Learning from Nehemiah to accomplish a Resolution for 2013 Church of Christ at Medina December 22 nd, 2012

Nehemiah left his important position in the royal house in order to do “construction work” for the Lord. The apostles understood that Jesus – and following Him – had to come before anything else. Matthew 4:18-22 Luke 18:28-30 This is only possible when we are actually concerned about the work and people of God. Nehemiah 1:4 One of the reasons why Paul was such a great worker for the Lord was because of his love for Christ, the church and the other saints. Acts 20:31 2 Corinthians 11:28 If we want to accomplish more for God in 2013, we must be willing to put God’s work before our own work.

In Nehemiah’s day, there were those who opposed, ridiculed and discouraged the work of rebuilding the temple. Nehemiah 2:10 Nehemiah 4:1-3 Nehemiah 4:7-8 Nehemiah 6:2, 9 We must not let the enemies succeed in slowing down or stopping the work God wants us to accomplish. Paul experienced opposition from many adversaries – including the Jews – during his missionary journeys. (Acts 13:8, 14:2, 18:6, etc.) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

We must also be careful not to be one who opposes or hinders the work of God or God’s people. Matthew 23:13 – “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.” 3 John 9-11: Example of Diotrophes

Nehemiah, by his willingness and his ability, became a leader for God’s people. Because he was undertaking a job on behalf of God, the people needed to listen to him. Nehemiah 2:17-18 Nehemiah 4:14 Today, God has defined leaders for the local congregation. These leaders – elders – have a responsibility to guide us and help us to accomplish God’s work here. Therefore, we must be willing to listen to them and follow their lead. Hebrews 13:17 1 Peter 5:5 This also includes those who lead in action. (1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17)

Nehemiah knew the great work before him and the effort that it would take. Considering the great work, he started first by asking help from the One who can accomplish all things. Nehemiah 1:5-11 Nehemiah 2:4 Nehemiah 4:4-5, 9 If I want to be a better worker for God in 2013, I need to first ask God to help me. Philippians 4:6 Psalm 38:21-22 – “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” Psalm 40:13,17 – “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me…As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!”

Nehemiah not only asked for help from God, but he expected to receive the help. Nehemiah 2:20 We must have confidence that God will not only hear us, but provide us with assistance in the things that we request. 1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.” Matthew 7:7-8 Hebrews 13:5-6 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’”

Despite great preparations and a great attitude, Nehemiah would have never accomplished anything if he didn’t actually start the work. Nehemiah 4:15-23 We must not forget that our 2013 will not be fruitful if we don’t actually start doing something. Make plans, ask God for help, meditate…but then get going!

1. Put God’s work first. 2. Be aware that the enemies of God will try to stop you. 3. Be willing to listen to God’s leaders. 4. Ask God for help. 5. Expect God’s help. 6. Get busy!