Let Us Build, and They Strengthened Their Hands
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
3/15/2015 PM
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Text:
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Nehemiah 2:17,18
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Psalters: |
318, 397, 146, 397 |
- Nehemiah’s arrival.
- Nehemiah arrives in Judah and goes directly to Jerusalem - a wearying journey of approximately 1500 miles.
- He finds it devastated, suffering under the effects of sin, under the effects of the judgments of God.
- Nothing seemed to happen during the first three days (11).
- During these nights Nehemiah made an inspection of the wall, finding devastation everywhere.
- What are the walls of the church and of believers personally?
- The preaching of the pure doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a God-centered worship calling to faith and repentance
- The correct knowledge of God and of Jesus, a life of prayer, humble sorrow, communion of saints, honorable godly living.
- What is the condition of these walls today?
- Nehemiah addressed the Jews, priests, nobles and rulers to “build up the wall” so they “be no more a reproach” (17).
- Though his inspection of the condition of the walls made it look to be hopeless, he spoke by faith not by sight.
- The people strengthened their hands for this good work (18b).
- When God stirs, Satan moves to oppose Him.
- Nehemiah answers the opposition with a sober declaration of truth.
- First, by pointing out that the opposition is against the God of heaven (not to our resolve or ability) and thus will fail.
- Second, by letting the enemy know that they have no real part in Jerusalem (cf. John 8:44).
- How do we build the walls of God’s kingdom and church?