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NEHEMIAH 4

"SATAN'S DEVICES"

Intro: Under the guidance & inspiration of Nehemiah they set upon the task of  rebuilding the
       wall. As it really began to take shape, apparent they were  sincere, opposition began
  to take shape. Any work you attempt for God will be  opposed.

I. OPPOSITION BY RIDICULE. VS 3 "EVEN THAT WHICH THEY BUILD, IF A FOX GO UP, HE SHALL EVEN 
   BREAK DOWN THEIR STONE WALL."
        A. Ridicule is one of hardest forms of opposition to face.
                1. "This Jesus thing with him, its just a fad, wait a few weeks & he will get 
                    over it."
                2. "You really think you're going to heaven?"
                3. "He's so holy now you have to speak to him in King James."
                4. "He thinks he is some sort of saint."
        B. Ridicule is usually a probe.
                1. They are really sure of themselves.
                2. They seek to probe your sincerity.
                        a. If you back down from your position.
        C. Moses choose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy... 
           esteeming the reproach of Christ...

II. OPPOSITION BY ANGER. VS. 7  "THEN THEY WERE VERY WROTH."
        A. When ridicule fails to stop your progress then anger next device.
        B. Anger often stems from conviction.
                1. Your sincerity convicts them.

III. OPPOSITION BY DISCOURAGEMENT. VS 10.
        A. How the enemy seeks to discourage us.
                1. This often comes from close friends.
        B. Discouragement & faith mutually exclusive.
        C. Thoughts planted in the mind.
                1. I really didn't realize it was hot.
                2. I really didn't realize it was so hard (job..
                3. I really didn't realize I was thirsty.

IV. OPPOSITION BY LURE 6:2   "COME, LET US MEET TOGETHER IN SOME ONE OF THE VILLAGES IN THE 
    PLAIN."
        A. How Satan seeks to lure us away from the place of our defense.
                1. He wants us to come to his territory.
                2. There are places I just shouldn't be as a Christian. Certain parties.
                3. There are certain persons I just shouldn't date.

V. OPPOSITION BY FALSE ACCUSATIONS.

VI. OPPOSITION BY FEAR VS. 10   CHAP. 6 MORE INTO TEMPLE & SHUT DOORS AT NIGHT FOR SAFETY.
        A. Satan seeks to strike our hearts with fear.
                1. Out of fear seek human devices.
                        a. Trust in temple for safety instead of God.
                        b. Trust in our good works for salvation.

VII. WHAT CAN I DO TO FORTIFY MYSELF AGAINST THESE MULTIPLE ATTACKS OF SATAN?
        A. When faced with ridicule Nehemiah prayed 4:4,5.
        B. When faced with anger 4:9.
        C. When faced with discouragement, Nehemiah encouraged them to remember Jehovah.
                1. So easy to forget God in discouragement.
                2. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?"
        D. Against the lures he stood firm.
                1. "I cannot come down"
        E. Against false accusations he simply dismissed them as lies.
        F. Against fear, He committed Himself to God, to trust Him more.