January 7 Commentary

Sunday School Lesson: Explore the Bible - January 7

Jan. 7: Devising Strategies By Thurman Seber 12/20/2006

Focal Passages: Nehemiah 4:1-2, 4, 12-13, 19-20, 22; 6:2-3, 11-13 Introduction: Powerful opposition to the plans of Nehemiah was present all around Jerusalem. Angry, threatening words were spoken by those opposed to the building of the wall. Nehemiah quickly realized that these threats were more than idle talk. He would need to devise strategies, make plans, be ready for whatever developed. We need to do God’s work with our eyes and ears open. We will meet opposition. Have we thought about proper responses? Strategy To Cope With Mockery (Neh. 4:1-2,4) Ridicule is one of Satan’s strongest tools. Almost all are effected and hindered by it. Sanballat began to mock and ridicule their efforts to rebuild the wall. He mocked their building ability and pointed out the weakness of their building material. Rocks that had been heated in a fire were greatly weakened. They would be using rocks from the previous wall, which had been burned in the prior destruction of the city (4:2). Tobiah the Ammonite mockingly added that the wall would break down if a fox walked on it (4:3). There are those who would try to stop our work by the use of ridicule. How many young preachers, teachers, Christians have been exposed to it? Satan will surely use it against us. What was their strategy? They prayed to God for His help and guidance (4:4). Strategy To Cope With Attacks (Neh.4:12-13,19, 22) This opposition was likely to go beyond ridicule alone. The word began to circulate that an attack was eminent. While depending on God (4:14), the people also prepared to defend themselves. With weapons in hand, they worked on the wall. The people of God have always been building and battling. While building with God, we battle the forces of Satan. Strategy To Cope With Distractions (Neh. 6:2-3) Once more the call of the enemy came to Nehemiah when the work was near completion. On the surface, it seemed an offer of peace was being made. Nehemiah knew these people were not to be believed or trusted.

We can never compromise with evil or with those who would distract us from the work. It is always a ploy of Satan. Nehemiah understood the need to finish the great work God had assigned him. He would refuse to honor their request for a meeting. How many Christian workers have been distracted from the task? Strategy To Cope With Manipulation (Neh. 6:11-13) The enemy made one last effort to stop the wall’s construction. If they could strike fear in the heart of the leader, the entire project would be in danger of failure. The false prophet Shemaiah, under the guise of friendship, tried to persuade Nehemiah to run and hide with him in the Temple. It might only be for a few days but the effects would be lasting. If the man of God wavered, the whole congregation would waver. Nehemiah understood the seriousness of such a misstep. He must not allow himself to be manipulated, even by those who seemed to be on his side. Satan will certainly use those who appear to be with us, to turn us from the purpose of God. We must have discerning spirits in order to avoid such manipulation. Conclusions: The workers grew weary (4:10). There was much rubbish on the ground from the previous time the wall was torn down (4:10). These problems persist even today. God’s people often grow weary in well doing. There is often rubbish underfoot from old church problems or tear downs. It is hard to build on the rubble of broken walls and failed works. The enemy still uses every ploy to hinder our building for God. We must not allow ourselves to be turned from the task, the work is far too great (6:3).