Rise Up, Man of God

Key Text: Nehemiah 2:18 “And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.”

BIG IDEA

A rooted man does not stay comfortable—he rises when God calls him to build.

INTRODUCTION

A. Last month: rooted

Rooted in Christ, Word, prayer, brotherhood

B. This month: rising

Roots are not the goal—they support growth

God roots you so you can rise and build

C. Tension

Many men see what’s broken but do nothing

Many men feel conviction but never move

I. RISE OUT OF PASSIVITY

Text: Nehemiah 1:3–4 “And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”

A. Nehemiah saw what was broken and responded

He wept

He prayed

He allowed the burden

B. Principle

Passive men ignore broken things

Rising men allow God to disturb them

C. Application

Stop pretending everything is fine

D. Tension

You cannot rebuild what you refuse to acknowledge

II. RISE IN RESPONSIBILITY

Text: Nehemiah 2:5 “And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.””

A. Nehemiah didn’t just pray—he stepped in

He made himself available

He took ownership

B. Principle

Real men don’t just identify problems—they carry responsibility

C. Application

Take ownership of what God has placed in your hands

D. Tension

Many want change, few carry the weight

III. RISE WITH DISCIPLINE

Text: Nehemiah 4:9 “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”

A. Nehemiah was prayerful and strategic

He planned

He worked

He stayed alert

B. Principle

A rising man builds with one hand and battles with the other

C. Application

Build structure around your calling

D. Tension

A God-given burden without discipline becomes frustration

IV. RISE INTO PURPOSE

Text: Nehemiah 6:3 “And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

A. Nehemiah stayed focused

Faced opposition

Ignored distraction

B. Principle

Purpose gives you the power to say no

C. Application

Stay on assignment

D. Tension

Without purpose, everything feels urgent

CONCLUSION

A. Nehemiah shows us

Rising starts with burden

Continues with responsibility

Requires discipline

Ends in purpose

B. Call

Rooted men don’t stay seated—they rise and build

ALTAR / RESPONSE

A. Some of you see what’s broken B. Some of you feel the burden C. But you haven’t moved

D. Today is the moment

Rise

Build

Take your place

Group Discussion

Why do men sometimes pretend everything is fine when it is not?

What is the danger of becoming comfortable with broken walls?

How can burden become the beginning of change?

Group Discussion

Why do many men resist responsibility?

How does responsibility shape maturity?

What is the difference between seeing a problem and owning a problem?

Group Discussion

Why is discipline necessary for spiritual growth?

What are some distractions that keep men from consistency?

How can men help one another stay disciplined?

Group Discussion

Why do men get distracted from their assignment?

How does purpose help a man endure opposition?

What does it look like to stay on the wall in this season of life?