We continue with our *NEW* sermon series entitled ‘Nehemiah’, with preaching from Nathan Gordon and our (virtual) service led by Brian Dickson.
Sermon Notes
There are countless online tutorials and tips available to anyone desiring a big move that is practically useful. For example, here is a list of 7 tips for moving from thehellolittlehome.com
- StartPlanning Your Move
- GatherMoving
- Downsize your belongings.
- Stop Buying New Stuff.
- Arrange for Travel During Your
- Check out Your New location.
- Find a New Home.
Despite such tips above being helpful there is a major aspect missing from the list that Nehemiah included as a top priority on his moving list – GOD!
What does God say about your desire to move?
Is it Gods will for me/family to move?
After receiving the bad news about the state of Jerusalem’s walls, the first item on Nehemiah’s agenda was to Pray – Ch1:4-11
Nehemiah’s prayer included:
- A recognition of Gods holiness
- Confessed sin on behalf of the nation
- Asked specifically for favour in gaining the Kings approval
What did Nehemiah’s prayer accomplish?
- The king approved the rebuild mission and allowed Nehemiah official leave of absence to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls
- Received letters from the King addressed to the Governors across the Euphrates, authorizing Nehemiah’s safety when travelling.
- Acquired resources and supplies for the walls
How often do you pour out your heart to God?
How often do you give him specific requests to answer?
Do you find yourself making plans first and then including God in the process after?
As we survey the scene of Nehemiah’s inspection of Jerusalem’s walls and spiritual condition of the nation, what can we glean and apply to our context today about the state of our community, nation, and the world?
The move might not necessarily be changing a postcode but maybe there is a desire to see renewal and change within your local community today.
Survey the condition of the area – V13-16
- Nehemiah not only received the news from his brother about the state of Jerusalem, but he inspected himself.
- Nehemiah performed the inspection alone
Plan the course of action – V17-18
- Nehemiah shared the vision of renewal with Jerusalem’s leaders
- Successfully mobilised workers to support the vision
- “They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work” – v18
Rest in God’s authorisation and ignore the doubters – V19-20
- Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem were in direct opposition to Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem
- There will always be opposition whenever we seek to do something for God
- Nehemiah could rest in the knowledge that God had authorised his work and no one could therefore halt their progress.
House Group Questions
- Discuss the difference when you prayed first before making important decisions or moving location? How was prayer helpful in your plans and decision making?
- Why is it so important to not get ahead of the Lord, but to wait for His perfect timing?
- When you know you are doing God’s will, does resistance/opposition come as a surprise to you? Why or why not?
- How do you handle resistance and opposition when you know you are doing God’s will?
- Why do you think Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem alone without telling anyone what he was doing?
- What is the significance of Nehemiah’s enemies laughing at him when he began to do the work of the Lord, and why is it so important to have the perspective laid out in verse 20?
- Discuss what encourages you about the state of your local area and what makes you sad?
Sermon Details
Sermon Title: How do you plan a big move?
Bible Reading: Nehemiah 2
Preacher: Nathan Gordon
Worship Leader: Brian Dickson
