Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
The period of history we approach as we look at the book of Nehemiah is one of reproach, adversity and triumph for the nation of Israel.
But in order to get a clear picture of where we are, we must go back in time a few steps.
As Israel began to develop it’s territory under the leadership of David, they were still worshiping God in a Tabernacle.
David was prompted with the desire of building a more permanent structure for the prescribed activities of worship.
Because of his warrior past God allowed him to gather provision for the temple, however, the building of it would fall to his son Solomon. 1 Kings 5:1-5
Solomon’s temple was a glorious sight and a marvelous representation of God’s favor and provision on his people.
After it was built and dedicated God reminded Solomon that he would dwell with his people as long as they would keep his commandments.
1 Kings 9:1-9 For 400 years the temple existed but through the years Israel had indeed broken God’s command to keep him on the highest plane in their lives.
As the nation of Israel followed after strange god’s and neglected the worship of Jehovah God, judgement came in the form of a foreign power.
The prophet Jeremiah had a message from the Lord that outlined in great detail the events that would take place.
Jeremiah 25:11-12
After 70 years, just as God said, Israel was allowed to return to Jerusalem and to begin to pick up the pieces.
The exile from Babylon happened in stages.
First under the leadership of Zurubbabel a contingent returned and began the rebuilding of an altar to reinstitute the sacrifices.
Ezra 2:1-3:3 Followed 60 years later by Ezra who was a scribe and focused his attention on turning hearts back to the Word of God.
Then Nehemiah was appointed to return and his task was to rebuild the walls that had defended the city from its enemies.
Many aspects of this exile are instructive for Christians living in the 21st century.
However, this portion of scripture before us today, draws our attention to Nehemiah and his task.
Declaration: Success in ministry, as in any serious endeavor requires strength
Preposition: Would you consider yourself spiritually strong or would you say you have need to strengthen your hands?
Transition: I want us to notice 3 important aspects of what Nehemiah referred to as "Strong Hands"
We are going to look at the requirement of "strong hands", the recipe for "Strong Hands" and the results of "Strong Hands".
First notice with me the requirement for "Strong hands":
I.
The Requirement of Strong Hands
As this group of Israelites began this endeavor to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem, one thing was evident; they did not posses the strength to accomplish the task!
Can we admit the same thing?
What God has called us to do for him cannot be accomplished in the power we posses on our own.
A. Strength was required because the task was Exacting
Starting a ministry (in our case a local church), is no less difficult.
In fact, it may be more difficult.
You don't just throw a few stones together to build a wall it requires wisdom and forethought.
B. Strength was required because the task was Exhausting - it was physical work
Building a wall required strength.
It was manual labor!
i.
Its Difficult work
ii.
It's Discouraging work
Acts 15:36-41 Paul & Barnabas disputed over John Mark- was he discouraged?
iii.
It's Dirty work
C. Strength was required because the task was Enduring
The wall was restored relatively quickly.
However, the greater task of getting the nation back on track was never ending!
It does require a long term vision and commitment- nothing significant will be done for God in a few months or in a few years even
Yes, Nehemiah rebuilt the wall in 52 days but we are not engaged in the work of rebuilding a wall, we are engaged in the work or rebuilding peoples lives through the power of Jesus Christ.
We may see some immediate successes but most of the results will come years down the line.
D. Strength was required because of the Extreme Opposition
E. Strength was required because the task was of Eternal Significance -
"good work" - it was worthwhile and it had meaning and purpose
The Jews that had remained in the land during the captivity has assimilated into the culture of the surrounding nations.
They had intermarried and the future of the nation was actually dependence on a wall that would separate God's chosen people from the heathen nations that surrounded it.
One way to effectively eradicate a race of people would be to assimilate your people together and that is exactly what was happening in Nehemiah's day.
While we are not in a battle to preserve the purity of a people we are in a battle to grow and protect this local church!
There are many "good causes" in this world but none compare to the "great commission"!
We have see the Requirement for Strong Hands now lets notice the Recipe for Strong Hands
II.
The Recipe for Strong Hands
So what can we do to Strengthen our hands?
A. The recipe for strong hands required that they Cooperate Together
"and they said...so they strengthened their hands"
i. Be faithful in the little things
Illustration: (Weight Lifting) When people begin lifting weights or trying to improve their strength, they start out with lighter weights.
Many times we want to impress people with our strength, but in reality we are filled with pride and arrogance.
Example of little things:
1. be faithful to church
2. be faithful and dependable in whatever area of service God has for you at the moment
ii.
Be about your own business
Nehemiah chapter 3 - They all worked on their respective areas
As they worked on their respective portions of the wall there was not time to quarrel about what was going on elsewhere.
B. The recipe for strong hands required that they Cry out to God
"Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands."
As Nehemiah faced opposition he didn't look for reasons to run, he simply cried out to God and asked for strength.
C. The recipe for strong hands required that they Contend
Through the opposition they came up with a plan and contended for what they believed God had called them to do!
We have seen the Requirement of Strong Hands and the Recipe for Strong Hands lastly I want us to notice the Result of Strong Hands
III.
The Result of Strong Hands
What was the overall result of their strengthened hands?
A. The result of strong hands was Action
"so the people had a mind to work"
B. The result of strong hands was Achievement
"So built we the wall..."
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