As we’ve worked our way through this series over the past few weeks, we’ve found Nehemiah encounter problem after problem.
He was chosen by God to be the instrument by which the shame and stigma of Jerusalem would be lifted by leading the effort to rebuild the protective walls that had been crumbled in a heap for more than a century and restore the secure gates that had been burned when the city was overthrown generations before.
Yet, as he set out to do Gods will, he faced incredibly difficult opposition.
As we make our way into the 6th chapter, the work on the wall is about to be completed and the enemy of Gods work launches a final, desperate attack and this time it’s not so much external or internal issues, it’s
In today’s message, as we see how the enemy attacks Gods servant, I want you to notice that Satan’s strategy hasn’t changed much…yet neither has Gods solution.
- THE ENEMY WILL ATTEMPT TO
“When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the city gates— Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” They were planning to
me.” —Nehemiah 6:1-2
Whenever someone leaves or avoids the community they need, rest assured, they’ve been
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching” —Hebrews 10:24-25 “One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound wisdom” —Proverbs 18:1
WHY THE EMPHASIS ON BIBLICAL COMMUNITY?
Because we can’t do this life
“Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” —Ephesians 4:1-5
Because Satan is
“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” —1 Peter 5:8
THE ENEMY WILL ATTEMPT TO
“Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. In it was written:
It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf, “There is a king in Judah.” These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together.” —Nehemiah 6:5-7
THE ENEMY WILL ATTEMPT TO
“I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: Let’s meet at the house of God, inside the temple. Let’s shut the temple doors because they’re coming to kill you. They’re coming to kill you tonight!” —Nehemiah 6:10
HOW DO WE COMBAT THE PERSONAL ATTACK OF THE ENEMY?
• STAY ON MISSION BY
When Nehemiah’s enemies tried to destroy him through isolation:
“So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?. “Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply” —Nehemiah 6:3-4
• FIGHT THE ENEMY’S LIES BY
When the enemy sought to discredit Nehemiah with slander and false accusation:
“Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished. But now, my God, strengthen my hands.” —Nehemiah 6:8-9
• RESIST THE ENEMY’S TEMPTATION THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND FAITH
When the enemy trued to deter Nehemiah through temptation:
“But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go.” I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me. My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.” —Nehemiah 6:11-14
