Nehemiah 4
Satan opposes God's work in various ways, but we can fortify ourselves against these attacks by praying, standing firm in our faith, remembering Jehovah, and trusting in God.
Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of opposition that arise when undertaking God's work, as illustrated in Nehemiah 4. He emphasizes that ridicule, anger, discouragement, lures, false accusations, and fear are all tactics used by Satan to hinder progress. Smith encourages believers to respond to these challenges with prayer, remembrance of God, and steadfastness in their faith. He highlights Nehemiah's example of fortifying oneself against these attacks through reliance on God and maintaining focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that opposition is a natural part of spiritual endeavors, but with God's help, we can overcome it.
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"SATAN'S DEVICES"
Intro: Under the guidance & inspiration of Nehemiah they set upon the task of rebuilding the
wall. As it really began to take shape, apparent they were sincere, opposition began
to take shape. Any work you attempt for God will be opposed.
I. OPPOSITION BY RIDICULE. VS 3 "EVEN THAT WHICH THEY BUILD, IF A FOX GO UP, HE SHALL EVEN
BREAK DOWN THEIR STONE WALL."
A. Ridicule is one of hardest forms of opposition to face.
1. "This Jesus thing with him, its just a fad, wait a few weeks & he will get
over it."
2. "You really think you're going to heaven?"
3. "He's so holy now you have to speak to him in King James."
4. "He thinks he is some sort of saint."
B. Ridicule is usually a probe.
1. They are really sure of themselves.
2. They seek to probe your sincerity.
a. If you back down from your position.
C. Moses choose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy...
esteeming the reproach of Christ...
II. OPPOSITION BY ANGER. VS. 7 "THEN THEY WERE VERY WROTH."
A. When ridicule fails to stop your progress then anger next device.
B. Anger often stems from conviction.
1. Your sincerity convicts them.
III. OPPOSITION BY DISCOURAGEMENT. VS 10.
A. How the enemy seeks to discourage us.
1. This often comes from close friends.
B. Discouragement & faith mutually exclusive.
C. Thoughts planted in the mind.
1. I really didn't realize it was hot.
2. I really didn't realize it was so hard (job..
3. I really didn't realize I was thirsty.
IV. OPPOSITION BY LURE 6:2 "COME, LET US MEET TOGETHER IN SOME ONE OF THE VILLAGES IN THE
PLAIN."
A. How Satan seeks to lure us away from the place of our defense.
1. He wants us to come to his territory.
2. There are places I just shouldn't be as a Christian. Certain parties.
3. There are certain persons I just shouldn't date.
V. OPPOSITION BY FALSE ACCUSATIONS.
VI. OPPOSITION BY FEAR VS. 10 CHAP. 6 MORE INTO TEMPLE & SHUT DOORS AT NIGHT FOR SAFETY.
A. Satan seeks to strike our hearts with fear.
1. Out of fear seek human devices.
a. Trust in temple for safety instead of God.
b. Trust in our good works for salvation.
VII. WHAT CAN I DO TO FORTIFY MYSELF AGAINST THESE MULTIPLE ATTACKS OF SATAN?
A. When faced with ridicule Nehemiah prayed 4:4,5.
B. When faced with anger 4:9.
C. When faced with discouragement, Nehemiah encouraged them to remember Jehovah.
1. So easy to forget God in discouragement.
2. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"
D. Against the lures he stood firm.
1. "I cannot come down"
E. Against false accusations he simply dismissed them as lies.
F. Against fear, He committed Himself to God, to trust Him more.
Sermon Outline
- OPPOSITION BY RIDICULE points: - Ridicule is one of hardest forms of opposition to face - Ridicule is usually a probe - Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God
- OPPOSITION BY ANGER points: - When ridicule fails to stop your progress then anger next device - Anger often stems from conviction
- OPPOSITION BY DISCOURAGEMENT points: - How the enemy seeks to discourage us - Discouragement & faith mutually exclusive
- OPPOSITION BY LURE points: - How Satan seeks to lure us away from the place of our defense
- OPPOSITION BY FALSE ACCUSATIONS points: - Satan seeks to strike our hearts with fear
- OPPOSITION BY FEAR points: - Satan seeks to strike our hearts with fear
- WHAT CAN I DO TO FORTIFY MYSELF AGAINST THESE MULTIPLE ATTACKS OF SATAN? points: - Pray when faced with ridicule - Encourage others to remember Jehovah when faced with discouragement
Key Quotes
“Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” — Chuck Smith
“Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy... esteeming the reproach of Christ...” — Chuck Smith
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- When faced with ridicule, pray and stand firm in your faith.
- Remember Jehovah and trust in Him when faced with discouragement.
- Commit yourself to God and trust Him more to overcome fear.