Inspecting The Walls

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Strengthening Our Walls: A Call to Inspect and Rebuild

Bible Passage: Ne 2:9–20

Summary: In this passage, Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and inspects the damage to the walls, taking careful note of the devastation in order to begin the rebuilding process.
Application: This passage challenges Christians to evaluate their own spiritual walls and identify areas in need of repair. Just as Nehemiah inspected physical structures, we too must take stock of our spiritual lives, relationships, and commitments, ensuring they are built on a strong foundation.
Teaching: The sermon teaches the importance of self-examination in our spiritual lives, emphasizing that before we can rebuild or strengthen our faith and community, we have to recognize areas of weakness and destruction.
How this passage could point to Christ: Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the walls reflects Christ’s work in restoring humanity. Just as Nehemiah took ownership of his community's needs, Jesus takes ownership of the Church and calls us to participate in His mission of restoring our hearts and the world.
Big Idea: To effectively rebuild what has been lost or damaged in our lives and communities, we must first inspect and acknowledge the areas that need God’s restoration and strength.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, explore the themes of leadership and community in Nehemiah’s journey through your Logos library. Consider studying commentaries on Nehemiah that discuss the historical context of the wall's destruction and Nehemiah’s motivations for rebuilding. Paying attention to how Nehemiah responds to opposition will also deepen your application of resilience in faith.

1. Recognize Initial Resistance

Nehemiah 2:9-10
Perhaps you begin by exploring Nehemiah's arrival with the king’s letters and his first enemy opposition in Sanballat and Tobiah as a reminder that any steps towards restoring our lives or communities in accordance with God’s will often face resistance. These verses suggest that, like Nehemiah, our foundation in God’s purpose gives strength amid opposition, just as Christ Himself faced resistance.

2. Inspect Internally

Nehemiah 2:11-15
You could suggest that Nehemiah’s secret and thorough inspection of the walls represents the personal, introspective examination we need to perform in our lives. Before making noisy reforms, there must be a quiet heart searching. These verses offer a metaphor for self-reflection, inspired by Christ’s intimate knowledge of our hearts and His gentle but profound corrections.

3. Initiate with Vision

Nehemiah 2:16-18
This section reveals the moment Nehemiah shares the vision and unites the people. You might imply that once we have inspected our inner lives, we need to engage others, drawing them into God’s restorative work, just as Christ called His disciples into His mission. Community is critical in spiritual rebuilding.

4. Inspire Against Opposition

Nehemiah 2:19-20
Maybe focus on how Nehemiah’s response to mocking and questioning models resilience and faith. While Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem scoff, Nehemiah insists on God's support. You could connect this to a call for steadfast faith in Christ, who faced detractors but focused on His purpose. Encourage steadfastness against critics and reliance on God's strength.

Nehemiah 2:11-18

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