Responding to Opposition: Nehemiah #5
This is an exposition of Nehemiah 4:1-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, November 22, 2015.
Intro:
We have been given a great opportunity. we have been given a chance to be a part of what God is doing in our world. I can think of no greater privilege than that! Think of it, the eternal Lord of glory has invited us to take part in the greatest enterprise in the history of the world – the building of His Church, the kingdom of God. As His children, everything we do goes into building His kingdom. Every experience we have plays a part. I mention last time about the workers on that medieval cathedral. When asked what he was doing the sculpture said, “I’m carving a masterpiece. This will be the crown jewel of this building and will insure my immortality.” The silversmith replied, “I’m finishing the grand bell for the great tower.” The common laborer, hauling sand said, “I’m building a cathedral to the glory of God.” That was the proper perspective. There was a man who understood the significance of his labor. It wasn’t about his skill or ability. It wasn’t about the importance of his specific task. It was that he was a part of something greater. Something more important that his fame or credit. He was concerned for the glory of God.
That is to be our attitude. That is to be the heart of the church. Oh, to be consumed with concern for God’s glory, and His glory alone. But that is the stuff of “fanaticism.” Well, I’m convinced we could use a few fanatics. There’s no telling what God could do with us and through us if we were a people concerned only with His glory and the progress of His kingdom. If we were willing to make whatever sacrifice, do whatever was needed to accomplish His will. Of course such commitment would also bring unparalleled opposition. Both from without and from within.
The enemy of our souls does not like to see the church advance. So, he will do all he can to bring strife and contention to sidetrack the Church. Criticism and opposition are the most potent enemies of the work of the Gospel.
Nehemiah and the builders faced their share of opposition when rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. They so sooner agreed to the project than they faced the first round of opposition and their detractors never went away! In Nehemiah 4 we find the opposition forces growing and the criticism intensifying. in the first 9 verses of the chapter Nehemiah provides us a model for dealing with criticism and opposition.
Text: Nehemiah 4:1-9
You remember he was 1000 miles away int he palace of Artexerxes.
Enjoying a life of luxury, power and influence.
But he was burdened for his people.
His people were in great trouble and disgraced.
4 months he mourned and prayed.
Finally the door of opportunity opened, he prayed and said to the king…
He received permission, protection and provision.
Upon arrival in Jerusalem he did “nothing” for 3 days…
Nothing that was seen.
He challenged the people and they responded – “Let us rise up and build!”
Nehemiah 3 – total participation, unity, affirmation.
That brings us to our text…
Thesis: The mature, effective builder rises above the harsh storm of criticism and opposition stronger and more determined than ever before.
Keep in mind we’ve been talking about impacting ministry.
Ministry that makes a difference.
This is not an easy path.
How do we overcome criticism and those who oppose us?
How do we emerge stronger than before?
There are three principles I want to point out in our text.
- You must understand that criticism and opposition are inevitable. (4:1-3)
- You must respond to criticism with fervent prayer. (4:4-5)
- You must remain focused on and committed to the task assigned. (4:6-9)
Conclusion:
Our enemy is not going away. We must pray. We must seek the mind and heart of our God but we must also be prepared to do battle with those who would hinder the work of God. There comes a time to post a guard. There comes a time to pick up a sword.
I’m convinced we live in such a time. We must take a stand for the faith and refuse to give an inch. It is time to take up the fight. There are those who knowingly and unknowingly oppose the work of God. It is time we stand with boldness, confidence and courage and build the wall. It is time to that we commit ourselves to the building of God’s kingdom whatever the cost; refusing to allow anyone or anything to stand in our way. It is time to pray and post a guard. it is time to take our place on the wall and build it to the glory of God. I am prepared to take my place, will you join me on the wall?