Celebrating Victory: Overcoming Opposition with God's Help

Celebrating Victory

Nehemiah 6:15–19 (ESV)

15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. 17 Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife. 19 Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.

Introduction

Captivating Attention-Getter: Imagine working tirelessly on a monumental project, facing opposition every step of the way, and finally, the day of completion arrives. How do you feel? This was Nehemiah's experience after completing the wall of Jerusalem.

Celebrate God's Help in Completing Our Goals (vv.15-16)

Nehemiah 6:15–16 ESV

15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Exposition: Nehemiah completed the wall in fifty-two days despite fierce opposition. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall was a monumental task that many thought impossible, especially given the constant threats and schemes of their enemies. The neighboring nations mocked, plotted, and did everything in their power to discourage and halt the progress. Despite these intense challenges, Nehemiah and the people remained steadfast.

The success was attributed to God's help, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Nehemiah was quick to give credit where it was due. He recognized that it wasn’t just the people's hard work or his leadership that brought the wall to completion. It was the divine intervention and support from God. This completion wasn’t just a physical achievement but a spiritual testament to God’s unwavering support and faithfulness to His people. It showed that when God is for us, nothing can stand against us. This victory was a clear sign to everyone, including their enemies, that God was with them and that His power was at work in their midst.

Psalm 127:1 ESV

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Practical Application:

Acknowledge God's Role:

Recognize that it is God who empowers us to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. Without His help, our efforts would be in vain.

This acknowledgment is not just a private practice but a communal one. We, as a church, must vocalize our gratitude and recognize God's hand in every victory and milestone.

Celebrate Victories and Milestones:

Make it a habit to celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Every step forward is a testament to God's faithfulness.

Hold special moments of thanksgiving during services where congregants can share testimonies of God's goodness. Let us take time to praise God specifically for what He has done.

Encourage each other to see God's work in our daily lives. Sometimes, we overlook the small blessings because we are focused on bigger challenges. Let us celebrate everything!

Incorporate a culture of joy and gratitude into our church activities. Whether it’s a successful event, personal breakthroughs, or overcoming obstacles, let’s always take a moment to give glory to God.

Illustration: Consider how, in our own church, we've seen God's hand in growing our congregation, in the successful events we’ve hosted, and in the personal testimonies of healing and provision. Every one of these is worth celebrating.

Application: As a church, let's get in the practice of celebrating everything God has done for us. He has been so faithful, and we should never be guilty of ignoring His faithfulness.

Let's create a culture of celebration where we consistently acknowledge and praise God for His goodness. By doing this, we not only honor Him but also encourage and uplift one another.

VISION80 Goal: As we work towards our VISION80 goal, let’s remember to celebrate each step forward. Each pledge, each contribution, and each milestone is a testament to God's faithfulness and our commitment to building our future together. Let’s celebrate every brick laid, every dollar raised, and every heart moved to contribute.

Transition: While the completion of the wall was a victory, Nehemiah's story shows that challenges can continue even after major achievements.

Stay Vigilant Against Internal Opposition (vv.17-18)

Nehemiah 6:17–18 ESV

17 Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife.

Exposition: Despite completing the wall, Nehemiah faced internal opposition from the nobles of Judah who were allied with Tobiah. These nobles were not just passive opponents; they actively corresponded with Tobiah, exchanging letters and maintaining communication. Tobiah, who had familial ties within Judah, used these relationships to exert influence and create discord. This internal opposition was insidious because it came from within the community, from people who should have been supportive of the rebuilding efforts.

These alliances threatened the unity and integrity of the community. The nobles' loyalty to Tobiah, a known adversary, undermined Nehemiah's leadership and the collective efforts of the people. Such internal division could have easily derailed the project, as trust and cooperation are essential for any communal endeavor. The unity of the people was crucial, especially after having achieved such a significant milestone in rebuilding the wall. Internal strife and divided loyalties could have led to a breakdown in morale and further complications in maintaining the newly restored security of Jerusalem.

Cross-References:

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

James 4:7 ESV

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Practical Application: Stay alert to internal challenges and opposition within our communities and churches. Recognize that opposition doesn't always come from external sources; sometimes, it arises from within, from those who should be allies.

Address issues with wisdom, prayer, and a commitment to unity. Foster open communication and address conflicts directly and constructively. Encourage transparency and a shared vision to prevent division.

VISION80 Goal: As we pursue our VISION80 goal, it’s essential to remain united. Internal divisions or lack of support can hinder our progress. Let’s stay vigilant and ensure that we work together in harmony, supporting each other and our collective vision. Just as Nehemiah had to navigate internal opposition, we must be mindful of maintaining unity and integrity within our congregation as we strive to achieve our VISION80 objectives.

Transition: Let’s look at how Nehemiah handled intimidation and threats, even after his major accomplishment.

Face Intimidation with Faith (v.19)

Nehemiah 6:19 ESV

19 Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.

Exposition: Tobiah tried to intimidate Nehemiah through letters, even after the wall was completed. Despite the successful completion of the wall, Tobiah did not cease his efforts to undermine Nehemiah's leadership. Tobiah's letters were strategic attempts to sow fear, doubt, and confusion. By continuing to send these letters, Tobiah aimed to erode Nehemiah's confidence and disrupt the unity and progress that had been achieved. This persistent intimidation was a tactic to destabilize Nehemiah's leadership and to create an atmosphere of fear among the people.

Nehemiah faced this intimidation with faith and resilience. Rather than succumbing to fear, Nehemiah stood firm in his faith in God. He recognized that the completion of the wall was a testament to God's power and faithfulness, and he did not allow Tobiah's threats to undermine that truth. Nehemiah’s resilience was rooted in his unwavering trust in God’s protection and guidance. He continued to lead with integrity and courage, knowing that God was on his side. Nehemiah's response serves as a powerful example of how faith can provide the strength to withstand external pressures and threats. He didn’t retaliate with similar tactics but instead relied on prayer, wisdom, and steadfastness to counteract the intimidation.

Cross-References:

Ephesians 6:10–11 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Practical Application: Confront intimidation and threats with faith in God's power and protection. When faced with opposition, whether it be personal, professional, or spiritual, draw strength from your faith. Remember that God has equipped you with the power to stand firm.

Stand firm in your convictions and rely on God's strength. Like Nehemiah, do not be swayed by external pressures. Hold fast to your principles and trust that God will see you through.

VISION80 Goal: As we strive to reach our VISION80 goal, we may face doubts, criticism, or even intimidation from those who do not understand our mission. Let us face these challenges with unwavering faith, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. Just as Nehemiah remained resilient in the face of intimidation, we too must stand strong and continue working towards our vision with faith and determination.

Engagement Technique:

Ask the congregation to think about a situation where they felt intimidated and to consider how they can rely on God's strength to overcome it.

Transition: As we conclude, let's draw together the lessons we've learned today and reflect on their relevance to our own lives and community.

Conclusion

Celebrate and Acknowledge God's Help: Recognize and celebrate every victory, big or small, as a testament to God's faithfulness and power. Let’s make it a practice to give glory to God for every step forward.

Stay Vigilant Against Internal Challenges: Be mindful of internal opposition that can threaten our unity and integrity. Commit to addressing conflicts with wisdom and prayer, striving always for unity within our community.

Face Intimidation with Faith: Stand firm in your faith, no matter the threats or intimidation you face. Rely on God's strength and trust that He will see you through every challenge.

Compelling Call to Action:

Church, as we reflect on Nehemiah's story, let us remember that God is with us in every struggle. With His divine help, we can overcome any opposition and complete the tasks He has set before us. Let us also guard against internal division, standing united in faith, commitment, and unity. Together, let us build our future with confidence, knowing that God’s power is working through us!

Engagement Techniques:

What oppositions are you facing in your life today?

How can you celebrate God's faithfulness in overcoming them?

How can we ensure unity within our community?

Brothers and sisters, as we face our own Tobiahs, let us remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. We are not alone in this fight; we stand together with faith, commitment, and unity. Just as Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem rose up and built that wall, we too can rise up and build, knowing that with God, all things are possible! Let’s march forward with the confidence that our God is mighty, and with Him, we will see our vision realized. Hallelujah! Praise God for His faithfulness, and let’s go forth in victory!"