Nehemiah 6-7 6:1-14 Temptation to Compromise God’s Work and Word 6:15-19 Trouble of Collaboration with God’s Enemy 7:1-73 Who I am Matters

6:1-14 Temptation to Compromise God’s Work & Word Our enemies are not reasonable, even if they sound it. Our enemies are never supportive of what God is doing, even if they act like it. Our enemies will lead us into temptation to steal, kill and destroy what matters to God.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising then if his servant also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

Red Flags the enemy is prowling….. When something or someone is drawing your attention or focus away from where God has called you to be, what He is doing in your life, your family or community. If how you are being led or invited will put a hold on the progress you are making in an area of restoration or needed change.

Red Flags the enemy is prowling….. If you are growing more and more anxious about a situation, what someone else thinks, or being misunderstood. You are feeling pressured to defend yourself for obeying God.

Like Nehemiah…. Say NO to fear Say NO to the enemy Pray for strength, and keep going.

Confidence Confidence in Who God is Confidence in what God says Confidence in your identity in Christ Confidence in your identity as God’s appointed servant

Conviction Conviction in pleasing God not man. Conviction in the authority of God’s Word Conviction in the importance of God’s Work.

Calling We are God’s Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Jesus has given us all authority in heaven and on earth to go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-19

6:15-19 Trouble of Collaboration with Enemy How are you tempted to collaborate with those opposed to God’s priorities and authority?

6:15-19 Trouble of Collaboration with Enemy How do you see the enemy stirring up dissention among the Christian community? Hint: look for panic, dissention and discouragement among God’s people.

6:15-19 Trouble of Collaboration with Enemy Where are you being pulled away from God’s Word and mission by persons who are not really committed to God?

7:1-73 My Life Matters “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep..… Whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10: 7, 9 “Enter through a narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7: 13-14

7:1-73 My Life Matters “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life- no one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6