February 4, 2007

Nehemiah
A Man of Purpose

Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction

Nehemiah - humble, leader, integrity, pure of heart and purpose, vision, determination

Themes -

722 B.C. Israel defeated and deported by the Assyrians

605 B.C. Babylonians defeated Judah and deported the people in three stages.

Return in three phases - Zerubbabel 538 B.C., Ezra in 458 B.C. and Nehemiah in 445 B.C.

Pattern of prayer - Praise, hear and see, reminding God, intersession...

Nehemiah knew the heart and mind of God

He was willing to take these purposes to heart to the point they messed up his good life

Does the condition of the wall concern you?

B. Expecting Opposition

Nehemiah 2: 1 - 5, 2: 4 - 9

Nehemiah 2: 10
He knew there would be resistance

John 15: 20
2 Timothy 3: 12
"Everyone who wants to ve a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted"

He will always attempt to disrupt and get off track a move in this direction

C. Counting the Cost

Luke 14: 28

To stop and count the cost does not mean you have the right to...

Is God's purpose the driving force in your life?

Counting the cost and taking on the purposes of God

Nehemiah 2: 11 - 12

Do you have a plan to fulfill God's purpose?

Nehemiah 2: 13 - 16
Moonlight ride

Nehemiah 2: 17 - 18
Sharing vision - asking for sacrifice and risk

One person living for God's purpose will have an impact