01.19.2025
January 16, 2025

RebuildNehemiah.jpg

Building the Walls of Faith

Nehemiah 4 NLT

1. Through Ridicule

Nehemiah 4:1–6 NLT
Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?”

Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”

Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.”

At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.

2. In Prayerfulness

Nehemiah 4:7–14 NLT
But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.

Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”

Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.”

The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”

3. With Readiness

Nehemiah 4:15–23 NLT
When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.

Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!”

We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. I also told everyone living outside the walls to stay in Jerusalem. That way they and their servants could help with guard duty at night and work during the day. During this time, none of us—not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me—ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.

Closing Challenge

How can I persist in building the “walls” of faith in my life and others’?


Spiritually Curious: Will you take a step toward faith despite opposition or doubt?


New Believers: Will you persevere and build your foundation in Christ?


Disciples: Will you lead others and remain steadfast in the work God has called you to?


Take Personal Responsibility: Reflect on your unique role in building your faith and helping others grow.


Pray Specifically: Ask God to show you the next step you can take to grow or support someone else.


Act Intentionally: Whether it’s joining a group, reaching out to a mentor, or serving in your church, take one tangible step this week to live out your faith.

Life Group Questions:

Read Nehemiah Chapter 4 (prior to life group): When you read
through the scripture take note of anything interesting, unique, or
questions that come to mind when reading.

Get-to-Know-You Question:

  1. “What’s something you’ve tried to build or create (like a
    project, hobby, or even a tradition) that ended up being
    more challenging than you expected? How did you
    handle any setbacks?”

Dig Deeper into the Biblical Text
2. “When Nehemiah and his people were mocked by
Sanballat and Tobiah, their first response was to pray.
Why do you think prayer was their immediate action, and
what does that reveal about their faith and priorities?”

  1. “Nehemiah faced opposition from outside enemies and
    discouragement from within his own people. Which do
    you think is often harder to overcome—external criticism
    or internal discouragement—and why?”

Personal Application
4. “In your life right now, where do you sense God inviting
you to ‘build or rebuild’ something in your faith? What’s
one practical step—through prayer, seeking support from
others, or taking action—you can take this week to
persist in that work?”

*Expanded notes are available in the foyer.