July 14, 2024
TEXT:  Nehemiah 2

I. God’s burden needs to be declared to others (vv. 1-10)
A. After much prayer seeking the Lord’s direction (v. 4; Ch. 1)
B. Regardless of the fear we may face in our declaration (vv. 1-5)
C. Realizing the responses of others will be mixed in our decision (vv. 5-10)

II. God’s burden needs to be acted upon to make a difference (vv. 11-16)
A. He acted upon it personally first (v. 11)
B. He acted upon it privately first (vv. 12-15)
C. He acted upon it publicly next (vv. 16-17; James 2:17-26)

III. God’s burden to us needs to be expressed to others (vv. 18-20)
A. Some will be motivated by the burden of the Lord (v. 18)
1. They listened to the burden of the Lord
2. They received the message of God’s will to be personally burdened
3. They were motivated to obedience by the message of God’s man
B. Some may mock or doubt (v. 19)
C. Some will trust in the Lord and enjoy His blessings (v. 20)
1. God blesses obedience, but judges unfaithfulness
2. God honors submission, but judges rebellion
3. God uses the useable to His glory, but judges those who oppose Him