Continuing in Nehemiah 4–9, this message highlights that while the enemy consistently opposes God’s work through discouragement, distraction, and division, God always completes what He begins. Through the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, we see that God brings not only physical restoration but deep spiritual renewal through His Word. Believers are called to recognize opposition, respond faithfully through prayer and persistence, and remain anchored in Scripture as the ongoing means of transformation.
Main Points:
The enemy opposes God’s work (through discouragement, distraction, and division)
God always completes His work
God works renewal in His people through His word
Scripture Referenced: Nehemiah 4-9 (main passage); 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:10; John 15:20; Ephesians 6:12; Joshua 1:9; Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalm 133:1; Romans 12:18; Matthew 18:15; Daniel 4:35; Psalm 19:7; John 6:63
Community Group Guide:
Begin with Prayer
Begin by thanking God for bringing your group together and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.
Discussion Questions
Part 1: Understanding Opposition (Read Ephesians 2:10)
The sermon identified three tactics of the enemy: discouragement, distraction, and division. Discuss each of these through the questions below.
Discouragement Discussion: Discouragement is theological, not just emotional—it happens when we believe something that is out of step with God’s power or promises. What specific area of discouragement in your life might actually be a crisis of belief about who God is?
Distraction Discussion: Newley shared “Distraction doesn’t usually announce itself as disobedience. It shows up as overcommitment.” What “good things” might be pulling you away from the “great work” God has called you to?
Division Discussion: Are there any relationships in your life where unity needs to be pursued or restored? Do you find biblical conflict resolution (Matthew 18:15-17) difficult to follow? If so, why?
Part 2: God’s Faithful Completion (Read Nehemiah 6:15-16)
Newley admitted struggling to believe God could use Grady as a worship leader because of his limitations, yet God was already doing it differently than expected. Where might you be putting God in a box by defining what completion or success must look like in your life?
Part 3: Renewal Through God’s Word (Read Psalm 19:7 and John 6:63)
If someone asked you, “Tell me what you’re learning from God right now. What are you reading in God’s word?” would you have an answer?
In Nehemiah 8-9, The Israelites’ renewal came through hearing, studying, weeping over, confessing, and acting on God’s word. How would you honestly assess your own active and intentional engagement with Scripture right now?
Personal Reflection and Practical Application
Combat Discouragement
Write out 3-5 promises of God from Scripture
When discouragement hits, speak these truths out loud
Share with one person how God is at work, even if you can’t see the finish line
Eliminate Distraction
Identify one “good thing” that’s pulling you from the “great work” God has called you to
Make one practical decision to create margin for God’s priorities
Practice saying “no” to something this week, internally remembering Nehemiah’s words: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down”
Pursue Unity
If there’s division in a relationship, pray for the Spirit to help you take the Matthew 18:15 step this week as He leads: Reach out privately, speak truth in love, and pursue restoration
If no division exists, encourage someone in the body of Christ who might be struggling
Worship Setlist: Psalm 150; Lord I Need You; Stand Firm; Behold Him
