Introduction

Christians must never give up the struggle, the contention, or the fight to enter and enjoy all that God has prepare for those that love Him in His eternal kingdom – Revelation 3:21. When disappointment occurs, we must try again. When we are knocked out for the count, we must get back up, when we fall down in the race we must get back up and continue the race to obtain the prize – I Corinthians 9:24.
Unfortunately, some of us have quit the race and forfeited the prize – I Timothy 4:1. We must make sure we take heed to the Word of God – Hebrews 2:1-3. It is essential that we believe in Christ, the son of the living God – John 3:36 and Romans 15:4.

WHEN YOU OBEY GOD THERE WILL BE OPPOSITION TO DESTROY YOU

In our lesson text, Nehemiah began the great work of rebuilding the broken down walls and gates of the temple in Jerusalem. God was with him and provided means for him for this great work. However, Nehemiah had some opposition to the work, one that would have this great work hindered and stopped (Sanballat) – I Peter 5:8.
In Nehemiah 4:7-9, Nehemiah’s opposition, Sanballat and Tobiah began to conspire to fight against Jerusalem and hinder the work. But they prayed to God and set a watch. They didn’t let the fear of the enemy scare them because they feared God – Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 10:28.
In Nehemiah 6:1-4, the opposition, Sanballat and Tobiah sent out messengers on four occasions to meet them in one of the villages in an attempt to divert Nehemiah from the work, but Nehemiah had a great work to do. In Nehemiah 6:5-9, Sanballat sent false letters to try to scare Nehemiah and the Jews from ceasing the work.

No matter how tall your opposition is, you must resist the devil and not waver in your service to God – James 4:7. Nehemiah’s opposition was great but he trusted and prayed to God and He protected him – Psalm 18:2. Your faith in God must not waver. When opposition comes your way, what will you do?
When opposition and temptation come in our lives, instead of looking to ourselves or others for safety, we should look to God – Psalm 121:1-8.
When it is time for you and I to meet the Lord, may we all be able to say the words of the Apostle Paul, in II Timothy 4:7-8. If you have not rendered obedience to the gospel of Christ, what are you waiting for? God has provided His mercy, grace, and the perfect sacrifice for our sins, Jesus Christ. Why not come to Him in obedience and be raise to life as God raised His Son from the dead. Respond to the gospel today!

-- Harry D. Anderson, Jr., Preached at Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ, June 2008 --