Contending for Change
Part of Sermon Notes

Staying “On Point” in the Face of Opposition

Why Change?

1. Change happens … We have to deal with it.

2. Dealing with change is how we grow.

3. Change (transformation) is God’s agenda for each and every one of his children.

Romans 12:1-2

4. The only alternative to change is death.

Opposition is a “natural human” reaction to the need for personal change.

Reasons Humans Oppose Change:

Change can be humiliating.

  1. It can expose petty jealousy.
  2. Change often requires confession and repentance.
  3. Righteous change forces us to say “no” to ourselves and “yes” to the will of God.

Change can be threatening.

  1. It can threaten our livelihood.
  2. It can threaten our agenda.
  3. It threatens our desire to be comfortable.
  4. Righteous change threatens the evil agenda of our enemy.

Nehemiah 4:1-3
Nehemiah 4:4-6

Overcoming Opposition to Change:

The Face of the Enemy: Ridicule
A faithful and focused response: Take it to God and continue the work.

Nehemiah 4:7-8

The Face of the Enemy: Intimidation and plots
A faithful and focused response: Watch your back, multiply prayer, and continue the work.

The Face of the Enemy: Discouragement from inside the ranks.
A faithful and focused response: Stay prayerful and focused on God’s leading. Don’t let the doubters distract you and continue the work.

Nehemiah 4:10-12
Nehemiah 4:13-14

The Face of the Enemy: Fear from the threat of violence.
A faithful and focused response: Prepare for the enemy but “fear” the Lord. Trust Him to defend you and continue the work.

Nehemiah 4:15-20
Nehemiah 4:21-23

Pastor’s Challenge:

Prayerfully consider one change you know you need to embrace.
What is the change you need to make?
Why are you avoiding or resisting it?
How is God prompting you to respond?

*Make a decision now to take one step into that change. *
Write down your decision and the step you intend to take.
Share both with someone you trust.
Ask them to walk with you as you embrace that change.