No to Privilege, Yes to God

Notes:  No to Privilege, Yes to God

Valor Nehemiah 6

Pastor Adam Eaton

Nehemiah 6 we learn:

1. Say no to privilege, and yes to God.

Jesus’ teaching on giving:

1. Jesus talks about cheerful giving.

2. Giving sacrificially.

It’s not about the amount, it’s about the sacrifice.

3. Generous living.

Organize your life so you can take care of the people around you.

2. Say no to pride.

Pray for and through everything.

3. Say no to distraction.

Nehemiah 6:1-4 NLT

[1] Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained-though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. [2] So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, [3] so I replied by sending this message to them: "I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?" [4] Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.

Staying focused on the things of the Lord.

4. Nehemiah said no to fear

Nehemiah 6:5-9 NLT

[5] The fifth time, Sanballat's servant came with an open letter in his hand, [6] and this is what it said: "There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. [7] He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, 'Look! There is a king in Judah!' "You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me." [8] I replied, "There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing." [9] They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Nehemiah chose faith, the antidote to fear is faith.

5. Nehemiah said no to sin.

Nehemiah 6:10-13 NLT

[10] Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, "Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the doors shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight." [11] But I replied, "Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!" [12] I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [13] They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.

Recognize sin and say no to it.

If it goes against the laws of God then you should not do it.

Nehemiah 6:14-16 NLT

[14] Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me. [15] So on October 2 the wall was finished-just fifty-two days after we had begun. [16] When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

When people look at your life, do they say God is with him?