Nehemiah 4b

Back to Work

Nehemiah 4:16-23, ESV

 3 phrases that jump out 

1. “From that day on” (v 16) 
2. “My servants” (vs 16) 
3. “Spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail” (vs 16)

The Building Group

1. The actual constructors were building the walls. 
2. The supervisors stood behind the constructors.
3. The burden bearers were bringing materials to the constructors.

 One more instruction from Nehemiah.

1. Everybody was to sleep inside the city.
2. Two reasons 
   • “Guard us by night” – There is safety in numbers.
   • “Labor by day” - There were probably demoralized people tempted to be deserters. 

 What can we learn from it and apply to our lives?

1. Be focused on the will of the Lord. 
   1. Get your mind right.
   2. Ask God what His will is.
   3. Then be patient enough to wait for an answer.
2. Be prepared to defend our faith.
   1. First, we must know what to believe.
   2. Then, we can stand up for faith. 
3. Be ready for multiple attacks.
   1. Put on the whole armor of God.
   2. Belt of truth – Your understanding of reality
   3. Breastplate of righteousness – Your moral standing with God
   4. Shoes ready to take the gospel – Your sense of purpose
   5. Shield of faith – Your beliefs about God
   6. Helmet of salvation – The assurance of your destiny
   7. Sword of the Spirit – The only offensive weapon. You gotta know it.
4. Be willing to do whatever it takes to remain close to God. 
   1. We worship the Lord only. We love His people deeply, and we grow His kingdom.
   2. We fight against our sin and the temptations of the opposers.