Didaskalos Ministries Studying Through Nehemiah

These Sermon outlines were written and submitted by: Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Biloxi, Mississippi 39532. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite.

Teaching Through Nehemiah

Twelve Sermon/Teaching Outlines
by Pastor Joseph M. Willmouth
Trinity Bible Church, Biloxi Mississippi, in the Book of Nehemiah

"Making A Difference"
Nehemiah 1:1-11

Background: The book of Nehemiah is a rich source of personal insights. It helps us discover how to make that fresh start we so often feel we need. And it shows us how to continue, unshaken, on a godly path despite opposition. Three men played important roles in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. There was Zerubbabel, the prince, who represented the political side. Then there was Ezra, the priest, and finally Nehemiah the layman. The king, the priest and the prophet all actually failed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to cleanse the temple, so God raised up Nehemiah, whom we designate a layman. It was a layman who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. This book teaches us that God can and will raise up everyday people to accomplish great things for Him.

I. It Starts By Being Concerned (vv.1-3).

1. Nehemiah enjoyed security and prestige as the king's cup bearer, so there was no reason for him to ask about the needs of the people 700 miles away.
A. But this man with the important position had concern for God's people, and God's work.
B. He had a caring heart!
2. The news was distressing! 3 words sum it up; remnant, ruin and reproach. Without walls and gates the city was open to ridicule and attack.
3. There were several things Nehemiah could have said when he heard of Jerusalem's plight. He could have said, "It's too bad, brethren. Sorry to hear it. I'll put you on my prayer list. God bless you."

Application: The worst sin we can have towards another is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for ourselves as well as for others. How do you respond when you learn that others are hurting or there is a need? When was the last time you were concerned enough to ask about someone else's needs?

II. You Must Have Compassion (v.4).

1. Nehemiah was so moved by the news that his heart was immediately touched, and he wanted to do something to save the city.
2. We don't know how long he fasted, wept and prayed, it could have been for days, or even months.

Application: Nehemiah knew that somebody had to do something to rescue Jerusalem, and he was willing to go. When God puts a burden on your heart, don't try to escape it; for if you do, you may miss the blessing He has planned for you.

III. You Must Be Committed To Prayer (vv.5-11a).

1. Nehemiah was a man of prayer and it was born out of concern and compassion
- Note: This book starts and ends with a prayer.
2. Notice Nehemiah's prayer:
A. Adoration (v.5)
1) We pray to the God of Heaven, the Great and awesome God, who is worthy of our adoration.
B. Confession (vv.6-7)
1) The greater part of Nehemiah's prayer was devoted to confession of sin.
2) Nehemiah nails it down "I am a sinner. My father's house has sinned. The nation has sinned."
C. Request (vv.8-11a)
1) Nehemiah had confidence in God's faithfulness. In bringing Babylon to destroy Jerusalem and take the people captive, God chastened the Jews sorely; but He did not forsake them! They were still His people and His servants (Deut. 30; 1 Kings 8:31-53; Psalm 105:8, 42).
2) This humble prayer closed with an expression of confidence, he had confidence in the power of God. He was able to see the peoples needs, hear their prayers, and work on their behalf with His mighty hand.

Application: Nehemiah gives us a good example of how to pray, but examples are useless unless we put them into action. Vance Havner said, "The measure of any Christian is his prayer life." How do you measure up to Nehemiah's example?

IV. You Must Be Willing To Respond (v.11b).

1. Nehemiah told God here that, "If you want to use me, I am making myself available." He doesn't want to run ahead of God, and so he goes to Him first in prayer.

Application: If God is going to answer prayer, He must start by working in the one doing the praying. He works in us and through us to help us see our prayers answered. As we pray, God tells us what to do, when to do it, and how to do it; and all are important to the accomplishing of the will of God.

On Your Own: Review this chapter at a later time and ask yourself the following questions to see if there are other applications for us to apply in our walk with the Lord. Is there an example for me to follow? Is there a sin for me to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there a promise for me to claim? Is there a difficulty here for me to explore (more research needed)? Is there something in this passage that I should pray about today? What does this passage teach me about God, Jesus, and/or the Holy Spirit? ("How To Give Away Your Faith" by Paul E. Little, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL., pp.126-27, 1980)

"God's Faithful Servant"
Nehemiah 2:1-20

I. Has the Faith To Wait On God (v.1)

1. Nehemiah patiently waited on the Lord for directions for four months
A. Notice that Nehemiah did not suddenly quit his job and hurry to Jerusalem after he heard the bad news.
B. So he wept, prayed, fasted, and faithfully worked for 4 months, waiting to approach the king in the Lord's time.

Application: True faith in God brings a calmness to the heart that keeps us from rushing about and trying to do in our own strength what only God can do. We must know not only how to weep and pray, but also how to wait and pray. Its been said that when you wait on the Lord in prayer, you are not wasting your time; you are investing it. God is preparing both you and your circumstances so that His purpose will be accomplished. However, when the right time arrives for us to act by faith, we dare not delay. Waiting may be much harder than working, but it is dangerous to rush ahead of the Lord.

II. Has The Faith To Speak Up (vv.2-10)

1. Nehemiah was willing to share what God had placed on his heart (vv.2-3)
A. Nehemiah had to wait for an invitation before he could share his burden with the King
1) People approaching the Throne of Persia had to very careful what they said, lest they anger the king
2) Artaxerxes saw the sorrow on Nehemiah's face and asked Nehemiah what was wrong.
B. Nehemiah was willing to go beyond just sharing what God had put on his heart, he asked the king for his help (vv.4-8).
1) He needed letters of introduction that would guarantee safe travel and hospitality.
2) He asked for letters of authority that would provide the material needed for construction of buildings and walls.
3) Artaxerxes gave him what he asked, but it was the good hand of god that made the king so cooperative.

2. Sometimes when we share the burdens that the Lord puts on our hearts it is not always receive well by others (vv.9-10)
- Sanballat (San-bal'-at) and Tobiah (Toh-bi'-uh) were very displeased; the language used in this passage seems to indicate more than them being unhappy but that there trembled or quivered with great displeasure upon hearing the news

Application: Nehemiah is a good example of how believers should relate to unsaved officials as they seek to do the work of God. Nehemiah respected the king and sought to work within the lines of authority that existed in the empire. We also need to be aware that not everyone (inside or outside the church) will be happy to see God's Servants working.

III. Has The Faith To Honestly Appraise The Situation (vv.11-16)

1. Nehemiah surveyed the situation.
A. Nehemiah didn't rush into his work but patiently gathers the facts firsthand and then planned his strategy.
B. Nehemiah saw more at night than the residents saw in the daylight, for he saw the potential as well as the problems.

Application: Those who have a burden for the Lord's work are often awake when others sleep, and working when others are resting. A wise believer knows when to plan, when to speak and when to work. We must be willing to face the facts honestly and accept the bad news as well as the good news.

IV. Has The Faith To Lead And Encourage Others (vv.17-18)

1. Nehemiah showed the people the need, outline the task, and assured them of God's blessing.
- Nehemiah focused on the glory and greatness of the Lord, as well as the good of the nation.
2. Nehemiah did not believe in a one-man ministry; he challenged the leaders of the remnant to work with him (not for him) in repairing the walls.
A. He spoke of WE and US and not YOU and THEM.
B. It is to the credit of the Jewish noble that they accepted the challenge immediately and said, "Let us rise up and build!"
1) They were not so accustomed to their situation that they took it for granted and decided that nothing could be changed.
2) Nor did they remind Nehemiah that the Jews had once tried to repair the walls and were stopped (Ezra 4), or say "We tried that once and it didn't work. Why try again?"

Application: Christian's today face these same two obstacles as they seek to do God's will in the church, they often hear, "We're content the way things are; don't rock the boat by trying to change things," or "We tried that before and it didn't work!" It takes two hands to accomplish the Lord's work in the church today, the hands of leadership and the hands of partnership with other believers. Leaders can't do the job by themselves, and workers can't accomplish much without leadership. Someone has defined Leadership as "the art of getting people to do what they ought to do because they want to do it."

V. Has The Faith To Stand Up To Opposition (vv.19-20)

1. Sanballat and Tobiah heard about the enterprise (v.10) and enlisted Geshem (gesh'-uhm) to join them in opposing the Jews
2. Nehemiah made 3 things clear to them:
A. Rebuilding the wall was God's work
B. The Jews were God's servants
C. The enemy leaders had no part of God's plans

Application: Whether in the area of science, exploration, invention, business, government, or Christian ministry, just about everyone who has accomplished anything has faced ridicule. The enemy will use different methods to try to discourage you. Generally ridicule is the first method the enemy will try. That is the first phase of the devil's warfare against you. Don't be surprised as soon as you step out by faith to do God's will, that the enemy shows up and tries to discourage you.