Facing Opposition

Facing Opposition
(Nehemiah 4)
Rev. Neil Kim

In chapter 4, Nehemiah faces severe opposition to the work of rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem.  How did Nehemiah and the Jews respond?

 I. Mockery
Enemy ridicules and insults the Jews. (vv. 1-3)
Nehemiah persists against the enemy with prayer. (vv. 4-5)
Then, after a prayer, Nehemiah returns to the work. (v. 6)

 II. Intimidation
The enemy mobilizes its forces, escalating the attack, and begins to plan a direct threat. (vv. 7-8)
Nehemiah responds by doing more than pray.  He combines faith and works. (v. 9)

 III. Discouragement
People were at that point of exhaustion and frustration. (v. 10)
But Nehemiah didn’t pay much attention to these complainers but went right on with work of the Lord.

 IV. Fear
The enemy immediately takes advantage of that weak moment and fear sets in. (vv. 11-12)
Fear can paralyze you, and fear is contagious and paralyzes others.

 V. Nehemiah demonstrates his leadership under stress
He carefully assesses the situation and evaluates what is needed.  Then he implements the plan. (v. 13)
Then, Nehemiah reminds his people who God is. (v. 14)

 VI. People committed to go the extra mile (vv. 16-23)
They now combine the work with the war. 

 VII. Application
Have you ever been ridiculed or insulted? What did it feel like? How did you respond?
What kind of opposition do we as believers face today?