Chico Alliance Church
Faithful God-fearing Followers
REVIEW
I. REBUILDING SECURE WALLS 1-7
A. Recognizing the needs through inquiry
B. Responding to needs through intense intercession
C. Resolving needs through planning and perseverance
D. Resisting opposition through prayer and perseverance
E. Nehemiah Restores the walls and gates 15-19
1. Chronology 52 days
2. Consequence
3. Continued conflict 17-19
F. Nehemiah Establishes Security and Order 7:1-73
1. By Enlisting Workers
a) Gatekeepers
b) Singers
c) Temple Trustees
d) Governors
(1) A Faithful Man
A FAITHFUL MAN
fervently and consistently carries out assigned responsibilities
no matter how small or how large
using his God-given resources to their full capacity.
...Without the need for continual controls or compliments
...In spite of the temptation for immediate temporal pleasure and fulfillment
...In spite of the trial of imminent temporal pain and failure.
INTRODUCTION
There is a second desirable qualification for leaders suggested in this passage.
It is no wonder, as one traces this trait through Scripture and discovers its benefits to ones life.
Do you desire freedom from sin?
Prov 16:6 says by this trait men depart from evil.
Would you wish to be wise?
Prov 1:7; 9:10 declare this trait as the starting pint of wisdom and knowledge.
Would you relish a long satisfying life?
Prov 10:27; 14:27 relates that this trait prolongs one's days and is the fountain of life.
Do you seek financial security, honor and quality of life?
This trait coupled with humility are the means according to Prov 22:4.
Do you pine to please the Lord?
Psalm 147:11 states that the Lord takes pleasure in them that have this trait and those that hope in His mercy.
Do you thirst for spiritual insight into the ways of God.
Psalm 25:14 affirms that the secrets of the Lord is with them that develop this trait.
Do you long for contentment and satisfaction in life?
Prov 19:23 advocates that this trait tends to life and he that has it shall abide satisfied.
Psalm 34:9 adds that there is no want to them that have this trait.
Do you crave confidence in life's endeavors?
Proverbs 14:26 discloses that in this trait is strong confidence: and one's children shall have a place of refuge.
Do you long for healing to your body and refreshment to your bones?
Proverbs 3:7-8 connects these things with humility and this particular trait.
All of these things we all hold valuable in life and more are directly related to this trait, this attitude, this way of life, this perception.
This attitude is the key that unlocks an entire storehouse of blessing for the body soul and spirit.
This morning we hope to clarify the vital concept and discover how it is developed in the life of the individual follower and a church family.
Nehemiah chose the governors for Jerusalem first because they were faithful men, second because they "feared God more than many."
(2) A God-fearing man
In order to understand the "fear of the Lord", we must briefly investigate the concept of "fear". There are many words used in both the Old and New Testaments to communicate the concept of fear. The interesting observation is that the same words are employed for helpful, beneficial fear and hurtful, destructive fears. Some of the words used are: terror, fright, dismay, astonishment, trembling, dread. Each of these words seek to describe some internal response based on certain perceptions of an external person or circumstance that prompts some kind of action.
Formula: PERCEPTION RESPONSE ACTION
Fear is a learned response, developed response. Nehemiah indicates that there are different intensities or levels.
It is based upon perceptions developed from childhood. We develop these perception through observation, experience, or communication from someone else or a combination of all of the above. The faultier the perception the more extreme the internal fear and corresponding behavior. The more accurate the perception and knowledge, the more appropriate the internal response.
Illus: Electricity cause fear due to ignorance of how it works. We fear what we fail to properly perceive or understand. The better the understanding, the healthier the response.
In the Bible we are instructed to not internally respond to people or circumstances out of faulty perceptions.
Do not fear the enemy.
Do not fear the future.
Do not fear trial.
We are instructed to internally respond to things related to God from a proper perspective of Him and his ways.
Fear lest we miss a promise of entering His rest.
Fear God, keep his commandments.
Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Let's explore further this "fear of the Lord."
First--DESCRIPTION
Second--DEMONSTRATION
Third--DEVELOPMENT
I. DESCRIPTION
Fear of the Lord is a God-designed motivational force toward holiness and godliness.
"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of the fear of the Lord. 2Co 6:17-7:1
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Pro 9:10
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
The fear of the Lord is the soul's internal response to the balanced perception of the person, power and presence of God that prompts obedience and accountability to Him.
Perception--Response--Action
The stronger and more accurate the perception, the more stable the internal response and significant the corresponding action.
ILLUS: Paul
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. 2Co 5:11
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2Co 5:14-15
Here we see Paul's balanced perception of God. We must continually make Biblical adjustments and corrections regarding my perception of God. If I fail to maintain a healthy concept of God's holiness, wrath and justice
I will be sloppy in my obedience and personal holiness and accountability. If I fail to maintain a healthy concept of God's mercy, love, grace, and goodness, I will become scared in my approach and fearful to come to His throne of grace to find His help in our time of need.
If I fail to maintain a healthy concept of God's greatness and power, I will be careless in my worship, and adoration and awe of our Great and awesome God. Our perception will dictate our response.
Response to any person or event can be plotted on a scale.
HO HUM-------------------------HONOR-------------------------HORROR
(careless) (cautious) (cringing)
PERCEPTIONS
Harmless Awesome, helpful Hostile
Way out there Proper approach Unapproachable
Uninvolved Rewarding God Wrathful God
Uninterested Disciplining God Policeman, selfish
RESPONSES GENERATED BY PERCEPTIONS
Reckless disregard Respect Repulsion
Seek to control Willing submission Rebellion
Careless Approach Enjoy proper approach Avoid
Ignore Explore and pursue Eliminate
Indifferent Full response Irrational
Do nothing Do all I can Get by with minimum
Expect nothing Trust for everything Suspect negative
The fear of the Lord first requires a proper balanced knowledge of Him.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Joh 17:3
Without a proper knowledge and relationship with God our life responses will be out of balance. Rom 1:21 They did not honor God as God which resulted in perverted response to God and to each other. Then by verse 28 they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer which resulted in the practice of every kind of evil. A proper knowledge of and relationship with God is what the fear of the Lord is all about. The fear of the Lord is the soul's internal response to the balanced perception of the person, power and presence of God that prompts obedience and accountability to Him.
As I develop that God-knowing, God-fearing life style, I will begin to realize many of the benefits mentioned earlier.
II. DEMONSTRATIONS IN SCRIPTURE
A. Warnings to those DID NOT fear the Lord
If you do not carefully follow all the words of this law, which are written in this book, and do not fear this glorious and awesome name - the Lord your God - (will bring discipline) Deu 28:58
Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, `Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.' Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. Jer 5:20-25
"There is no fear of God before their eyes." Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Rom 3:18-19
B. Those who DID fear the Lord
PETER
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luk 5:8-11
EARLY CHURCH
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. Act 2:43
Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Act 5:11
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. Act 9:31
Those (elders) who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be (continually) fearful.
PAUL
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 2Co 5:11
C. Exhortations to fear the Lord
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2Co 7:1
Submit to one another in the fear of Christ. Eph 5:21
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Phi 2:12
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be fear that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Heb 4:1
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 1Pe 1:17
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1Pe 2:17
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jud 1:23
We must develop a proper perception of God as He has revealed Himself in the Bible, we cannot continue to worship and serve a God of our own liking and making.
PSALM 50
The fear of the Lord is the soul's internal response to the balanced perception of the person, power and presence of God that prompts obedience and accountability to Him.
Realize His person.
Realize His power and majesty.
Realize His eternal presence.
Only when we come to a balanced realization of God will we learn to fear Him and enjoy the benefits of a fitting fear of the Lord.
III. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD
A. Through HIS WORD
"Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to fear Me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." Deu 4:10
B. Through MEDITATION
How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods (gods of our own perception)? Selah Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. Tremble, and do not sin; when you are on your beds, meditate in your hearts and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. Psa 4:5
C. Through DISCIPLINE
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they turned out as one man. 1Sa 11:6-7
D. Through CONSISTENT GIVING
Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. Deu 14:22-23
E. Through PRAISE & WORSHIP
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psa 40:3-4
If you want God's benefits we must maintain a proper relationship with Him. We must learn to fear the Lord--
To see Him in His majesty and glory
To sense and acknowledge His continual presence
To know Him as a person in all of His perfections.
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever! Deu 5:29
Determine to be like Hanaiah and be counted among those who fear God more than many.
* Search out His Word.
* Meditate on His Person.
* Recognize and respond to His discipline.
* Establish a regular giving habit.
* Participate in worship and praise with other believers.
Following the enlistment of the various workers, Nehemiah further brought stability and order to the newly walled city by enrolling people by families.
2. By Enrolling the people
God knows the importance of unity and family. He puts it in the heart of Nehemiah to remind them of their heritage and the promises and their part in the Covenant by enrolling them as families.
This was the final step to prepare for gathering the people for spiritual renewal at the Watergate revivals and Phase Two of "OPERATION RESTORATION".
