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Sermon Notes

Arming the Saints

Sunday 20 May 2018 Pastor Craig Ledbetter Nehemiah 4:13-23
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I. Introduction

A. The Situation

  1. The walls were being rebuilt
  2. But enemies were gathering
  3. The work was under threat
  4. Something had to be done

B. Nehemiah’s Response

Rather than stop the work or cower in fear, Nehemiah armed the workers. They would build AND be ready to fight.

II. Message - Arming the Saints (Nehemiah 4:13-23)

A. The Threat Was Real (v.11-12)

  1. The enemies planned to attack
  2. They wanted to stop the work
  3. The Jews heard about the plot
  4. Fear was spreading

B. Nehemiah’s Strategy (v.13-14)

  1. He set the people in families - strength in unity
  2. He armed them with swords, spears, and bows
  3. He reminded them to fight for their families
  4. He pointed them to the Lord - “Remember the Lord, which is great and terrible”

C. The New Normal (v.15-18)

  1. Half worked, half stood guard
  2. Every worker carried a weapon
  3. They built with one hand and held a weapon with the other
  4. A trumpeter stood ready to sound the alarm

D. The Commitment (v.19-23)

  1. They stayed in Jerusalem - didn’t go home
  2. They slept in their clothes
  3. They were always ready
  4. The work continued AND security was maintained

III. Application for Today

A. We Are Also Building and Battling

  1. We are building our lives, families, and churches
  2. We face real spiritual enemies
  3. We cannot ignore either task
  4. We must be ready for both

B. The Armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Just as Nehemiah armed his people, God has provided armour for us:

  1. Belt of Truth - Honesty and integrity
  2. Breastplate of Righteousness - Right living
  3. Shoes of the Gospel - Ready to share the good news
  4. Shield of Faith - Trusting God
  5. Helmet of Salvation - Assurance of salvation
  6. Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God
  7. Prayer - Constant communication with God

C. Building with One Hand, Fighting with the Other

  1. Don’t stop building because of opposition
  2. Don’t ignore opposition to focus only on building
  3. Be balanced - work AND watch
  4. Be prepared - always ready

D. Family Units

  1. Nehemiah organized them by families
  2. We fight together, not alone
  3. Protect your family unit
  4. Stand with your church family

IV. Practical Steps

A. Know Your Enemy

  1. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12)
  2. Understand Satan’s tactics
  3. Don’t be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor 2:11)

B. Put On the Armour Daily

  1. This is not optional
  2. Every piece matters
  3. Make it part of your routine

C. Stay Alert

  1. The trumpeter was always ready
  2. Be watchful
  3. Warn others when danger approaches

D. Don’t Go Home

  1. Stay engaged
  2. Don’t retreat to comfort
  3. The battle requires presence

V. Conclusion

The saints in Nehemiah’s day finished the wall because they learned to build and battle at the same time. They were armed, alert, and faithful.

We must do the same. Put on the whole armour of God. Build with one hand, hold your weapon with the other. And remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, who fights for us!

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