Nehemiah 4:7-9
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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
Prayer and Precaution
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
Satan’s tactics are the same in every age.
Prayer and precaution go together.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Be prepared for increased opposition.
Make sure you watch as well as pray.
QUESTIONS
What new tactics did the enemy use in trying to stop the rebuilding of the wall?
From what direction did the opposition come?
What did the Jews do in response to this new form of opposition?
What tactics is Satan using in the Creation/evolution controversy?
Is “setting a watch” evidence of a small faith and a lack of trust in God?
What is the difference between the prayers recorded in Nehemiah 4:4 and 4:9?
ANSWERS
Ridicule, indignation, mockery, and conspiracy
From every side
They prayed and posted guards to keep watch – night and day!
The same as he did in Nehemiah’s day – ridicule and scorn, open threats, and even political action.
No. God expects believers to work as well as to pray. Prayer and action go together while trusting God. Setting a watch is using the means that God gives us to fight the enemy. See Habakkuk 2:1.
In verse 4, Nehemiah prayed a public prayer. In verse 9, everyone in the congregation prayed.
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
We need to be prepared for increased opposition as we build our spiritual walls. How should we prepare?
What kind of a watch have you set to thwart the enemy?
Have you found that it is easier to give up than to fight? What does God have to say about this?
CHALLENGE
Your character is tested by what it will take to stop you. How strong are you when someone ridicules you for your faith?
KEY VERSES
“We prayed to our God…and we set a watch.” Nehemiah 4:9