Sermon Notes

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it.” – Alan Lakein

The Situation ~ Nehemiah the master planner – v11-18

Nehemiah, now aware of the deplorable condition of the walls of his beloved Jerusalem, was able to assess their state personally, along with two trusted friends, about four months later.
Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem would be a significant challenge. It would require a strategic plan and the ability to inspire willing workers to bring that plan to life.
Nehemiah’s actions in the early stages of the project teach us valuable lessons that can be applied to our everyday lives, both in personal endeavours and church projects.

The Problem ~ Be careful who you share God’s vision with ~ v11-12

I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. V12
Nehemiah approached the task of evaluating and assessing the damage to the walls with careful consideration and wisdom.
He recognised the vision God had placed in his heart, but he was careful not to share it too soon with his fellow citizens until he had assessed the damage himself.
Although he preferred to keep his vision private, he permitted two trusted individuals to join him during his inspection. We should appreciate the friends and family members who can share in confidence what God has placed on our hearts.

Application

Nehemiah’s initial steps in Jerusalem offer an important lesson. When God gives us visions and dreams, sharing them with the wrong people can lead to doubt. Like Nehemiah, we should pray about whom to tell and when to share our dreams.

The Resolution & Celebration ~ The task may be great, but God is greater! – v17-18

“You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” – v17

In our humanity, we sometimes let the project’s complications and challenges make us doubt our ability to make progress.
Nehemiah did not hide away from the vast nature of the task at hand, but He believed that with God’s blessing, the project would be able to achieve success.

Application

If God has given you a vision, He will open doors of opportunity and provision to help you successfully complete the task. Don’t let the enemy, others, or self-doubt cause you to fear the scale of the task ahead. Remember, with God, all things are possible for those who believe.

Discussion Questions

Nehemiah chapter 2 begins about 4 months after Nehemiah first heard the report about the poor conditions of Jerusalem’s walls. (Read Ch1:4 again)
How have fasting and prayer helped prepare you for difficult situations you’ve faced? Or, if you haven’t had an experience like this, what can you learn from Nehemiah’s example?
Read ch 2:1-9. Despite Nehemiah’s important position as the king’s cupbearer, God favoured Nehemiah in the King’s eyes, allowing him to be released from his duties on leave to carry out the work in Jerusalem.
2) Discuss examples in your life or other examples where God has opened doors, enabling you/others to see the vision materialised?
3) Read ch 2:11-12, discuss the positives and negatives of sharing what God has laid on your heart with others.
4) Have you ever been terrified by the challenging nature of what God is calling you to do? What did you do, what helped you to overcome such fear?
5) What great venture in your life do you feel burdened for right now? How can Nehemiah’s example help in your situation?