard. Beside him Pedaiah son of Parosh,
   26 and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. 27 Next to him the Tekoites made repairs to another section from a point opposite the great tower that juts out, as far as the wall of Ophel. 28 Each of the priests made repairs above the Horse Gate, each opposite his own house. 29 After them Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. And beside him Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, guard of the East Gate, made repairs. 30 Next to him Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph made repairs to another section. After them Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his room. 31 Next to him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs to the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the upper room of the corner. 32 The goldsmiths and merchants made repairs between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate. [Nehemiah 3:1-32]
  Biblical Foundation_________________________________________________
  Like a lot of Old Testament passages, Nehemiah 3 is packed with names that are hard to pronounce, information that seems unusually redundant, and chronology that appears meaningless to us today.  It was very relevant to the people of Jerusalem.  What we see in this chapter is job assignments that resulted from Nehemiah’s nighttime survey of the walls.  It is a reflection upon an ingenious plan which sprang up from his leadership skills.
  
  To understand this chapter, it is helpful to look at a map of 5th century Jerusalem.
  
  Locate the sheep gate just north of the Temple area, and follow the wall from gate to gate in a counterclockwise direction as you read about where various people built.  It is likely that much of the southwest part of the city that Hezekiah had annexed was left outside because of a greatly reduced population.  The list of workers for the southwestern portion of the wall suggests a greatly reduced circuit.
  
  
  Principles to Live By_______________________________________________
  Let’s take a look at three more of the key principles which made Nehemiah such a great leader and an outstanding role model for today’s churches, business’, government and even school systems.
  
  
  Principle 1
  The Principle of Coordination
  Nehemiah had a phenomenal ability to coordinate everyone and get everyone involved.  This didn’t just happen, it never just happens.  What appears to be a smooth running operation takes a lot of behind the scenes planning!  Neither was the distribution of laborers around the walls of Jerusalem a spontaneous movement of God.  Rather, Nehemiah spent hours doing careful research, analyzing the data and putting it all together.
  
  Remember too that once people were in their assigned places, they needed supervision.  They also needed adequate resources.  All of these things were thought through by Nehemiah ahead of time.  Effective planning is essential, no matter what our vocation in life.  You cannot just fly by the seat of your pants and hope for the best.  Every task that is done requires careful thought.  Good planning begins on paper, but it must not remain there.  It’s one thing to write our goals and another thing to achieve them.  We must never forget to balance our efforts with prayer and faith in God!
  
  
  Principle 2
  The Principle of Cooperation
  Perhaps his greatest achievement was getting the cooperative efforts of a large, diverse building force over the entire life of the project.  He assigned most of the workers from Jerusalem to sections of the wall near their residences.  Theses builders were motivated to do a good job to protect their families and property.  Some workers (priests) built near their employment.  Workers from neighboring communities worked on the walls away from the homes of Jerusalem.
  
  Nehemiah employed various political leaders as overseers of segments of the wall.  These men were established leaders with the respect of their communities.  All these leaders cooperated whole-heartedly.  In the church today, God expects us to cooperate.  He compares the church to a Body, a spiritual house, and His household.  Every member must contribute his efforts for the well-being of the group.  God’s plan is clear.  He wants every Christian to participate in building the church.  He needs everyone to get involved.
  
  
  Principle 3
  The Principle of Commendation
  Nehemiah was also an encourager.  In chapter 3 he mentions 75 workers by name and in many instances recognized their accomplishments.  He also mentioned 15 groups of people.  He identified a number of groups and people from other towns and cities.  Everyone likes an atta-boy or a pat on the back!  Nehemiah was a people person:  not only did he know them by name, but he knew where they worked on the wall and their accomplishments.  Of course this pays rich dividends when you are talking about motivating people to work together and follow your lead!