Nehemiah 4

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Text: Nehemiah 4: 1-9

Message 4: The Book of Nehemiah – Chapter 4

Revision:
Chapter 1: Nehemiah’s concern and prayer. Learn to pray rightly.

Chapter 2: Petition to the king; journey to Jerusalem; rally the people to build.

Chapter 3: Division of labour to do God’s work – orderly and properly organised.

1. Overview of chapter 4

(a)  Oppositions to all who want serve God

(b) Oppositions never stopped till the walls were completed and continued on.

 

2. Opposition by Mockery (4:1-6)

(a) Who were the oppositions? (v.1,2,3). They appeared strong and many.

(b)  Read the sarcastic questions they mocked at the Jews (v.2-3).

(c)  Two responses from Nehemiah & people: v.4-5 – Pray; v.6 – Continue to work

 

3. Opposition by Conspiracy (4:7-9)

(a) Jerusalem was surrounded by the enemies (v.7-8). More enemies joined forces to attack the Jews.
(b) Response from Nehemiah & people: v.9 – Pray & Watch

           

4. Opposition by Discouragement (4:10-23)

(a)    Discouragement by own brethren (v.10); Terrorist attack by enemy (v.11); Fear and insecurity expressed by own brethren (v.12)

(b)    Response:

(i) Armed people at strategic locations on the wall (v.13)

(ii) Encouraged the people to trust in the Lord (v.14). Enemy confounded (v.15)

(iii) Continue to work and ready to fight against enemy (v.16-18)

(iv) Alarm system to support and protect each other (v.19-22)

(v) Example of Nehemiah and his servants (v.23)

Nehemiah: Man of Concern; Man of Prayer; Man who waited upon God; Man of Action; Man of Planning; Man of Teamwork; Man of Courage.

Memory Verse: Nehemiah 4:6 ’’So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”