Description

I. Introduction 

• By the good hand of God, 50 000 Jews have returned to the promised land after 70 years  of exile to rebuild the Temple in 538 BC 
• However the walls and gates of Jerusalem, the city of God, have been lying in ruins for  150 odd years since the exile. The people of God are in great trouble and shame too
• When Nehemiah the cupbearer in the King’s palace heard of the low situation of God’s  people from his brother Hanani, he is overwhelmed with grief. He seeks the Lord in  mourning, fasting, and praying for many days before he began the work of faith.  

II. Preparation for the work of faith vs 1-2 

1. 4 months have passed since Nehemiah received the “bad news” from his brother and his  prayerful decision to do something about it.
2. Preparation for the man of God in the work of faith in the following areas is needful –  character, graces and giftings, maturity, spirituality, knowledge
3. Waiting on the Lord before you can do anything is not new for the people of God 

III. Praying for the work of faith vs 3-8 

1. The king notices Nehemiah’s sad disposition and asks Nehemiah what’s bothering him  instead of sending him to the gallows for spoiling his chill out session with the queen 

IV. Planning for the work of faith vs 9-18

1. Nehemiah conducts a survey personally and, on the ground, to assess the magnitude of  the problem. A kind of SWOT analysis
2. Nehemiah shares the vision of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem with the people of God  through empathy. He encourages them by acknowledging the good hand of the Lord upon  him and the work ahead.

V. Plans to undermine the work of faith vs 10, 19-20 

1. The children of the world are displeased when Nehemiah comes along to seek the welfare  of God’s people.
2. They accuse the Nehemiah and the Jews for plotting a rebellion when they hear that they are going to rebuild the walls.
3. Like father like children, the Devil and the Accuser of our brothers are on the prowl to  stop anyone from seeking the welfare of God’s children by his many devices. all that he  has, and he will curse you to your face.’”

V. Conclusion

• Preparation, Praying and Planning amongst others are required for the effectiveness of the work of faith for God, so let us work on it
• Opposition to the work of faith is to be expected, so let us put on the full armour of God  to battle against it.