"Keep On Working" from Nehemiah 4:1-23

Before we have no place, and we were must renting a building for our church. And now, we are blessed because God gave us our own church building and we are not renting anymore. In short we can never doubt God plans for our lives.

"We" here are Jews and the author here obvously is Nehemiah. Ammonite are enemies of Jews. 1st point in verse 1-3, expect there is speculation. A leader should be an example. Paul the apostle said; "When we are cursed, we are blessed. When we are persecuted, we endure." Jesus promised us you will have rewards from heaven, when you are persecuted in being righteous. When we are weak, He is strong.

One of the tools from the enemy is you will be mocked. In verse 4, we can see Nehemiah's reaction that he turn to God and he did not fight back what they have done to him. Jesus want us to love our neighbor and don't treat them as enemy.

Ephesians 6:11-17 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

As for us, when we do the work of God make sure you do it wholeheartedly.

2 Corinthians 8:17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Hebrews 13:21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Remember to pray when the enemies attack you. Prayer is like a fuel, we need it to go on our walk of faith in God. And prayer is also a battery, we need to be recharge.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

If you focused on our enemy, you will surely truly failed. But when you focused on God, you will never failed. Know that God will support you and we should support each other.
Sub points in verse 4: don't let fears hinder you in doing God's work, remember the Lord and fight for our brothers. The word "work" here are said many times. When you work make sure you have the sword, meaning the word of God.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Collosians 1:29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

~~~