WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.759 So, good morning to you all, especially if you're new, you're here for the first time. 00:00:05.980 --> 00:00:07.000 We're delighted that you're here. 00:00:07.540 --> 00:00:08.120 My name's Tommy. 00:00:08.259 --> 00:00:09.160 I'm the rector here. 00:00:09.359 --> 00:00:11.000 So, on behalf of our church, welcome. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:16.600 This is a Sunday where we are focusing, and you'll see a little bit more of this later 00:00:16.600 --> 00:00:22.140 in the service, we're focusing on the various ministries of our church, all of the various 00:00:22.140 --> 00:00:25.080 ministries that many of you serve in and some of you lead in. 00:00:25.079 --> 00:00:29.459 And so, we're going to hear some testimonies a little bit later from people and the way 00:00:29.459 --> 00:00:32.820 they've been impacted by your ministry in this community. 00:00:33.259 --> 00:00:40.960 And so, it would make sense to preach a sermon that is inspirational, right, that talks about 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:43.700 the ministries in a way that inspires people. 00:00:43.859 --> 00:00:45.259 But here's the thing I really want to say. 00:00:46.459 --> 00:00:48.019 Ministry is hard. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:50.599 Ministry is hard. 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:57.560 Some people, especially people who have not really ever done ministry in the name of 00:00:57.560 --> 00:01:02.320 God, or people who have not been a part of a church, might be prone to think that, well, 00:01:02.640 --> 00:01:06.659 you know, they'll say something along the lines of, well, if you're doing ministry in the name 00:01:06.659 --> 00:01:09.819 of God, shouldn't that mean that God's going to bless you? 00:01:09.980 --> 00:01:12.319 And wouldn't that mean that your life's actually going to be easier? 00:01:12.879 --> 00:01:16.219 Because God is blessing you because of all the things that you're doing for Him. 00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:22.799 But the truth is, when you're committed to doing work for God to glorify Him, when you're 00:01:22.799 --> 00:01:28.840 committed to living out the gospel in your relationships, in your job, your career, in 00:01:28.840 --> 00:01:34.239 your neighborhood, when you're working to reach people with the gospel and encourage them to 00:01:34.239 --> 00:01:39.439 grow in their faith, when you're serving and caring for those in need and dealing with 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:45.200 all the incredible complexity there, when you're doing the work of reconciliation and peacemaking, 00:01:45.200 --> 00:01:50.920 when you're working to build a church in the heart of a city like Washington, D.C., it can 00:01:50.920 --> 00:01:53.320 sometimes feel like an uphill battle. 00:01:54.240 --> 00:01:58.040 It can sometimes feel like you're taking one step forward and five steps back. 00:01:58.100 --> 00:02:02.439 You can sometimes feel like Sisyphus rolling the boulder up the hill only to watch it roll 00:02:02.439 --> 00:02:04.020 back down again. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:07.200 You inspired? 00:02:08.740 --> 00:02:10.420 You excited about what's coming? 00:02:10.419 --> 00:02:15.959 In our study of Nehemiah, we come here to chapter four. 00:02:16.679 --> 00:02:21.399 And what we're actually going to see in chapter four of Nehemiah is that there's a reason why 00:02:21.399 --> 00:02:24.939 ministry in God's name is so hard. 00:02:25.359 --> 00:02:29.419 God calls Nehemiah and blesses him to go and lead in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 00:02:30.019 --> 00:02:34.739 So Nehemiah leads this palace that he's been living in in Susa. 00:02:34.740 --> 00:02:36.300 He travels to Jerusalem. 00:02:36.460 --> 00:02:37.719 He surveys the walls. 00:02:37.960 --> 00:02:39.700 He gathers the people together. 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:46.480 But in chapter four, as soon as they start to build, they encounter fierce resistance. 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:48.820 And it does not let up. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:51.040 So here's what we're going to look at this morning. 00:02:51.320 --> 00:02:52.600 Why is ministry so hard? 00:02:53.300 --> 00:02:54.800 And then what can we do about it? 00:02:54.820 --> 00:02:55.760 How do we persevere? 00:02:56.719 --> 00:02:57.240 Let's pray. 00:02:57.240 --> 00:03:00.420 Lord, we thank you for your word. 00:03:00.500 --> 00:03:03.520 And we thank you that because it's timeless, it is always timely. 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:10.900 Lord, that this story that is 2,400 years old can speak into our lives right now. 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:13.740 And it's only able to do that because of you. 00:03:13.820 --> 00:03:16.760 Because it's not just written words, ink on paper. 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:19.120 It's a living word through the power of your spirit. 00:03:19.900 --> 00:03:21.140 You can speak to us, Lord. 00:03:21.180 --> 00:03:22.920 You can comfort those who need to be comforted. 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:25.219 You can challenge those who need to be challenged. 00:03:25.219 --> 00:03:28.099 Convict those of us who need to be convicted, Lord. 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:30.280 You can bring life where there is death. 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:32.219 You can bring hope where there is despair. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:36.560 Lord, we pray that you would do your work through your word in us for your glory. 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:38.819 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:03:40.579 --> 00:03:43.400 So first of all, why is ministry so hard? 00:03:44.460 --> 00:03:46.819 The story of Nehemiah essentially is this. 00:03:46.879 --> 00:03:48.659 He lives in 445 BC. 00:03:49.300 --> 00:03:52.079 He's living in the Persian palace, Susa. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:53.879 He's probably grown up there. 00:03:53.879 --> 00:03:56.340 He works for the king, very important government job. 00:03:56.879 --> 00:04:02.340 He hears that Jerusalem, the city of his ancestors, the city of God's people, lies in ruins. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:04.099 The people are scattered. 00:04:05.159 --> 00:04:06.879 They're destitute. 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:11.259 God calls Nehemiah to leave the palace and to go bring renewal. 00:04:11.519 --> 00:04:13.259 Physically rebuild the city of God. 00:04:13.599 --> 00:04:15.719 Spiritually begin to rebuild the people of God. 00:04:16.600 --> 00:04:20.500 As I said a moment ago, as soon as the work starts, so does the opposition. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:23.660 It starts with one antagonist, Sanballat. 00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:31.040 And Sanballat hears that construction has started and it says he is furious when he hears that news. 00:04:31.740 --> 00:04:32.500 That's in verse 1. 00:04:32.600 --> 00:04:37.019 By verse 7, more enemies have come to the table. 00:04:37.180 --> 00:04:39.660 Maybe Sanballat was key in recruiting them. 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:40.759 We have a list. 00:04:40.959 --> 00:04:41.779 We have Sanballat. 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:43.660 We have Tobiah and the Arabs. 00:04:43.660 --> 00:04:46.800 We have the Ammonites and the Ashtodites. 00:04:47.340 --> 00:04:50.220 So this list, now that's not an arbitrary list. 00:04:50.300 --> 00:04:52.840 If we had a map in front of us, it would make a little more sense. 00:04:52.920 --> 00:04:56.780 Does anyone know where these enemies are located relative to Jerusalem? 00:04:56.779 --> 00:05:03.159 Yeah, the list literally goes north, east, south, west, right? 00:05:04.639 --> 00:05:11.079 All around Jerusalem, there are enemies who oppose this work. 00:05:11.159 --> 00:05:12.099 They're literally surrounded. 00:05:12.239 --> 00:05:15.339 Jerusalem is facing an existential threat. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:18.439 And the attack starts to come in. 00:05:18.500 --> 00:05:23.000 And the attack comes from these enemies in various forms. 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:26.839 First, there's an enormous amount of mockery and ridicule. 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:31.879 Sanballat says, what are these feeble Jews doing? 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:34.800 Tobiah says, yeah, what are they building? 00:05:35.399 --> 00:05:38.980 If a little fox goes up on it, it's going to crumble down. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:40.879 This is ancient Near Eastern trash talk. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:42.660 They're being sarcastic. 00:05:43.519 --> 00:05:44.800 They're being belittling. 00:05:44.920 --> 00:05:46.000 They're being condescending. 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:50.540 As we go forward in the chapter, we see there's a lot of slander. 00:05:50.540 --> 00:05:51.920 There's character assassination. 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:54.079 You ever heard this? 00:05:54.240 --> 00:06:01.879 If people realize that some people, when they want to control or manipulate you, if they can't control you, what do they do? 00:06:01.959 --> 00:06:04.759 They go and they try to control what other people think about you. 00:06:05.779 --> 00:06:07.600 And that's exactly what we see here. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:12.360 They can't control Nehemiah, but they try to control what other people think about Nehemiah. 00:06:13.379 --> 00:06:15.759 So we see character assassination and slander. 00:06:15.959 --> 00:06:18.240 They're spreading all kinds of lies and misinformation. 00:06:18.600 --> 00:06:22.420 They set out to cause as much confusion as possible. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:23.740 They even threaten violence. 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:27.840 In verse 11, we learn that they're actually planning a surprise military attack. 00:06:29.100 --> 00:06:36.300 And this is skipping ahead a bit to chapter 6, but it's important to note the opposition doesn't just come from outside, from the non-Jewish world. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:43.139 In chapter 6, we see that there were a bunch of nobles in Judah who were actually loyal through marriage to Tobiah. 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:53.519 So these nobles in Judah are people that Nehemiah assumes are with him, but they're actually acting as double agents. 00:06:53.680 --> 00:06:54.960 They're acting as informants. 00:06:55.040 --> 00:06:58.860 They're reporting everything that Nehemiah is saying and doing to Tobiah. 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:02.699 So he's not just got problems outside, he's got problems inside. 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:13.180 And then we see the people themselves, they're experiencing profound discouragement and hopelessness and fear and despair. 00:07:13.879 --> 00:07:20.040 In verse 10, in Judah, it was said, the strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. 00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:23.139 There is too much rubble. 00:07:23.139 --> 00:07:27.120 By ourselves, we will not be able to rebuild the wall. 00:07:27.240 --> 00:07:35.439 If any of you have ever been involved in ministry, if you've ever been involved in trying to solve some of the most complex issues, right, 00:07:35.939 --> 00:07:47.379 these issues of homelessness or poverty or racial injustice or all of the various things that we, many of you are passionate about and try to work on, 00:07:47.479 --> 00:07:50.120 you know, problems that you're working on in the developing world. 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:58.600 Those of you who work in other parts of the world trying to bring development and increase the welfare of people in other societies, 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:00.800 you know these incredibly thorny, complex problems. 00:08:01.040 --> 00:08:04.600 It's so common and easy to look around and just be like, there's too much rubble here. 00:08:05.560 --> 00:08:06.980 Like, I don't even know where to start. 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:09.180 It's just, why even try? 00:08:09.780 --> 00:08:11.319 This is way beyond our ability. 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:12.519 That's exactly how they feel. 00:08:13.819 --> 00:08:19.139 Now, there are some surface-level reasons why these groups would oppose Nehemiah. 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:20.719 There are political reasons. 00:08:20.979 --> 00:08:22.639 There are economic reasons. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:29.180 The stronger Jerusalem becomes, the weaker their hold is on the area. 00:08:30.139 --> 00:08:32.899 But the point we really need to focus in on is this. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:38.740 There's a much deeper reason why there is such opposition to this work being done. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:44.960 The real enemy, as we take the story of Nehemiah and situate it in the larger story of Scripture, 00:08:45.299 --> 00:08:47.360 the real enemy is not Sanballat. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:48.940 It's not Tobiah. 00:08:49.259 --> 00:08:53.000 It's not even the nobles who have betrayed Nehemiah. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:59.500 The real enemy is the same enemy who has always opposed the work of God. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:06.259 The same enemy who has always opposed the people of God when they're doing the work of God. 00:09:07.419 --> 00:09:10.539 The enemy that we see from the very beginning of Scripture, 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:15.959 the enemy is Satan himself, the great adversary, 00:09:16.959 --> 00:09:24.599 working through these groups, working through these individuals to oppose the work of God. 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:29.079 Now, they might not even know that they're instruments of that greater evil, 00:09:29.299 --> 00:09:31.120 but they've been folded in nonetheless. 00:09:32.059 --> 00:09:33.279 You know, you think about these nobles. 00:09:33.399 --> 00:09:36.079 Very likely, they believed they were doing God's work. 00:09:36.080 --> 00:09:39.280 They believed maybe that they were doing what was best for Jerusalem, 00:09:39.540 --> 00:09:40.960 what was best long term. 00:09:42.780 --> 00:09:43.680 But here's the thing. 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:45.600 There's a lot of people maybe in the church 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:48.220 who believe that they're doing the right thing for the right reasons. 00:09:48.360 --> 00:09:49.680 But if you look at your actions 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:54.700 and you realize that you're participating in things like gossip or slander, 00:09:55.720 --> 00:09:59.420 assuming the worst about other people's motives without knowing all of the facts, 00:10:00.640 --> 00:10:02.280 right, imputing motives, 00:10:02.279 --> 00:10:06.959 if you catch yourself using Satan's tactics, 00:10:07.419 --> 00:10:10.439 it's worth asking whether you're doing Satan's bidding. 00:10:12.699 --> 00:10:13.179 Right? 00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:17.279 So there's this real spiritual enemy working in the background. 00:10:18.240 --> 00:10:21.299 The Apostle Paul names this in Ephesians chapter 6, 00:10:21.620 --> 00:10:23.600 for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:25.439 but against the rulers, against the authorities, 00:10:25.819 --> 00:10:28.199 against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:31.620 against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:36.279 That's the real enemy working through these human agents. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:40.120 Jesus himself says to his disciples in chapter 5, verse 11, 00:10:40.199 --> 00:10:43.740 no one likes this verse, if you really think about it, 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:44.339 if you're a Christian. 00:10:45.939 --> 00:10:47.480 Nevertheless, here's what Jesus says. 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:51.839 Blessed are you when, not if, 00:10:52.419 --> 00:10:57.059 when others revile you and persecute you 00:10:57.059 --> 00:11:01.179 and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 00:11:01.179 --> 00:11:02.899 That's exactly what's happening to Nehemiah. 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:05.479 Rejoice and be glad, 00:11:05.599 --> 00:11:07.219 for your reward is great in heaven, 00:11:07.339 --> 00:11:11.239 for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 00:11:11.859 --> 00:11:12.739 Jesus is saying, 00:11:13.699 --> 00:11:17.199 God's people have always been reviled, 00:11:17.799 --> 00:11:19.779 they will be reviled, 00:11:20.599 --> 00:11:23.819 and that will continue until I come again. 00:11:23.879 --> 00:11:26.199 It will continue into the renewal of all things. 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:29.120 Blessed are you when others revile you. 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:32.779 So Nehemiah cries out in verse 4, 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:35.480 hear, O God, for we are despised. 00:11:35.860 --> 00:11:38.019 Jesus is saying, hey, if you associate with me, 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:39.700 you're going to be despised. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:45.060 It's almost a rule. 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:50.560 2 Timothy 3, verse 12 says it just as clearly, 00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:55.200 all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:59.860 He doesn't just say, most of you, or odds are. 00:12:00.400 --> 00:12:04.720 He says, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:12:06.420 --> 00:12:07.500 The principle is this, 00:12:07.540 --> 00:12:11.000 the enemies of God always oppose the people of God 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.020 when they're doing the work of God. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.100 If you don't want to be persecuted, 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:16.460 if you don't want to be opposed, 00:12:16.720 --> 00:12:18.240 if you don't want to be reviled, 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:19.800 don't say anything, 00:12:20.140 --> 00:12:21.300 don't do anything. 00:12:21.299 --> 00:12:26.659 But the minute you begin to try to pursue the work of God for the glory of God, 00:12:26.819 --> 00:12:29.059 you will meet opposition, 00:12:29.339 --> 00:12:30.259 and it won't let up. 00:12:31.659 --> 00:12:33.379 What are the implications of this? 00:12:34.740 --> 00:12:37.199 Satan wants us to feel hopeless. 00:12:38.459 --> 00:12:41.199 Satan wants us to feel discouraged. 00:12:41.979 --> 00:12:45.079 He wants us to feel like the people in Judah felt. 00:12:45.080 --> 00:12:50.080 The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. 00:12:50.540 --> 00:12:51.820 It's fading. 00:12:52.020 --> 00:12:54.420 Many of you are bearing burdens right now, 00:12:54.460 --> 00:12:56.060 and you feel like, I'm not enough. 00:12:56.160 --> 00:12:57.180 I'm not up to this. 00:12:58.160 --> 00:13:00.520 I just want my life to be easier, 00:13:00.879 --> 00:13:02.200 to be more convenient. 00:13:02.420 --> 00:13:04.680 I don't want to have to suffer so much. 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:06.700 I don't want it to have to be so hard all the time. 00:13:07.420 --> 00:13:08.860 Satan wants us to be divided. 00:13:09.000 --> 00:13:10.140 He wants us to be angry. 00:13:10.420 --> 00:13:11.500 He wants us to be bitter. 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:13.060 He wants us to be depressed. 00:13:13.059 --> 00:13:17.119 You see this again and again and again in Scripture. 00:13:18.219 --> 00:13:20.439 King David, the man after God's own heart, 00:13:21.539 --> 00:13:23.019 Israel forever looked back and said, 00:13:23.159 --> 00:13:24.479 that was our high point of our nation. 00:13:24.579 --> 00:13:26.159 It never got better than that, right? 00:13:27.199 --> 00:13:29.599 He struggled with long bouts of depression. 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:33.179 He struggled with deep envy of his enemies. 00:13:33.319 --> 00:13:34.659 He struggled again and again and again, 00:13:34.719 --> 00:13:35.679 if you read the Psalms, 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:37.439 with feeling like God had abandoned him, 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:38.419 turned his back on him. 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:42.179 Elijah, right after his major victory 00:13:42.179 --> 00:13:43.559 over the prophets of Baal, 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:45.719 right after, I mean, you would think 00:13:45.719 --> 00:13:48.279 if you called fire down from heaven 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:49.740 that consumed everything, 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:52.819 after the prophets tried and tried and tried 00:13:52.819 --> 00:13:53.620 and they did nothing, 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:56.319 and you just pray to God and bam, fire comes down, 00:13:56.479 --> 00:13:57.479 and everybody's like, 00:13:58.159 --> 00:13:59.839 whoa, this guy, you know, 00:13:59.899 --> 00:14:02.259 and then he immediately 00:14:02.259 --> 00:14:05.139 falls into a deep, deep, deep, deep depression. 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:07.659 It gets so bad that he wants to end his own life. 00:14:08.120 --> 00:14:08.759 He's suicidal. 00:14:09.919 --> 00:14:12.679 People like Hannah, Naomi, Jeremiah, Moses, 00:14:12.799 --> 00:14:14.240 they all struggle with self-doubt, 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:16.259 discouragement, inadequacy, despair, 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.580 all throughout their ministry. 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:20.100 And some of the greatest theologians 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:21.620 and pastors and missionaries 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:23.899 and thought leaders throughout history, 00:14:24.199 --> 00:14:25.519 same thing, Martin Luther, 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:28.360 Hannah Allen, David Brainerd, 00:14:28.439 --> 00:14:30.019 William Cowper, Charles Spurgeon, 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:33.139 Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:35.819 all struggled with deep depression 00:14:35.819 --> 00:14:38.100 and discouragement all through their ministry. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.159 It's no coincidence. 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:42.480 It's what the Bible says is gonna happen. 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:45.439 You know, in January of this year, 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.500 for those of you who were here, 00:14:46.699 --> 00:14:48.559 we planted a flag of sorts. 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:51.319 We closed on a building in the Shaw neighborhood. 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:53.399 We're gonna make good on our commitment 00:14:53.399 --> 00:14:54.919 to love the city long term. 00:14:55.139 --> 00:14:57.519 We're taking the ministry that has been happening 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:59.360 and we're looking forward 00:14:59.360 --> 00:15:00.340 and we're doing what we can 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:02.560 to establish a multi-generational ministry 00:15:02.560 --> 00:15:04.379 that will outlive all of us 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.660 and continue to be a center 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:07.860 of gospel proclamation and worship 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.019 in the heart of the city, 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.139 in the heart of a city that touches 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.700 all the cities of the world. 00:15:13.580 --> 00:15:14.879 It is no coincidence, 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:16.759 in my opinion, 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:18.920 that this has also been 00:15:18.920 --> 00:15:20.500 the hardest year of ministry 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:21.940 since we started the church. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.980 I'll just be totally honest. 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:26.779 I have never personally felt 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.940 more discouragement 00:15:27.940 --> 00:15:31.800 in almost 18 years of ministry. 00:15:33.440 --> 00:15:35.980 I have, in the last year, 00:15:36.440 --> 00:15:38.420 several times come to a place of thinking, 00:15:38.759 --> 00:15:40.680 I don't know if I can do this anymore. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.960 It's been that discouraging. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:45.980 And I know many of you, 00:15:46.420 --> 00:15:48.060 maybe the majority of you, 00:15:48.740 --> 00:15:50.779 are also feeling discouragement. 00:15:50.779 --> 00:15:53.579 One way or another, 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.360 because of the things 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:55.579 that you're dealing with in your life. 00:15:56.959 --> 00:15:58.620 I know that there are relationships 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.919 that have broken down. 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:02.600 I know that there has been gossip 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:03.419 and slander, 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.919 people assuming the worst 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:06.759 about people's motives. 00:16:06.879 --> 00:16:07.720 I know that we've endured 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:08.939 some of the most complicated 00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:10.000 and painful situations 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.879 we have ever faced as a community. 00:16:14.059 --> 00:16:15.019 Make no mistake, 00:16:15.199 --> 00:16:17.459 Satan does not want us to exist. 00:16:17.460 --> 00:16:20.420 And if we do exist, 00:16:20.480 --> 00:16:21.840 he wants us to be inert, 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:23.600 passive, 00:16:25.100 --> 00:16:25.700 peacekeeper, 00:16:26.600 --> 00:16:28.100 not peacemaker, 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:28.460 but peacekeeper. 00:16:29.639 --> 00:16:31.460 Just go along to get along. 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:34.400 He wants us to give up. 00:16:34.540 --> 00:16:35.860 He wants us to believe 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.740 that this is too hard. 00:16:36.920 --> 00:16:38.100 He wants us to be overwhelmed 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:38.740 by the rubble. 00:16:38.960 --> 00:16:39.800 He wants us to spend 00:16:39.800 --> 00:16:40.639 all of our time 00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:41.800 fighting each other 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:42.480 instead of him. 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:47.539 Why is ministry so hard? 00:16:47.600 --> 00:16:48.600 Because we have an adversary 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:49.720 who prowls around 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:50.860 like a roaring lion 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:52.440 looking for someone to devour. 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.740 That's why ministry is hard. 00:16:55.220 --> 00:16:56.300 Now what can we do about it? 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:58.039 How can we persevere? 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:01.279 This is where Nehemiah chapter 4 00:17:01.279 --> 00:17:02.759 isn't just a hard text to read 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.480 because it tells us 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.079 the hard truth 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:04.759 that we need to hear, 00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:05.660 but it also offers 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:07.960 a profound vision 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:09.059 of perseverance 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:10.339 in the face of adversity. 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:12.699 So we're going to draw out 00:17:12.699 --> 00:17:13.279 a few things 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:14.599 that I hope and pray 00:17:14.599 --> 00:17:15.399 will help us 00:17:15.399 --> 00:17:16.299 in this season 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.000 of our life together. 00:17:17.119 --> 00:17:17.839 Number one, this. 00:17:18.679 --> 00:17:20.139 Understand the relationship 00:17:20.139 --> 00:17:21.579 between divine sovereignty 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:23.500 and human responsibility. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.220 Understand our job 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:27.879 and then understand God's job. 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:29.679 This is a theme 00:17:29.679 --> 00:17:30.220 that shows up 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:31.039 all throughout Scripture. 00:17:31.379 --> 00:17:32.379 It's one of the major themes 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.399 in the book of Nehemiah. 00:17:34.199 --> 00:17:35.819 Verse 9 captures it. 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:38.059 And we prayed to our God 00:17:38.059 --> 00:17:40.139 and set a guard 00:17:40.140 --> 00:17:41.640 as a protection 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.620 against them day and night. 00:17:43.300 --> 00:17:44.180 And I love that. 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.200 We prayed to God 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:48.780 and we set a guard. 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:50.340 We did both. 00:17:51.560 --> 00:17:52.460 You know, we have a tendency 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:52.820 to think, 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:53.759 shouldn't it be one or the other? 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:55.820 In other words, you know, 00:17:56.080 --> 00:17:57.140 if you're praying 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:57.820 and you're trusting 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:58.880 that God's going to protect you, 00:17:58.980 --> 00:17:59.540 why do you need 00:17:59.540 --> 00:18:00.140 to set a guard? 00:18:01.800 --> 00:18:02.860 Why post a watch? 00:18:03.200 --> 00:18:04.060 Don't you trust God? 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:05.140 And if you post a watch, 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:05.520 does that mean 00:18:05.520 --> 00:18:06.500 you didn't really believe 00:18:06.500 --> 00:18:07.520 that God could do anything? 00:18:07.700 --> 00:18:07.860 Does that, 00:18:08.140 --> 00:18:08.980 can you do both? 00:18:08.980 --> 00:18:11.339 For that matter, 00:18:11.460 --> 00:18:12.240 why do we even need 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.299 walls around the city? 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:15.680 Why not just build our houses 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:16.240 and live in them 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.039 and trust that God's 00:18:17.039 --> 00:18:17.640 going to keep us safe? 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:19.000 Why do we need walls and gates? 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:22.759 This dichotomy, 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:25.160 this binary way of thinking 00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:25.860 is very prevalent. 00:18:25.859 --> 00:18:28.419 But it's not representative 00:18:28.419 --> 00:18:29.019 of what Scripture 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:30.219 actually shows us. 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:31.879 All throughout Scripture, 00:18:32.419 --> 00:18:33.179 we see a much more 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:34.399 beautiful, nuanced view. 00:18:35.819 --> 00:18:38.399 We see this intertwining 00:18:38.399 --> 00:18:40.079 of divine sovereignty 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:41.339 and human responsibility 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:42.759 and how they work together. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:44.099 How at the same time, 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:45.299 God is in control 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:46.059 of everything. 00:18:46.479 --> 00:18:47.419 God is in control 00:18:47.419 --> 00:18:48.059 of the outcomes. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:48.899 And yet somehow, 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.939 our choices matter 00:18:49.939 --> 00:18:50.919 and our actions matter. 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.860 And there are real, 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.940 live consequences 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:56.060 that result from our actions. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:57.620 You know, 00:18:57.640 --> 00:18:58.039 it's interesting, 00:18:58.120 --> 00:18:59.980 in places like Isaiah chapter 38, 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:01.160 you see this interplay. 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:02.340 King Hezekiah 00:19:02.340 --> 00:19:03.700 becomes very sick, 00:19:03.860 --> 00:19:04.759 presumably because of 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.779 an infected boil. 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:09.039 And Isaiah comes to him 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:09.519 and says, 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:11.360 King, 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:12.420 you need to put your affairs 00:19:12.420 --> 00:19:12.840 in order 00:19:12.840 --> 00:19:14.279 because you're going to die. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:17.079 And Hezekiah is desperate. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:17.899 He prays to God 00:19:17.899 --> 00:19:18.399 to heal him. 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.099 And God, 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:21.980 through Isaiah, 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:22.799 says to him, 00:19:23.099 --> 00:19:23.379 okay, 00:19:23.599 --> 00:19:24.660 I'm going to heal you. 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:26.200 And I'm going to actually 00:19:26.200 --> 00:19:26.920 extend your life 00:19:26.920 --> 00:19:27.980 for 15 more years. 00:19:28.920 --> 00:19:31.480 And then God tells Isaiah 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.799 to make a poultice 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.220 out of figs 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:35.019 and apply it 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:36.200 to the infected area. 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:38.460 And Hezekiah is healed. 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.899 And he praises God 00:19:40.899 --> 00:19:41.599 for healing him. 00:19:41.940 --> 00:19:43.240 But God works through 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.400 the poultice to do it. 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:46.259 And you say, 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:46.420 well, 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:47.579 was it the fig poultice? 00:19:48.500 --> 00:19:48.779 Fig, 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:50.120 that was a common medicinal 00:19:50.120 --> 00:19:51.319 remedy back in the day, 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:51.660 right? 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.700 Was it the figs 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:53.500 or was it God? 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:54.819 The Bible would say yes. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.059 Yes. 00:19:59.059 --> 00:19:59.279 Right? 00:19:59.339 --> 00:20:00.620 God has such control 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:01.519 over history 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:04.680 and yet He is so intimately 00:20:04.680 --> 00:20:06.019 involved in our lives 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:08.079 that He's able to work 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:09.519 through our actions 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:11.079 without being constrained 00:20:11.079 --> 00:20:11.559 by them. 00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:13.099 See, 00:20:13.139 --> 00:20:13.619 some people say, 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:13.759 well, 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:14.500 God's already made up 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.059 His mind anyway. 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:15.539 It doesn't matter 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:15.960 what we do. 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:16.480 God's going to do 00:20:16.480 --> 00:20:16.960 what He's going to do. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:17.440 That's not what 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:18.099 the Bible says. 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:20.519 The Bible says not 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.980 God works despite 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:23.399 our choices only, 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:25.440 nor does it say 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.419 that God is constrained 00:20:26.419 --> 00:20:27.159 by our choices, 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.039 as though God's kind of 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.980 biting His nails 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:29.220 saying, 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:29.919 I hope they make 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:30.460 the right choice 00:20:30.460 --> 00:20:31.220 because if they don't, 00:20:31.399 --> 00:20:32.240 there's nothing I can do. 00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:34.659 It says that God 00:20:34.659 --> 00:20:35.259 is able to work 00:20:35.259 --> 00:20:36.579 through our choices 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.819 somehow in a way 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.559 that doesn't thwart 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:39.200 His will. 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:40.879 His outcomes 00:20:40.879 --> 00:20:41.960 are guaranteed and sure, 00:20:42.559 --> 00:20:43.500 but they come through 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.220 our choices. 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:48.259 When it comes to 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.200 dealing with opposition, 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:51.740 here's what this means, 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.599 that we should pray 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.319 continually, 00:20:54.619 --> 00:20:56.460 we should pray 00:20:56.460 --> 00:20:57.139 continually, 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:59.000 trusting that God 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.119 is with us, 00:21:00.379 --> 00:21:01.500 and we should also 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.839 take whatever measures 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:04.299 necessary to care 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.139 for ourselves 00:21:05.140 --> 00:21:06.120 and our families. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.300 Right? 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.460 As Jesus says 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.020 when He sends out 00:21:10.020 --> 00:21:10.680 His disciples, 00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:13.020 we should be innocent 00:21:13.020 --> 00:21:14.580 as doves, right? 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.680 Trusting in the Lord, 00:21:15.820 --> 00:21:16.580 relying on the Lord 00:21:16.580 --> 00:21:17.200 to provide everything. 00:21:17.320 --> 00:21:18.620 We should also be 00:21:18.620 --> 00:21:19.580 wise and shrewd. 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:21.840 They're not opposed 00:21:21.840 --> 00:21:22.400 to one another. 00:21:23.340 --> 00:21:24.340 So you look at Nehemiah. 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.120 He prays 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:26.380 and he posts a guard. 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:27.720 He says, 00:21:27.820 --> 00:21:28.360 I want you to work 00:21:28.360 --> 00:21:28.900 with one hand 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:29.580 and I want you to hold 00:21:29.580 --> 00:21:30.520 a weapon with the other. 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.700 He splits them up 00:21:33.700 --> 00:21:34.280 so some of them 00:21:34.279 --> 00:21:35.000 are keeping watch 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:35.920 while others build. 00:21:37.180 --> 00:21:38.480 And all the while 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:39.039 they're praying. 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:39.700 They're praying, 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.220 they're praying, 00:21:40.319 --> 00:21:40.759 they're praying, 00:21:40.920 --> 00:21:41.680 and every time 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:42.279 he gets a chance, 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:42.980 Nehemiah is saying, 00:21:43.079 --> 00:21:43.639 it is God 00:21:43.639 --> 00:21:44.559 who is keeping us safe. 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:45.200 It is not us. 00:21:45.480 --> 00:21:46.220 God is the one 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.920 that we trust in, 00:21:47.119 --> 00:21:47.779 not ourselves. 00:21:47.839 --> 00:21:48.339 And you see this 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.720 beautiful balance revealed. 00:21:50.139 --> 00:21:50.559 So listen, 00:21:50.660 --> 00:21:51.960 if you're severely depressed, 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:53.839 pray. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.680 Pray every day 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:56.660 for God to heal you. 00:21:57.220 --> 00:21:58.460 But also consider 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.599 going to a competent therapist. 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:01.119 And there's some 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:02.119 really great medication 00:22:02.119 --> 00:22:02.460 out there 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:02.879 that could make 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:03.559 a huge difference 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.019 in your life. 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:06.920 and you should 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:07.940 thank God it exists. 00:22:08.399 --> 00:22:09.460 It saves lives. 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:12.059 If you want to be able 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.359 to contend for your faith 00:22:13.359 --> 00:22:14.519 when people question you, 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.700 you should pray 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:17.899 and maybe consider 00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:18.779 studying and learning 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.460 apologetics. 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.460 There are some 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.059 great arguments 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.539 out there. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.960 I remember when I was 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:25.200 a clinician in Boston 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:26.220 before I came down here 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:26.960 and I remember 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:28.839 I was the only counselor 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:30.099 in my outpatient clinic 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:31.419 and they gave me 00:22:31.419 --> 00:22:31.959 an opportunity 00:22:31.959 --> 00:22:33.359 to present as a Christian 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:36.219 my vision of counseling 00:22:36.219 --> 00:22:37.279 as a Christian therapist. 00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:38.279 And I remember 00:22:38.279 --> 00:22:38.959 I stood up in front 00:22:38.959 --> 00:22:40.819 of the entire clinical team 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:42.459 during a staff meeting 00:22:42.459 --> 00:22:43.379 and I opened my mouth 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:44.639 and I got two sentences out 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:45.500 and then a guy 00:22:45.500 --> 00:22:46.099 in the front row 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:46.899 who was an atheist, 00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:48.439 none of them were Christians, 00:22:48.699 --> 00:22:49.599 a guy in the front row 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:51.139 just comes at me 00:22:51.140 --> 00:22:52.280 and he throws 00:22:52.280 --> 00:22:53.060 every argument 00:22:53.060 --> 00:22:54.540 he possibly can at me 00:22:54.540 --> 00:22:56.120 for why everything I believe 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:57.800 and then everybody else 00:22:57.800 --> 00:22:58.720 started joining in too 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:00.120 and they started coming at me 00:23:00.120 --> 00:23:00.860 with what about this 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:01.400 and what about this 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:02.240 and what about this, right? 00:23:03.020 --> 00:23:04.140 And I remember looking around 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:05.420 and thinking I'm overwhelmed. 00:23:05.560 --> 00:23:06.220 That was the thing 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:07.380 that inspired me 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.680 many years ago 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.940 to start digging into 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:12.420 what is the reasonable foundation 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:13.020 for the things 00:23:13.020 --> 00:23:13.500 that we believe? 00:23:13.580 --> 00:23:14.759 Is this a blind leap of faith 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:16.300 or are there actually meaningful? 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.259 And I begin to discover 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:19.040 actually this is an incredibly 00:23:19.040 --> 00:23:20.080 thoughtful faith 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:21.299 that has been 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:22.699 a great source of hope 00:23:22.699 --> 00:23:23.699 to some of the smartest people 00:23:23.699 --> 00:23:24.379 throughout history 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:25.659 and there's a wonderful 00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:27.059 treasure trove 00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:28.919 if you're willing to dig in 00:23:28.919 --> 00:23:30.299 that helps us connect 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:31.099 mind and heart 00:23:31.099 --> 00:23:32.179 in our faith, right? 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.879 Now if you do that, 00:23:34.919 --> 00:23:35.220 does that mean 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:36.159 you don't trust God 00:23:36.159 --> 00:23:36.779 as he says 00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:37.559 to give you the words 00:23:37.559 --> 00:23:38.199 when you need them? 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:38.480 No. 00:23:38.679 --> 00:23:39.500 It means God works 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:40.319 through all of it. 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:43.079 If you want to do ministry 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:43.720 in the city, 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:44.339 we pray. 00:23:44.419 --> 00:23:45.500 We need to pray every day 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:47.199 that God is blessing 00:23:47.199 --> 00:23:48.179 what we're doing, 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.079 that God is with us, 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:50.399 that God goes before us. 00:23:51.059 --> 00:23:52.439 But we also should be working 00:23:52.439 --> 00:23:53.480 to develop the absolute 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.500 best strategies 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.759 we possibly can 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:57.240 for doing effective ministry 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.879 in a place like D.C. 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.879 in 2024. 00:24:01.460 --> 00:24:02.799 Not the same strategies 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:04.299 that worked in the 1970s 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:06.299 or the 1920s, right? 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.779 Or the mid-1800s. 00:24:08.799 --> 00:24:10.159 Strategies for here and now, 00:24:10.460 --> 00:24:11.460 for this win. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:15.559 So we need to trust 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:17.039 in the dual reality 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.600 of divine sovereignty 00:24:18.600 --> 00:24:19.860 and human responsibility. 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.480 I remember this came up a lot 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:24.079 when in the early days of COVID, 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.799 we were all being told 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:26.180 to wear masks, you know? 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.860 And there were some Christians 00:24:26.860 --> 00:24:27.140 who were like, 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:27.980 well, if you wear a mask, 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.940 you're not trusting God, 00:24:30.100 --> 00:24:30.440 you know? 00:24:31.000 --> 00:24:31.360 And I'm like, 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:32.180 well, if there's a chance 00:24:32.180 --> 00:24:33.079 that I'm going to get somebody 00:24:33.079 --> 00:24:33.840 next to me sick 00:24:33.840 --> 00:24:34.559 and they're going to die, 00:24:34.620 --> 00:24:35.539 I'm going to wear the mask. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:36.000 It doesn't mean 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:36.840 I don't trust the Lord, 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:38.399 you know? 00:24:38.480 --> 00:24:39.399 I'm going to put on 00:24:39.399 --> 00:24:40.259 the fig poultice, 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:41.519 you know? 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.179 And I'm going to trust 00:24:42.179 --> 00:24:42.859 and hope and pray 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:43.939 that if God wants to work 00:24:43.939 --> 00:24:45.000 through that means he can. 00:24:46.059 --> 00:24:47.139 They don't have to be 00:24:47.139 --> 00:24:48.119 opposed to one another. 00:24:49.339 --> 00:24:50.319 Divine sovereignty 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:51.399 and human responsibility. 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:54.720 Number two, fear God, 00:24:55.079 --> 00:24:56.519 not other people. 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:58.559 How do you persevere? 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.419 Fear God, 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.619 not other people. 00:25:00.899 --> 00:25:01.899 A lot of opposition 00:25:01.899 --> 00:25:03.519 these days, 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:04.659 in our society, 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:05.079 thankfully, 00:25:05.199 --> 00:25:06.119 most of us don't have to worry 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:07.019 about physical violence. 00:25:07.359 --> 00:25:08.159 Praise God for that. 00:25:08.979 --> 00:25:10.019 But a lot of the opposition 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:10.659 that we face 00:25:10.659 --> 00:25:11.739 is going to come through mocking, 00:25:12.219 --> 00:25:12.899 through ridicule, 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.559 through threats 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:14.219 from other people. 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:16.719 I love Nehemiah's encouragement 00:25:16.719 --> 00:25:17.399 to his people 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.579 when they are filled with fear. 00:25:19.179 --> 00:25:19.919 He says, 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:21.739 do not be afraid of them. 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:24.399 Remember the Lord 00:25:24.399 --> 00:25:25.779 who is great and awesome. 00:25:27.459 --> 00:25:28.799 Do not be afraid of them. 00:25:28.959 --> 00:25:29.839 Remember the Lord 00:25:29.839 --> 00:25:31.519 who is great and awesome. 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:32.139 In other words, 00:25:32.159 --> 00:25:32.399 he's saying, 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:34.159 remember how big God is 00:25:34.159 --> 00:25:35.539 and how small they are. 00:25:36.119 --> 00:25:37.099 That's what he's saying. 00:25:39.479 --> 00:25:40.379 Excessive fear 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:42.439 is a sign typically 00:25:42.439 --> 00:25:43.419 that our view of God 00:25:43.419 --> 00:25:44.319 has gotten too small. 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:45.859 And if you're afraid 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.419 of other people, 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.759 it means that your view 00:25:47.759 --> 00:25:49.119 of them has gotten too big. 00:25:50.159 --> 00:25:50.399 Right? 00:25:50.439 --> 00:25:51.339 There's a great book about this. 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.000 When people are big 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.839 and God is small, 00:25:53.979 --> 00:25:55.579 we have excessive fear. 00:25:55.679 --> 00:25:56.159 That's typically 00:25:56.159 --> 00:25:57.319 what's happening. 00:25:58.159 --> 00:25:58.839 Nehemiah's saying, 00:25:58.939 --> 00:25:59.059 listen, 00:25:59.159 --> 00:25:59.699 in those moments, 00:25:59.739 --> 00:26:00.399 you need to remember 00:26:00.399 --> 00:26:01.619 the bigness of God, 00:26:01.899 --> 00:26:03.019 the greatness of God. 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.859 He's bigger, 00:26:04.119 --> 00:26:04.940 he's more powerful 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:06.440 than anything you might fear. 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.299 For those of you 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.859 in leadership, 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.579 especially if you are here 00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.319 and you lead 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:13.680 a ministry of some kind, 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:15.019 you're a leader 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:15.960 in your organization, 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:19.879 you will never 00:26:19.879 --> 00:26:21.599 make everybody happy. 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:26.019 It will never happen. 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:29.000 If you have more than one person 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.900 in your organization, 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:32.279 if it's you 00:26:32.279 --> 00:26:33.440 and two other people, 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.980 one of them will love you. 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:37.019 One of them will profoundly 00:26:37.019 --> 00:26:38.119 disagree with what you're doing. 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:41.339 It's a guaranteed principle. 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:44.539 Even Jesus himself 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:46.940 could not please everybody. 00:26:47.160 --> 00:26:48.139 What makes us think 00:26:48.139 --> 00:26:48.839 we can do any better? 00:26:51.139 --> 00:26:52.839 Jesus never chased 00:26:52.839 --> 00:26:54.579 after anyone's approval. 00:26:54.579 --> 00:26:56.559 Again and again and again, 00:26:56.659 --> 00:26:57.759 people said false things 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.220 about him. 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:00.220 They falsely accused him. 00:27:01.179 --> 00:27:02.559 They would misrepresent him. 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:04.179 They would walk away 00:27:04.179 --> 00:27:05.379 and tell other people 00:27:05.379 --> 00:27:06.379 horrible things about him. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.699 He never once tracked 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:08.839 any of the Pharisees down 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:09.079 and said, 00:27:09.399 --> 00:27:10.460 I heard what you said about me 00:27:10.460 --> 00:27:11.139 and I just want to set 00:27:11.139 --> 00:27:11.619 the record straight. 00:27:11.659 --> 00:27:12.559 That's not what I said. 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:14.099 That's not what I did. 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:17.579 You cannot control 00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:19.000 what other people 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:19.639 think about you. 00:27:21.699 --> 00:27:22.099 Listen, 00:27:22.199 --> 00:27:22.980 you need to learn this 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:23.619 if you don't know it. 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:25.259 You cannot control 00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:26.419 what other people 00:27:26.419 --> 00:27:27.099 think about you. 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:28.879 If someone does not like you, 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:30.259 if someone does not like 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:31.159 what you represent, 00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:33.959 it is not your job 00:27:33.959 --> 00:27:34.959 to try to change 00:27:34.959 --> 00:27:35.979 their perception of you. 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:39.659 Their internal world 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:41.479 is their responsibility. 00:27:42.959 --> 00:27:44.379 It's not your responsibility. 00:27:46.399 --> 00:27:46.919 Actually, 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:47.839 what other people 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.019 think about you, 00:27:49.099 --> 00:27:50.579 that is not your business. 00:27:50.579 --> 00:27:50.679 business. 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:53.279 It's their business. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.059 Mind your own business. 00:27:57.599 --> 00:27:58.819 For all you know, 00:27:59.059 --> 00:28:00.299 their thoughts and opinions 00:28:00.299 --> 00:28:01.339 of you have nothing 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:02.119 to do with you. 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:03.519 For all you know, 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.339 they are projecting 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.439 things onto you 00:28:05.439 --> 00:28:06.720 that have way more 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:07.480 to do with them 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.659 than they do you. 00:28:09.359 --> 00:28:10.480 But you don't know 00:28:10.480 --> 00:28:11.240 because it's not 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.119 your internal world. 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:13.139 You can't know. 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.819 Don't waste time 00:28:15.819 --> 00:28:16.299 and energy 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:17.539 trying to manage 00:28:17.539 --> 00:28:18.879 somebody else's 00:28:18.879 --> 00:28:19.859 internal world. 00:28:20.759 --> 00:28:21.659 If you're a leader 00:28:21.659 --> 00:28:22.399 and you go around 00:28:22.399 --> 00:28:23.639 chasing everybody's approval, 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:24.619 you're never going 00:28:24.619 --> 00:28:25.559 to get anything done. 00:28:26.359 --> 00:28:27.240 You're going to create 00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:28.220 an insecure system. 00:28:28.899 --> 00:28:29.460 People are not going 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:30.000 to trust you. 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.019 And things will probably 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:32.519 get worse 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:33.259 in your organization. 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:34.940 You know, 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:35.879 my favorite definition 00:28:35.879 --> 00:28:36.379 of leadership 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:37.220 is this. 00:28:38.359 --> 00:28:39.359 Leadership is the art 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:40.619 of disappointing people 00:28:40.619 --> 00:28:41.119 at a rate 00:28:41.119 --> 00:28:41.720 they can handle. 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.879 Leadership is the art 00:28:45.879 --> 00:28:46.920 of disappointing people 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:47.440 at a rate 00:28:47.440 --> 00:28:48.060 they can handle. 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.380 Commit yourself 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:51.140 to doing the work 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:51.800 that you believe 00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:52.779 God has called you 00:28:52.779 --> 00:28:53.240 to do. 00:28:53.940 --> 00:28:54.539 Commit yourself 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:55.560 to loving and serving 00:28:55.560 --> 00:28:56.360 and pleasing Him 00:28:56.360 --> 00:28:57.000 and Him alone. 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.360 And as Nehemiah says, 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.680 remember the Lord. 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:00.920 Some people 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:01.600 will be with you. 00:29:02.060 --> 00:29:02.880 Some people won't. 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.740 It's not up to you 00:29:04.740 --> 00:29:06.580 to change their perception 00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:06.960 of you. 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:08.860 So that's the first 00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:09.360 two things. 00:29:09.460 --> 00:29:10.480 Divine sovereignty 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.620 and human responsibility, 00:29:11.759 --> 00:29:12.160 number one. 00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:12.600 Number two, 00:29:12.779 --> 00:29:13.580 fear the Lord 00:29:13.580 --> 00:29:15.259 and not other people. 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:17.079 Number three, 00:29:17.160 --> 00:29:17.779 the final one. 00:29:19.039 --> 00:29:20.279 Trust in the Lord 00:29:20.279 --> 00:29:21.579 who fights for us. 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:23.980 Trust in the Lord 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.819 who fights for us. 00:29:24.879 --> 00:29:25.299 Verse 20, 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:26.640 we see in Nehemiah's 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:28.039 ultimate source of hope. 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:28.599 He says, 00:29:29.039 --> 00:29:29.460 keep working 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.140 no matter what. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.039 Keep going. 00:29:31.379 --> 00:29:32.039 Keep building 00:29:32.039 --> 00:29:34.220 because we know 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:35.200 that our God 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:36.480 will fight for us. 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:39.599 That is so fantastic. 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:40.480 But what we need 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:41.519 to understand now 00:29:41.519 --> 00:29:42.400 at our point 00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:42.940 in the story 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:44.580 is that we read 00:29:44.580 --> 00:29:45.200 this differently 00:29:45.200 --> 00:29:46.160 than the way 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.860 Nehemiah did. 00:29:49.840 --> 00:29:51.440 Even though he says this, 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.400 Nehemiah had no way 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:53.799 of knowing 00:29:53.799 --> 00:29:54.559 how true 00:29:54.559 --> 00:29:55.640 that statement would be 00:29:55.640 --> 00:29:56.259 and how it would 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:57.440 ultimately be applied 00:29:57.440 --> 00:29:58.660 to God's people 00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:59.660 because at this point 00:29:59.660 --> 00:30:00.200 in history, 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:01.740 Nehemiah still believes 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.400 that the Jews 00:30:02.400 --> 00:30:03.340 are the good guys 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:05.320 and the greatest enemies 00:30:05.320 --> 00:30:06.580 are the non-Jews. 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:07.660 They're the other people 00:30:07.660 --> 00:30:09.440 who oppose the Jews 00:30:09.440 --> 00:30:10.480 and they oppose God. 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:12.279 So their world 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:13.059 is still divided 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:13.940 into good guys, 00:30:14.039 --> 00:30:14.440 the Jews, 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:15.180 the God's people 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:16.360 and everybody else. 00:30:17.720 --> 00:30:18.759 And so that's why 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.680 Nehemiah prays 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:20.720 and says in verse 5, 00:30:21.220 --> 00:30:21.460 hey, 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:22.779 do you hear 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:23.400 what they're saying 00:30:23.400 --> 00:30:23.920 about us? 00:30:24.120 --> 00:30:24.360 Lord, 00:30:24.519 --> 00:30:25.900 don't cover their guilt. 00:30:27.740 --> 00:30:28.900 Don't forgive them. 00:30:30.819 --> 00:30:31.819 Don't even give them 00:30:31.819 --> 00:30:32.360 an opportunity 00:30:32.360 --> 00:30:32.920 to be restored. 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:33.220 He says, 00:30:33.440 --> 00:30:34.420 let not their sin 00:30:34.420 --> 00:30:35.140 be blotted out 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:35.819 from your sight. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:36.720 He says, 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.940 remember what they said 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:38.339 about us 00:30:38.339 --> 00:30:38.880 and about you 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:39.940 and bring justice. 00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.820 Smite them. 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:45.279 He prayed for God 00:30:45.279 --> 00:30:46.299 to fight the evil 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.000 out there, 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.080 the enemies of God 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:48.580 in the world. 00:30:49.680 --> 00:30:50.600 It would take 00:30:50.600 --> 00:30:51.900 hundreds more years 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:53.340 before the Jews 00:30:53.340 --> 00:30:54.299 would learn the truth. 00:30:55.860 --> 00:30:57.080 The Apostle Paul, 00:30:58.120 --> 00:30:59.120 one of the most exemplary 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:00.519 Jewish religious leaders, 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.039 figures, 00:31:01.160 --> 00:31:01.740 if you ever wanted 00:31:01.740 --> 00:31:02.380 a person to, 00:31:02.480 --> 00:31:03.740 an example to live by 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:05.059 in terms of moral excellence, 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.400 it's hard to beat 00:31:06.400 --> 00:31:07.180 the Apostle Paul 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:08.039 in his early years. 00:31:08.860 --> 00:31:09.680 Here's what he writes. 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:11.640 In Romans chapter 3, 00:31:13.120 --> 00:31:14.000 both Jews 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.860 and Greeks 00:31:14.860 --> 00:31:15.940 are under sin. 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.500 As it is written, 00:31:17.880 --> 00:31:18.920 none is righteous, 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:19.680 no, 00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:20.960 not one. 00:31:21.360 --> 00:31:21.759 He's saying, 00:31:21.820 --> 00:31:21.940 you know, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:22.640 it always said this 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:23.059 in the Scripture, 00:31:23.160 --> 00:31:23.840 we just missed it. 00:31:25.320 --> 00:31:26.740 No one understands, 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:28.480 no one seeks for God, 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:30.080 all have turned aside, 00:31:30.380 --> 00:31:31.000 together they have 00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:31.820 become worthless, 00:31:32.360 --> 00:31:33.680 no one does good, 00:31:33.860 --> 00:31:35.380 not even one. 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:38.620 same realization hit 00:31:38.620 --> 00:31:39.720 Alexander Solzhenitsyn 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.480 when he was, 00:31:40.600 --> 00:31:41.220 he thought he was 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.960 one of the good guys 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:42.720 and then he got caught 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.800 criticizing Stalin, 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:45.120 he ends up in a gulag 00:31:45.120 --> 00:31:46.760 and his world breaks down. 00:31:46.840 --> 00:31:47.400 He used to think 00:31:47.400 --> 00:31:48.220 he was a good guy 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.180 and all those people 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:49.540 over there 00:31:49.540 --> 00:31:50.340 were the bad guys 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:51.180 and his life 00:31:51.180 --> 00:31:51.760 was transformed 00:31:51.760 --> 00:31:52.820 when he found himself 00:31:52.820 --> 00:31:53.760 numbered among the wicked. 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:56.660 And he writes, 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:57.619 the line separating 00:31:57.619 --> 00:31:58.160 good and evil 00:31:58.160 --> 00:31:59.640 passes not through states, 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:00.680 which is what he used to think, 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.720 nor between classes, 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:03.200 nor between political parties 00:32:03.200 --> 00:32:03.599 either, 00:32:04.599 --> 00:32:05.740 but right through 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.779 every human heart, 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:09.400 through all human hearts. 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:12.019 In other words, 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:13.759 the God that we truly need, 00:32:13.859 --> 00:32:14.099 friends, 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:15.559 the God that we truly need 00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.740 is not a God 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:18.539 who will fight for us 00:32:18.539 --> 00:32:20.200 against the evil out there. 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:22.160 The God we need 00:32:22.160 --> 00:32:22.759 is the God 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:24.079 who will fight for us 00:32:24.079 --> 00:32:25.960 against the evil in here. 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:29.240 In us. 00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:31.599 But you understand 00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:32.819 the paradox of that, right? 00:32:33.819 --> 00:32:36.119 How can God fight for us 00:32:36.119 --> 00:32:39.000 if he's fighting evil in us? 00:32:39.640 --> 00:32:41.500 How can God fight for us 00:32:41.500 --> 00:32:43.019 if the evil is in us? 00:32:44.379 --> 00:32:45.519 And that's why we need 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:45.900 to understand 00:32:45.900 --> 00:32:46.900 that the entire story 00:32:46.900 --> 00:32:47.539 of Nehemiah 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.599 actually points to this 00:32:48.599 --> 00:32:49.980 even greater story. 00:32:50.740 --> 00:32:51.900 Someone much greater 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:52.740 than Nehemiah. 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.519 Who didn't just leave 00:32:54.519 --> 00:32:55.259 a palace 00:32:55.259 --> 00:32:56.920 to come and rebuild a city. 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:58.379 He left the throne of heaven 00:32:58.379 --> 00:32:59.359 to come and restore 00:32:59.359 --> 00:33:00.319 and renew the world. 00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:03.160 And not only is he 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:04.879 the God who fights for us, 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:06.599 he's actually the God 00:33:06.599 --> 00:33:07.960 at our point in history 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:09.960 who fought for us. 00:33:11.240 --> 00:33:12.379 The real battle 00:33:12.379 --> 00:33:13.359 has already been fought 00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:13.940 and won. 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:16.000 On the cross, 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:17.460 Jesus Christ fought 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:18.379 the greatest battle 00:33:18.379 --> 00:33:20.079 ever staged, 00:33:20.220 --> 00:33:20.960 ever waged 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:22.279 against the true enemy. 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:25.039 Satan and sin 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:25.920 and death, 00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.519 taking the sin 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:28.539 of the world on himself, 00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:29.720 dying in our place, 00:33:30.100 --> 00:33:31.840 and through that defeat, 00:33:32.500 --> 00:33:33.299 he won. 00:33:33.940 --> 00:33:35.140 He achieved victory. 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:37.600 He defeated Satan. 00:33:37.720 --> 00:33:38.960 He defeated sin and death 00:33:38.960 --> 00:33:39.980 once and for all. 00:33:41.259 --> 00:33:42.400 The cross tells us 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:43.500 that the greatest battle 00:33:43.500 --> 00:33:44.360 has already been fought 00:33:44.359 --> 00:33:44.740 and won. 00:33:45.099 --> 00:33:45.859 And it tells us 00:33:45.859 --> 00:33:46.539 that the victory 00:33:46.539 --> 00:33:47.799 is ours. 00:33:48.959 --> 00:33:50.179 It is the outworking 00:33:50.179 --> 00:33:50.979 of that victory 00:33:50.979 --> 00:33:52.959 within which we live now. 00:33:53.679 --> 00:33:54.719 And one day, 00:33:54.959 --> 00:33:56.319 the good work 00:33:56.319 --> 00:33:57.559 that has been begun 00:33:57.559 --> 00:33:58.039 in us 00:33:58.039 --> 00:33:58.599 and in the world, 00:33:58.719 --> 00:34:00.039 according to the apostle Paul, 00:34:00.299 --> 00:34:01.079 will be brought 00:34:01.079 --> 00:34:01.740 to completion. 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:04.880 So now, 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.359 God is able 00:34:06.359 --> 00:34:07.160 to offer forgiveness 00:34:07.160 --> 00:34:07.700 and renewal 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.719 not only to people 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:09.639 like Nehemiah, 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:10.900 but even people 00:34:10.900 --> 00:34:11.940 like Sanballat 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:13.239 and Tobiah. 00:34:14.260 --> 00:34:15.059 Even people 00:34:15.059 --> 00:34:16.300 like us 00:34:16.300 --> 00:34:16.880 who realize 00:34:16.880 --> 00:34:17.480 that apart from 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.340 the grace of the gospel, 00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.659 we are numbered 00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:20.519 among the enemies 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:20.940 of God. 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:24.460 So for those of us 00:34:24.460 --> 00:34:24.900 in ministry, 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:26.800 for those of us 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:27.199 who are currently 00:34:27.199 --> 00:34:27.639 in ministry, 00:34:27.800 --> 00:34:28.500 leading in ministry, 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:30.880 who maybe after today 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:31.860 will decide to join 00:34:31.860 --> 00:34:32.260 a ministry, 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:33.180 because I know 00:34:33.180 --> 00:34:34.059 you're raring to go 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:34.559 at this point, 00:34:36.680 --> 00:34:38.280 keep going. 00:34:39.599 --> 00:34:40.640 Keep working. 00:34:41.980 --> 00:34:42.300 Keep, 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:43.780 no matter how hard 00:34:43.780 --> 00:34:44.300 it gets, 00:34:44.920 --> 00:34:45.860 if you believe 00:34:45.860 --> 00:34:46.640 that God has called you 00:34:46.640 --> 00:34:47.119 to do the work 00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:47.599 that you're doing, 00:34:48.519 --> 00:34:49.800 then keep going. 00:34:50.920 --> 00:34:52.579 We labor for a God 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:53.920 who fights for us. 00:34:54.780 --> 00:34:56.079 And because he fought 00:34:56.079 --> 00:34:56.700 for us, 00:34:57.160 --> 00:34:58.740 we know the victory 00:34:58.740 --> 00:35:00.119 and the fruit 00:35:00.119 --> 00:35:01.279 are secure, 00:35:01.779 --> 00:35:03.319 even if we don't see it 00:35:03.319 --> 00:35:04.639 right this moment. 00:35:05.299 --> 00:35:05.980 Let's pray. 00:35:07.920 --> 00:35:08.359 Lord, 00:35:08.400 --> 00:35:08.980 we thank you 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:10.119 for the finished work, 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:12.199 the battle you fought 00:35:12.199 --> 00:35:13.319 for us on the cross, 00:35:13.339 --> 00:35:13.799 and we pray 00:35:13.799 --> 00:35:14.659 that that would be 00:35:14.659 --> 00:35:16.059 the foundation 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.880 of our hope, 00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:18.440 that we know 00:35:18.440 --> 00:35:19.960 that as we labor 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:20.880 in your kingdom, 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.380 Lord, 00:35:22.500 --> 00:35:26.179 as we may feel overwhelmed 00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:26.779 by the rubble 00:35:26.779 --> 00:35:27.559 in our lives 00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:28.299 around us, 00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:28.900 Lord, 00:35:28.940 --> 00:35:29.860 we pray that you 00:35:29.860 --> 00:35:31.100 would remind us 00:35:31.100 --> 00:35:33.080 of the assurance 00:35:33.080 --> 00:35:34.320 we have in the gospel, 00:35:35.100 --> 00:35:35.240 Lord, 00:35:35.680 --> 00:35:36.039 that no matter 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:37.039 how hard things get, 00:35:37.519 --> 00:35:38.480 no matter if we feel 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:39.060 like we need to see 00:35:39.060 --> 00:35:40.039 no fruit now, 00:35:40.820 --> 00:35:41.260 that Lord, 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:42.440 one day all of this 00:35:42.440 --> 00:35:43.100 good work that you 00:35:43.100 --> 00:35:43.480 have begun 00:35:43.480 --> 00:35:44.640 will come to completion. 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.900 One day we will see it, 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:47.240 one day it will make sense, 00:35:47.740 --> 00:35:48.519 one day all of the 00:35:48.519 --> 00:35:49.840 brokenness of the world 00:35:49.840 --> 00:35:51.100 will be eradicated. 00:35:52.120 --> 00:35:52.360 Lord, 00:35:52.420 --> 00:35:53.519 we pray in that hope, 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:54.460 we pray in the name 00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:55.740 of the Father and the Son 00:35:55.740 --> 00:35:56.380 and the Holy Spirit. 00:35:56.780 --> 00:35:56.980 Amen. 00:35:58.300 --> 00:36:00.080 Amen. 00:36:06.519 --> 00:36:07.400 Amen. 00:36:11.500 --> 00:36:16.000 Amen. 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:16.420 Amen. 00:36:16.420 --> 00:36:18.539 Amen. 00:36:19.060 --> 00:36:19.120 Amen. 00:36:19.120 --> 00:36:19.360 Amen. 00:36:19.360 --> 00:36:19.420 Amen. 00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:19.600 Amen. 00:36:19.940 --> 00:36:19.980 Amen. 00:36:20.140 --> 00:36:20.280 Amen. 00:36:20.380 --> 00:36:20.620 Amen. 00:36:20.640 --> 00:36:21.440 Amen. 00:36:21.440 --> 00:36:21.500 Amen. 00:36:21.519 --> 00:36:22.360 Amen. 00:36:22.360 --> 00:36:23.480 Amen. 00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:24.100 Amen. 00:36:24.100 --> 00:36:24.480 Amen. 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:24.940 Amen. 00:36:24.940 --> 00:36:25.019 Amen. 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.280 Amen. 00:36:25.280 --> 00:36:25.980 Amen. 00:36:25.980 --> 00:36:26.940 Amen. 00:36:26.940 --> 00:36:27.160 Beweg bin. 00:36:27.160 --> 00:36:28.019 Amen. 00:36:28.019 --> 00:36:28.280 Amen.