Nehemiah pt 6 Building problems, continued

Nehemiah Faced Problems on the Job The problem of scorn, ridicule, and mocking The problem of threat an conspiracy The problem of discouragement The problem of financial stress The problem of meeting in compromise The problem of slander

Jn. 8:44 - A tool of Satan Js. 3:6 - Easily used Rev. 21:8 - With a bad end

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: ‘I know your deeds. Behold I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.’” Revelation 3:7-8

Nehemiah Faced Problems on the Job The problem of scorn, ridicule, and mocking The problem of threat an conspiracy The problem of discouragement The problem of financial stress The problem of meeting in compromise The problem of slander The problem of a good example

1 Peter 2:12 A good example leads others to glory Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

1 Peter 3:15-16 A good example shames evil doers …but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” A good example shows care for tender Christians

* Cost overruns * Weather interruptions * Equipment breakdown * Material problems * Labor shortage

“I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise, nor wealth to the discerning, nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.” Eccl. 9:11

“For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you.”

He prayed - 4:4 He acted - 4:9, 13 Communicated openly - 4:14 Answered the enemy - 6:3-4 Made wise decisions - 6:10-12 And finished the wall in 52 days!

Good Builders Are Concerned With Other Builders 4 4:14 - for their fears 4 5:1-7 - for their needs

Finances Discouragement Example Compromise Threats Ridicule Slander Mocking Conspiracy Everything is tied to our concern for others

5:8 - made leaders speechless 13:21 - threatened merchants 13:28 - drove out false priests 13:25 - contended with leaders He worked with them, encouraged them, and loved them

“Remember me, oh my God, for good.”