A Godly Man’s Look at Fixin Stuff
Neh 2:9-3:32
Introduction: Labor Day – Work
Men: asking for directions; assembly instructions-> IKEA
pictures. Nehemiah gives a detailed narrative of the Jerusalem wall
reconstruction and in doing so, he gives a picture instruction for fixing
discipleship.
1. A Godly Man Inspects with Discretion
(2:9-16)
“When you inspect, others may object”
Biblical
Text:
·
Physical Condition of Premises (vs. 13)
·
Spiritual Condition of People (vs. 15)
Practical
Action: Total Ministry Audit
Prov 25:2 - It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is
to search out a matter.
Prov 18:13 - He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
Deut 13:14 - you shall investigate and search out and inquire thoroughly. If it is
true and the matter established that this abomination has been done among you
2 Cor 13:1; Matt 18:16 - Every
fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
2 Tim 2:15 - Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does
not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
·
Impartial – Eyes (open mind; facts weighed
objectively)
·
Confidential – Lips (care in disclosure)
·
Transparent – Hands (open about steps in process
and opportunity for feedback)
ILL. 2 Snakes – are we poisonous? I
bit my lip!
Finances, Sins, Counseling,
Considering a Move – Will of God – inspect the situation & bite lips.
Spiritual
Truth: Satan (Enemy)
·
Not omniscient
·
Not allowed everything
APP- Disciple a man with
confidentiality and full investigation with discretion.
2. A Godly Man Inspires with Dedication (2:17-20)
“When you inspire, others may conspire”
Biblical
Text:
·
Initiated Devotion (17-18)
·
Invoked Rejection (19-20)
Practical
Action: Experience vs Expertise- you can be experienced in failure.
Heb 10:24- let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Spiritual
Truth: Power of Unified Mission, Clarified Need, Testimony
APP. Disciple a Man with inspiration from
your life of ups and downs.
3. A Godly Man Instructs with Delegation
(3:1-32)
“When you instruct, others will construct”
Biblical
Text:
·
Knowing what to do – 10 Gates
·
Knowing whom to employ – 10 Groups
Practical
Action: Ministry in the Local Church
2 Tim 2:2 – 4 Gen.
Acts 19- Saturation Evangelism of Ephesus
because of 12 disciples of Paul.
Spiritual
Truth: 10 Gates of Discipleship
1.
Sheep= personal salvation (divide sheep from
goats)
2.
Fish = soulwinning, fishers of men (follow me,
and I will make you)
3.
Old = old truth, traditions of God (things you
heard me say, all that I’ve commanded you)
4.
Valley = discipleship in difficulty; low places
(yeah though I walk; how to fall & get back up)
5.
Refuse/Dung = Repentance, separate yourselves
from the latter
6.
Fountain = cleansing – sanctifying work of Holy
Spirit; practical sanctification
7.
Water = God’s word – water of word (Eph 5:26)
8.
Horse = spiritual warfare – weapons not carnal
(Prayer)
9.
East = Lord’s return, eastern sky = live in
eschatological expectation
10.
Inspection = Bema seat; judgment of good works;
rewards
APP. Discipleship is not a
spectator sport. When you disciple a man, walk with but delegation
responsibility for discipleship to others.
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