2. The Book of Nehemiah begins in the 20 th year of King Artaxerxes of Persia. Israel is still suffering the vestiges of God’s punishment for their national rebellion 2 Chron. 36:14-23 Ezra 1

3. Let’s Go to Work! - Taking the Initiative God’s Workers Care When They See Work that Needs Doing Nehemiah’s reaction to the news about the condition of Jerusalem (1:1-4) –Weeping, mourning, fasting & praying Love for the Lord moves us to work. (Hebrews 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Galatians 5:13) God’s Workers Care When They See Work that Needs Doing Nehemiah’s reaction to the news about the condition of Jerusalem (1:1-4) –Weeping, mourning, fasting & praying Love for the Lord moves us to work. (Hebrews 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Galatians 5:13)

4. Let’s Go to Work! - Taking the Initiative God’s Workers Pray for Help In Doing God’s work Nehemiah acknowledges God’s greatness (1:5; Ephesians 5:20; 1 John 5:14) He confesses sin (1:6-7) He relies on God’s promise (1:8-10; Hebrews 10:23) He asks God for mercy before the king (1:11) God’s Workers Pray for Help In Doing God’s work Nehemiah acknowledges God’s greatness (1:5; Ephesians 5:20; 1 John 5:14) He confesses sin (1:6-7) He relies on God’s promise (1:8-10; Hebrews 10:23) He asks God for mercy before the king (1:11)

5. Let’s Go to Work! - Taking the Initiative God’s Workers Seize the Initiative -- not waiting to be begged to work Nehemiah takes advantage of the opportunity to approach the king (2:1-5) –This opportunity was the answer to his prayer. Workers whose hearts are focused on the work don’t miss many opportunities (Galatians 6:10; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5-6) God’s Workers Seize the Initiative -- not waiting to be begged to work Nehemiah takes advantage of the opportunity to approach the king (2:1-5) –This opportunity was the answer to his prayer. Workers whose hearts are focused on the work don’t miss many opportunities (Galatians 6:10; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5-6)

6. Let’s Go to Work! - Taking the Initiative God’s Workers Count the Cost There must be a realistic plan for accomplishing what needs to be done (Luke 14:28-30) Nehemiah made a plan and then worked his plan (2:6-16) God’s Workers Count the Cost There must be a realistic plan for accomplishing what needs to be done (Luke 14:28-30) Nehemiah made a plan and then worked his plan (2:6-16)

7. Let’s Go to Work! - Taking the Initiative God’s Workers Count the Cost

8. Nehemiah Contemplates the Work Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands --Psalm 90:16-17