Let Us Build, and They Strengthened Their Hands

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