Nehemiah 4:6- “for the people had a mind to work”.
Introduction: What are they doing? Nehemiah Chapter 1:1-4 Nehemiah is leading Jews from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel’s first group of returning Jews rebuilt the temple; Ezra’s second group restored the proper methods of the temple worship; and Nehemiah’s main task was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
When you have a mind to work for the Lord:
I. You Will have Opposition: Nehemiah 4:1-3. Opposition will come from:
From Without- Nehemiah 4:7-8- Notice how Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites were all very wroth. People that are not Christians don’t like what your doing for the Lord therefore they will try to hinder what your doing. They might ignore you, plot against you, attempt to physically harm you, etc.
From Within- Nehemiah 4:10-12– This is the brethren that begins to discourage everyone else. Friends, family, and other Christians will attempt to veer you off, why do you go to church so much, why do you always come to Sunday school, why do you always read your Bible, why.
II. The Lord Will Be With You – Nehemiah 2:17-20. We see two things here regarding the Lord being with them.
To Protect You- “the hand of my God which was good upon me”. There is no doubt that Nehemiah was providentially protected from the enemy while doing the work of the Lord, Ephesians 6:10- “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. Make no mistake, God is in control of every single thing and person that might be used against you to do you harm.
To Prosper You- Nehemiah 2:20 “The God of Heaven, he will prosper us”. Nehemiah 2:8– “and the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me”. You may not get everything that you want when you have a mind to work for the Lord but, you will have everything that you NEED.
III. Your Part is Valuable – Nehemiah 4:15 “everyone unto his work”. Remember, they are building a wall and repairing the gates and EVERYONES job in doing so is very important. What is their work? Nehemiah Chapter 3.
- In The Body– I Corinthians 12:18- “But now hath God set the members everyone of them in the body, as it hath pleased him”. The same thing is true in the body of Christ- Everyone has a different responsibility and a different mission field. The same is true with you; the Lord has placed you where you are so that you can reach those around you and be effective in your area. Prayer-Nehemiah 1:4-6 & 11 Outreach-Evangelism. / Visiting the sick, hospitalized, homebound. Teaching Sunday School/ VBS creating crafts. Nursery Child Care/ Singing or playing an instrument. Hospitality- serving coffee or refreshments, making meals. Building Maintenance / Building Cleaning. Greeter/Usher- People feel welcomed and loved as they come through the doors. Use your time, talents, gifts, and resources to get involved in the ministry which God has given you to do. Your Part in Valuable, Keep going.
Conclusion: When you set your mind to work for the Lord, just like Nehemiah did, you will have opposition however, don’t fret, the Lord is with you. And remember this, your part in the Body of Christ is very valuable, every little bit counts when God is in it.
Anchor Baptist Church 