Summary
Using Nehemiah 2, the sermon emphasizes that rebuilding Jerusalem's walls required careful planning, discretion, and bold action in the face of jeering enemies (Sanballat and Tobiah); likewise the church must expect unbelief and hostility, not be surprised by it, and must respond by studying and applying God's Word rather than remaining passive. The speaker contrasts strategic failure and recovery (New Coke anecdote) as a cautionary lesson, highlights the shame and danger of doing nothing in a desolate place, and urges practical obedience, renewed thinking and speech shaped by Scripture, and faithfulness (illustrated by the Proverbs 31 bride). The message closes with prayer and a call to accept the cost of action for Christ's kingdom.
Key Points
- Context: Nehemiah 2 — Nehemiah sent to rebuild Jerusalem's walls; he planned carefully and kept his purpose close.
- Opposition: Sanballat and Tobiah mocked and opposed the king's mission, showing enemies will never accept the church's legitimacy.
- Expect hostility: The church must understand that opposition is constant and costly; we must not underestimate consequences of inaction.
- Necessity of action: Prayer and sacrifice alone are not enough—rebuilding required hands-on work to remove shame and restore the city.
- Grounding in Scripture: We cannot build the church apart from knowing, studying, and applying God's Word (Paul's emphasis).
- Change of mind and speech: Christians must adopt new ways of thinking and speaking consistent with Scripture.
- Strategic wisdom: Nehemiah's discretion (not telling escorts) shows the need for prudent planning amid obstacles.
- Learn from failures: The New Coke story illustrates strategic errors and the possibility of recovery when lessons are learned.
- Call to faithfulness: The church is called to be an excellent bride (Proverbs 31 imagery) and to pursue blessing through obedience.
- Closing: The sermon concludes with prayer, reaffirming dependence on God's kindness and the call of Christ's name.
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