“Building God’s People”
Nehemiah 11-12
Sermon Series: “Change Your World In 52 Days”
Main Idea: God is building churches of seemingly ordinary people that He is using to make an extraordinary impact on the world.
This passage describes the repopulating and development of the city of Jerusalem (11:1-12:26), the celebratory dedication of the rebuilt walls (12:27-43, and a description of the temple responsibilities (12:44-47). Israel and the Church are distinct in the plan of God, but this passage of Scripture certainly applies to the Church today. Jerusalem was at the center of God’s plan for Israel and ultimately the world just as the Church is at the center of God’s plan for the world today. Israel was called to be a shining light to the nations, but she often failed in this missionary role. The church has the same calling today. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We are to be different, a city within the city, an outpost of light in this dark world. We are to build a countercultural Kingdom culture instead of imitating the culture around us, which is part of how we change the world. So, the question is, “What is God building His people, the church, into so we can be a light and make an extraordinary impact on the world?” This passage pictures some characteristics that we need inwardly to be a healthy church in order to impact the world around us. Here are four characteristics of a healthy church that makes an impact:
1. We are unselfish people who sacrifice for the well-being of each other (11:1-2). Even though Jerusalem was the key city, it would have been a sacrifice to live there because of the danger of attack and having less land to work. However, some men volunteered to move there. The people blessed them, and they are referred to as “valiant men.” This is a picture of the Christ-like sacrifice the Church is called to for each other before Jesus even came (Philippians 2:1-11). It is a great example of ordinary people doing unglamorous things that make an extraordinary impact.
2. We all serve together in teams with shared leadership in order to accomplish the work of God (11:3-12:26). This is fleshed out for the church in 1 Corinthians 12 among other passages. Nehemiah lists many seemingly ordinary, even insignificant, people here. However, no service done unto the Lord is insignificant. Nehemiah, was a wise leader who recognized the contributions of all the people. It takes everybody using their gifts and talents and working together to accomplish all the ministry that Jesus wants to do through His Church. It takes many leaders to give direction to the work of God that is being done corporately through His people.
3. We are a worshipping community (12:27-43). Here are some truths we learn about worship from this passage:
A. Our worship is a witness.
B. Worship involves confession and purification.
C. Worship gatherings involve thanksgiving, celebration, rejoicing, music, and singing.
D. Worship is giving glory to God instead of ourselves.
E. Part of what defines us as Christians is being a true worshipper of Jesus (Philippians 3:3).
F. They celebrated the finished work of the wall, but the focus of our worship is celebrating the finished work of Jesus.
4. We are people who give generously (12:44-47). Giving to support the house of God was part of the covenant they had made in chapter 10, and we see here that they are obediently following through. Giving generously to the Lord is part of our worship. It is also ministry because it takes money to do ministry, so as we give, we are involved in the work of God.
