Hurdles
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews
INTRO—
INTRO—
Keeping with the pro football theme…[video of great NFL hurdles] Time to make that astonishing play (hurdling the guy about to tackle you before scoring the TD, etc.)!
Hurdles...
Nehemiah and God’s people faced some as they worked toward turning around the great trouble and disgrace in which they found themselves...
RIDICULE [Nehemiah 4.1-6]
RIDICULE [Nehemiah 4.1-6]
Psychological warfare…external source.
Sanballat instigates…
“Pathetic…CAN THEY RESTORE IT BY THEMSELVES?…bring burned stones back to life?” [This ridicule adds to another hurdle we’ll talk about in a minute.]
The bravado moves the #2 guy, Tobiah, to join in (pile on)…
“Indeed (yeah man! what he said)…and even a little fox walking on the wall they’re building would break it down!”
The response of Nehemiah, et al., in the moment…
PRAY… “let your enemies reap the just consequences of their actions”
PROCEED… (4.6) “Rebuilt wall to half it’s height— ‘for the people had the will to keep working.’”
SCHEMING [Nehemiah 4.7-9]
SCHEMING [Nehemiah 4.7-9]
Confrontation…physical conflict, stir up confusion.
A growing opposition (coalition) was afraid of what a renewed Jerusalem would mean to the region (within the empire).
They (Nehemiah and God’s people) received word of the scheming, plotting of Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, et al.
Their response?…
PRAY… “to our God”
PRECAUTIONS… “& stationed a guard because of them day and night”
DISCOURAGEMENT [Nehemiah 4.10-15]
DISCOURAGEMENT [Nehemiah 4.10-15]
Psychological warfare… internal source.
Discouragement over…
The Work — “The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble.”
The Antagonists — “Everywhere you turn, they attack us.”
Response of Nehemiah leading the people…
Enlist people to watch the vulnerabilities.
Declare, say, proclaim: Don’t fear. Remember “the great and awe-inspiring Lord.” [Our God is an awesome God; He reigns…]
… Fight “for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.”
… Return “to his [our] own work on the wall.”
SOOOOO, THE ADJUSTMENT UNDERTAKEN????
PROCEED & PROTECT [Nehemiah 4.16-21]
PROCEED & PROTECT [Nehemiah 4.16-21]
The long-term adjustments precipitating from the immediate responses to the hurdles encountered.
“From that day on…” [Trusting God and acting responsibly.]
Divided his detail (4.16)—half did the work while half held spears, etc. [Did this slow down the work?? Possibly; even probably… ]
Persevering in the work…Prepared for defense (4.17-21)
Personally ready and looking out for others.
CONCL—
CONCL—
NEHEMIAH 4.22-23 “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.” And I, my brothers, my servants, and the men of the guard with me never took off our clothes. Each carried his weapon, even when washing.”
Double-down on making this your spiritual home, family, refuge, place, people! [To the point of being really real!]
And I, my brothers, my servants, and the men of the guard with me never took off our clothes. Each carried his weapon, even when washing.