Lesson from the life of Nehemiah (Expository Preaching-Part 5)

Topic : Lesson from the life of Nehemiah

Chapter 8 (Expository Preaching-Part 6)

We've come much far until now. Up-to now we saw that Nehemiah had clear vision from God, so he went to Jerusalem to build the wall which has been destroyed for 140 years. When he was working in his vision to rebuild the wall there we saw many obstacles in his way by his enemies which every servant of God has to face while working in God given Vision. When we go through such tough & rough situation and face opposition and difficulties then only it us possible to rebuild the wall. Obstacles and difficulties is not a problem but our perspective to see it is a problem. Many people sees their obstacles as big giant goliath but great warrior of God sees opportunity to make our target success. Nehemiah's response to his enemies and opposition is point to be noted. Every time he took his problem to God. We can see Nehemiah built the wall only on 52 days (6:15). Wow! isn't that an amazing.

Let's go to chapter 8 :

Rebuilding People : "Spiritual Renewal"

What is 'Spiritual Renewal'?

-This is not spiritual rebirth but it is a spiritual renewal & transformation to be restored from a state where life has fallen spiritually.

-Peter's spiritual renewal (John 21:15-17)

- rebuilding the wall was first step, but ultimate purpose of Nehemiah was to rebuild people because their spiritual connection to God was badly damaged than the wall.

-no matter how beautiful the houses are or the newly built cities of Jerusalem, what good is it if a person's heart is cold? Today many churches have beautiful and giant buildings but there heart is not connected with God. Really their heart is small although they have big buildings.

-every leaders vision & focus should be to rebuild people because "God doesn't look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the lord looks at the heart" (1Samuel 16:7).

Verse 1-4:- "Bible and National Renewal"

- for the renewal & revival of the nation Bible and it's teaching is mandatory

Why Nepal is lacking in so many wide area?

Why Korea whose 50-70 years back history was much worst than Nepal is now the mist developed nation in while Asia?

Why European Nations are forward and developed?

- Answer is simple their constitution, law, rules, values, morals, thoughts & behavior's foundation is Bible.

- Nation without Biblical foundation cannot experience Spiritual Renewal which results in selfishness, chaos, lack of peace, criminal activities in whole nation.

- Here we can clearly see the passion for the word of God in every Jew's eyes.

- Church are you passionate about the word of God? How often, how many hours you read Bible & spend time with God? Or are you too busy in your own stuff? Without passion for the word of God, do not expect spiritual Renewal?

"Ezra read in aloud voice from the book of the law from early morning until noon" (8:3)

From the first rays of the morning to the middle of the day, it was quiet about 6 hours.

Ezra had returned 14 years ago on the year 458 B.C before Nehemiah (Ezra 7). His primitive purpose for returning Jerusalem is to teach God's Law to Jews. when he came Jerusalem for the first time, spiritual and moral life of people was quiet thinkable(Ezra (9:1-4, 10:2,10).

Verse 5-18 "Response to the Word of God"

Here are five main and related response to God's Word:

Respect: to exalt, to value (verse 5)

- first step of Spiritual Renewal is to respect the Word of God

- Joshua 1:8, psalms 1:2

Worship : (verse 6)

Repentance : (verse 9)

Obedience : (verse 13-14)

Proclamation : (verse 15)