Artaxerxes king of Persia The Courage To Think Big He heard of disturbing news about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant from his brother Hanani 12 Thus began his journey of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem ID: 229935
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We begin a short sermon series on A Fresh Vision of the Task based on the excellent example of Nehemiah, the Jew in exile who worked as the cupbearer of Artaxerxes, king of Persia.
The Courage To Think BigSlide3
He heard of disturbing news about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant from his brother, Hanani (1:2). Thus began his journey of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem.The Courage To Think BigSlide4
From Nehemiah’s memoirs, we will learn three guiding principles in carrying out our God-given task:Think Big
Start Small
Build Deep
The Courage To Think BigSlide5
In this sermon, we will answer the question, “How is it that Nehemiah had the courage to think big
?”
The Courage To Think BigSlide6
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think BigSlide7
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think Big
When Nehemiah heard of the lowly and unsafe predicament of the Jews in Jerusalem, he sat down and wept. Slide8
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think Big
“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
(Nehemiah 1:3)Slide9
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think Big
The Jews in Jerusalem attempted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem but they were unsuccessful. Their hostile neighbors convinced the king of Persia to order them to stop rebuilding.
(Ezra 4:11-23)Slide10
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think Big
Nehemiah’s weeping was an intense expression of emotion that can only come from a sincere longing to change their situation.Slide11
Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)The Courage To Think Big
A God-glorifying vision is never borne out of a self-centered heart.Slide12
Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1: 4b-11)The Courage To Think BigSlide13
Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (
1:4b-11)
The Courage To Think Big
Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for four months before he made the appeal to King
Artaxerxes
.Slide14
The Courage To Think BigBased on the Jewish calendar, Kislev (1:1) is between November and December while Nisan (2:1) is between March and April.
Nehemiah’s vision was
bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer.
(
1:4b-11)Slide15
Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (
1:4b-11)
The Courage To Think Big
No
doubt
Nehemiah developed
his plan during this period
of fervent prayer but
he fully relied on God for its outcome.Slide16
The Courage To Think BigGod's working and our planning are not contradictory.
Dr. Thomas Constable
Nehemiah’s vision was
bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer.
(
1:4b-11)
Prayer is where planning starts.
J. White, Excellence in LeadershipSlide17
The Courage To Think BigA God-glorifying vision is always a product of fervent prayer.
Nehemiah’s vision was
bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer.
(
1:4b-11)Slide18
Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)The Courage To Think BigSlide19
Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)
The Courage To Think Big
As a human being, Nehemiah was
afraid.
But his God-given faith overcame his fear. He asked for unbelievable favors believing that the God of heaven will do the impossible endeavors.Slide20
Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)
The Courage To Think Big
Nehemiah’s requests:
Revise the policy the king gave about the walls of Jerusalem!
(2:5; cf. Ezra 4:21)Slide21
Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)
The Courage To Think Big
Nehemiah’s requests:
Take a leave of absence for 12 years!
(2:6; cf. 5:14)
Protection on his journey to Jerusalem!
(2:6)Slide22
Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)
The Courage To Think Big
Nehemiah’s requests:
Timber supply for the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s gates, temple, walls and his residence!
(2:8)Slide23
"Like many since his time, Nehemiah's greatness came from asking great things of a great God and attempting great things in reliance on him."
Mervin
Breneman
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (p. 174)
The Courage To Think BigSlide24
The Courage To Think BigA God-glorifying vision is always carried out by faith in the God of heaven.
Nehemiah’s vision was
broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)Slide25
Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them.James Hudson Taylor
The Courage To Think Big