Perseverance – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Nehemiah 6:15-16 – “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the people that were round about us were afraid; and they fell greatly in their own conceit, because they knew that this work was done for our God.”
Introduction to Nehemiah 6:15-16
Nehemiah 6:15-16 states: “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard it, that all the people that were round about us were afraid, and were sore dismayed in their own eyes: for they knew that our God had done this work.” This passage describes the completion of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, a great work carried out in record time, despite intense opposition.
The rebuilding of the walls represented much more than a physical work; it symbolized the restoration of the identity, security and faith of God’s people. It was a challenging project, which faced resistance from powerful enemies who sought at all costs to prevent its completion.
Nehemiah, the leader of the reconstruction, showed unwavering perseverance in the face of obstacles. He faced threats, intimidation, conspiracies and false accusations, but remained firm in his purpose, trusting in God’s strength and provision.
The completion of the work in just fifty-two days, despite all the opposition, testifies to the power of perseverance and faith in God. The enemies, who had previously mocked and belittled God’s people, recognized God’s hand in the work and felt humbled.
Development
Perseverance in the face of opposition
Perseverance is essential if we are to achieve God’s purposes in our lives. In 2 Timothy 2:3, Paul exhorts us: “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The Christian life is a spiritual battle, and we need to be prepared to face opposition and persecution.
Hebrews 10:36 encourages us: “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye may obtain the promise.” Perseverance enables us to fulfill God’s will and achieve his promises, even in the midst of difficulties.
Jesus warned us in John 15:20: “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my word, they will also keep yours.” Opposition is inevitable for those who follow Christ, but he assures us that he will be with us at all times.
Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballah, Tobiah and Geshem, who used various strategies to stop him from rebuilding the walls. They mocked, threatened, plotted and tried to lure him into a trap, but Nehemiah stood firm, trusting in God and persevering in his mission.
Perseverance in prayer
Prayer is a powerful weapon in the fight against opposition. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul exhorts us to “pray at all times with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Nehemiah, faced with threats and conspiracies, resorted to prayer, seeking God’s protection and direction. In Nehemiah 4:4-5, he prays: “Hear, O our God, how we are despised! Bring down their reproach on their heads, and give them up as a spoil in a land of captivity. Do not cover their iniquity, nor let their sin be blotted out from your sight; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders.”
Prayer connects us with the source of all strength and power, enables us to overcome difficulties and guarantees us victory in Christ.
Perseverance in the word
God’s Word is a firm foundation for our perseverance. In Joshua 1:8, God commands Joshua: “Let not the book of this law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will prosper in your way, and you will be successful.”
Psalm 119:105 states: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word enlightens us, guides us and strengthens us on our journey.
Nehemiah knew the Scriptures and relied on God’s promises to persevere in his mission. He was inspired by the examples of faith and perseverance of the heroes of the faith, such as Moses, Joshua and David.
The Word of God equips us with the truth, feeds us spiritually and enables us to resist temptations and the attacks of the enemy.
Perseverance in faith
Faith in God is fundamental to perseverance. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the firm foundation of things hoped for and the proof of things not seen.” Faith enables us to believe in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
Romans 8:37 states: “But in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” In Christ, we are more than conquerors, and no opposition can stop us from achieving victory.
Nehemiah showed unwavering faith in God, even in the face of threats and difficulties. He believed that God was with him and would give him victory.
Faith in God gives us the certainty that He is in control of all things and that in the end, all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion of Nehemiah 6:15-16
Perseverance is essential if we are to achieve God’s purposes in our lives. Just as Nehemiah persevered in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, facing opposition and difficulties, we too are called to persevere in our Christian walk, trusting in God’s strength and provision. May we be inspired by Nehemiah’s example and seek perseverance in prayer, in the Word and in faith, so that, with God’s help, we can overcome all obstacles and achieve victory in Christ.
Preaching Outline on Nehemiah 6:15-16 “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard it, that all the people that were round about us were afraid; and they fell down greatly in their own conceit, because they knew that this work was done for our God.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Opposition to the Gospel – I Corinthians 1:23
- A chosen vessel – Acts 9:15-17
- The moment of the brief – Revelation 3:11
