Nehemiah 4 - Navigating Criticism
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Game: Signs
Game: Signs
Intro
Intro
Turn to one friend and discuss: how do you respond to criticism?
As a Christian on Earth, you are destined to face criticism and suffering.
Two Scriptures to consider:
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
No one likes being criticized but it is often a necessary part of growth
Point 1: Realize that obeying God WILL lead to criticism - Chapter 2:9-20
Point 1: Realize that obeying God WILL lead to criticism - Chapter 2:9-20
Illustrate the rise of the opposition
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
The ripple effect of Nehemiah’s obedience.
Point 2: Discern whether that the criticism is from your obedience or your sin - Chapter 4:1-12
Point 2: Discern whether that the criticism is from your obedience or your sin - Chapter 4:1-12
Show the critique of the opponents and friends (verses 1-3, 11-12)
Illustrate Nehemiah’s Grief (verses 4-5)
Point 3: Overcome the Fear of Man by Fearing God - Chapter 4:13-23
Point 3: Overcome the Fear of Man by Fearing God - Chapter 4:13-23
Nehemiah is forced into a situation where he may either compromise to man’s standards or continue in obedience to God.
Fearing man leads to compromise
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Nehemiah says in verse 14, “don’t be afraid.” If you try to force yourself to not fear man, it will not work.
He says remember the Lord.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Nehemiah overcomes his fear of man and leads others to do that by encouraging them to think on God.
Yet, they walk in wisdom. They remain guarded and they obey God. Fearing God means obeying God but being prepared for the worst.
Fear God in the little ways.
Conversation
Your humor.
Dress
Friendships
School
Application
Application
My guess is this: you are overcome with the fear of man at times. Maybe you feel guilty about times you were fearful and compromised.
When you think of Jesus on the Cross and Risen again, that casts away the fear of man because you realize nothing they can do can change what God did to secure you.
God became the very thing we have a tendency to fear: a man. He didn’t just die and pay for that sinful fear, but he buys you and transforms you into someone who fears him. You only need to repent and confess you have no ability yourself to overcome that fear.
Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?