Attacking Enemies

O. T. #1055  "Attacking Enemies"
Sept.6, 2017
Nehemiah 4-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Do we allow rumors and insults against us to cause us to back away from the stands we take for our beliefs? The Jews were being attacked by their enemies. Is there something we can learn from their preparations for such attacks?

It was when the walls around Jerusalem were only repaired half of its height that their enemies came ridiculing and mocking the Jews to get them to stop their work. Nehemiah met the discouragement with prayer. The people had a mind to work, which made their enemies furious.

What were the children of Israel and Nehemiah up against? Their enemies gathered and made plans to fight against Jerusalem. (verses 7-8) What were their strategies?

• Scorn, ridicule, mockery, and insults;
• spreading rumors of a secret attack plotted;
• discourage the Jewish workers, stirring up complaints of weakness and fatigue;
• threatening and intimidating the Jews to cause fear in their hearts.

Do we allow rumors to  make us weak and fearful?

LET IT GROW

Nehemiah didn't pack up and return to King Artaxerxes as a failure, reporting a job half done. He used four strategies to prepare the Jewish people for any secret attacks:

1. The people were armed and stationed at weak armed exposed areas of the wall. (verse 13) Nehemiah  posted the Jews by families, knowing that would cause them to be more readily to fight and defend their loved ones. Every family had swords, spears, and bows.
2. Nehemiah assembled the people together and challenged them. (verse 14) He assured them of God's presence and power, challenged them to not fear, and assured them of God's deliverance.
3. He lead the people back to work on the wall, showing their trust in the Lord and endurance. Their enemies heard about the Jews' indomitable spirit. They knew their lots had been frustrated. The Lord did it.
4. Nehemiah organized the people for both work and battle.(verses16-23) (The Preachers Outline and Sermon Bible)

As we walk through life, are we prepared for the attacks of our enemy, Satan?
Do we realize that people may not like our personality, avoid us, spread rumors and false accusations against us, assault us verbally, or even hate the good we stand for.
Do we turn our fearful and discouraged heart to God?
Are staying in God's Word and prayer?

Let us follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith. Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Watch out for that roaring lion who is seeking someone to destroy today.

LET IT GO

Face the fight with the sword of the Spirit-Scriptures.
Walk with Jesus.