Brian Fisher

Grace Bible Church

“Praise the Lord and Pick Up Your Sword”

Nehemiah 4:1-23 & 6:1-9

As the Jews began to make progress on rebuilding the wall, opposition intensified. Even after completion of the wall, the opposition did not relent. Nehemiah met the opposition in the strength and wisdom of the Lord. He trusted in God and took very practical steps to insure the continuation of God's work. Anyone and everyone who participates in the work of God on earth will experience opposition. Will we respond in faith, wisdom and strength? Or will we allow discouragement to overwhelm us, bringing God's work through us to a halt?

If we don’t recognize the enemies tactics, we have already lost the battle. This account from Nehemiah will help us recognize our adversary.

I. Recognize Opposition

A. Opposition is real

Our battle is not against flesh and blood; therefore we don’t think it is real

We assume there is no battle.

B. Opposition is intense – 2:9-10; 4:1, 7

Satan is angry; roaring lion, seeking to devour

Faithfulness does not guarantee easy life

C. Opposition comes from every direction

Nehemiah was physically surrounded (see map)

1. Ridicule – 4:1-3; 2:19

Inadequate for the task – 4:2 (“feeble”)

God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called

Not that we are adequate in ourselves

My grace is sufficient

We have this treasure in earthen vessels

God has chosen the weak – 1 Cor. 1

Waste of time

Inadequate resources

Offer sacrifices; what does this mean? Slam on God?

2. Physical aggression – 4:6-8, 11

Intensifies

Discouragement set in – 4:10

Isolate the leader – 6:1-4

3. Slander – 6:4-7; 2:19

Persistent – 6:4-5

Ex – Joseph and Potiphar’s wife

“Some people who can stand bravely when they are shot at will collapse when they are laughed at.”

D. Opposition is strategic – “conspiracy”; 4:8, 10

We are being strategically attacked today

Values

Assaulted with sensuality

Definition of marriage is changing

Worldview

Moral relativism; Multiple contradictory truths; Ability to reason

Censorship of truth

Pressure to use politically correct speech

All views must be accepted in public forum EXCEPT conviction of absolute TRUTH

Private assaults

II. Overcome the opposition

We must overcome. If we ignore the reality of attack, we have already lost.

A. Persistent prayer – sovereignty of God; 4:4-6

Prayed and continued to work

4:4-7; Opposition intensified… prayed and set up a guard

Imprecatory – 4:4-6

Not personal request for right to take vengeance

Act consistently with Your character and promises

God will take vengeance

We are explicitly told that now is time of great patience

Pray for our enemies

Remove those who hinder the gospel – Gal. 1

B. Energetic exhortation; believe truth – 4:11-14, 20

Satan’s primary strategy? LIE

History of God’s intervention; facing the Red Sea, Egyptians behind

C. Appropriate defense – 4:15-20

Used available means – letters from King; swords; slow the work

“Common sense must prevail. Do you fear someone is trying to break into your home? Certainly you should trust God, but don’t forget to lock the doors.”

—Source unknown

“The old Revolutionary War soldiers used to say, ‘Trust in God but keep your powder dry’.”

Example – David ran and hid from Saul

Example – Paul created debate about resurrection; appeals to Caesar; asked for guard when transported; When facing rulers, Paul spoke all the truth

What are appropriate means in our culture?

Personal – avoid ambush; spiritual training; counsel

Societal – Vote; write letters; stay informed; persuade others (talk about significant issues from a Christian worldview)

Don’t trust in our own strategies

Don’t forget the gospel is most important

D. Perseverance in God’s will – 4:21-23

A missionary society wrote to David Livingstone and asked, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you.” Livingstone wrote back, “If you have men who will come only if they know there is a good road, I don’t want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all.” April, 1985 Good News Broadcaster

Conclusion

Spiritual opposition is real, and it will not quit.

How is the enemy attacking you right now? Lulling you to sleep?

How will you take measures to overcome this week?