Title: Don’t Let Distractions Stop You! Script: Neh. 6
Type: Series Where: GNBC 2-22-15
Intro: Do you have any unfinished projects lying around collecting dust? It’s so easy to get sidetracked isn’t it? I oftentimes have a list of unfinished projects. It takes tenacity to finish what we start because there are always so many competing distractions. One thing that clearly emerges from our study in the Book of Nehemiah is that life is a battle from beginning to end. In Ephesians 6:12 the Apostle Paul warns, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…but against the powers of this dark world.” We meet these powers of darkness in our text today. Here in Nehemiah 6, as in many other places in Scripture, we learn that the devil has two main ways of working. The first tactic is fear. Satan is prowling around, as Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8, “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” But he has another battle plan as well. He not only uses fear, he also utilizes flattery. 2 Corinthians 11:14 reveals that Satan “masquerades as an angel of light.” He comes with enticing promises and flattering words, assuring us that what he proposes will cost us nothing. Whatever method the evil one employs, whether it be fear or flattery, his aim is to distract and destroy us. We need to be on guard against each of these approaches. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 that “We are not unaware of his schemes.” We need to be on guard because Satan is both a lion that devours and a serpent that deceives. Well, today, as we look at Neh. 6, we’ll notice how easy it can be for distractions to stop us from completing God’s work in our lives.
Prop: Exam. Neh.6 we’ll notice 3 ways to deal w/ distractions to completing God’s work.
BG: 1. Nehemiah was a high official in the Persian court of King Artaxerxes I at the capital city of Susa, which lay 150 miles east of the Tigris River in what is now modern Iran.
2. Book of Nehemiah covers a period of about 12 yrs., during first term as governor of Judah
3.
Prop: Exam. Neh.6 we’ll notice 3 ways to deal w/ distractions to completing God’s work.
I. In Order to Deal w/Distraction We Must be “Tuned-In” to the Intrigue of Others. Vv.1-4
A. As Nehemiah is Faithfully Attempting to Complete is Task Others are Considering how to Undermine/Eliminate him.
1. The enemies of Jerusalem’s defenses change their tactics in order to stop the construction of the wall.
a. Here we go again…we see the hyena, the jackal, and snake reappearing in the life of Nehemiah. (Read v. 1) Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem. In previous chapters they attempted to undermine the work of the construction of Jerusalem’s defenses by striking fear into the hearts of the workers. The attempt at discouragement failed directly due to the leadership of one determined man, Nehemiah! So, now they change their plan and tactics. Instead of instilling fear in the hearts of many people they will kill one man! So, in a display of political intrigue, the terrible trio come up with a plan to “take out Nehemiah”.
b. Notice the tactic: Nehemiah’s enemies all of a sudden want to become his friends! Christian, beware of someone who has been opposed to you and all of a sudden wants to be your friend. You jr./High school girls, beware of guys that want to be friendly all of a sudden. It’s ok to be rude sometimes. Four times (To this point.) they send a message to him: “Let’s meet in the plain of Ono.” Going to “Ono” was like offering an Iowan a chance to go to Florida in the winter time! Ono was on the Gaza coast. It was beautiful. It was a resort town. It was a place to get a little R&R. Maybe the trio were appealing to Nehemiah’s industrious nature. “You have worked so hard, you need a little rest and relaxation, come and sun your buns in Ono”. Yet, God gave Nehemiah insight and he said: “Oh no!” to “Ono”!
2. The enemy of our souls wants to distract and disrupt our lives.
a. The Bible is very clear on the existence of spiritual warfare. Peter warns "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Our adversary or enemy, the devil, refers to Satan, who is a real entity, not a mythical creature or invention. Other titles of Satan include the tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5), the wicked one (Matthew 13:19, 38), and the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
b. Illust: Charles Colson, of Prison Fellowship fame, had a practice that whenever he was out on a speaking tour he would always have another man with him and go into the hotel room wherever he was staying. A little strange, you think? Over 20 yrs. ago now, Colson was going to be speaking at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, IN. Went into hotel for the night, as was practice, with traveling partner. When walked into the room was an unclothed woman! Let me tellyou, there is an enemy who wants to undermine you and me.
B. Eliminate Distractions & Eliminate Intrigue By Keeping Focused on your Work for the Lord.
1. Nehemiah sets us an example of being focused on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives.
a. I love the answer that Nehemiah gives to these cunning conspirators: v. 3 “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah’s answer is a little blunt. Possibly a little rude? Illust: Dr. John Maxwell has said: “I’ve found that I need blocks of time to think without interruption. So when necessary, I make myself unavailable and go off to my “thinking place.” As a leader, however, I am aware that I need to remain accessible to others and to withdraw from them to think. But since one lets us connect with people and know their needs, and the other lets us think of ways to add value to them, we need to value and give attention to both.”
b. Let me just say this. The successful Christian man or woman must learn the difference between what is a “ministry opportunity” and what is simply another distraction. The world wants you, but the world wants you for it’s purposes on it’s schedule and with it’s terms. Not saying you cannot be involved in a lot of activities in the community, etc., however, every one of us needs to ask ourselves: “Is this the good or is this the best?” We can be involved in so many “good” things that we neglect and miss out on the best.
2. Nehemiah refuses to be distracted because he knows what his priorities are.
a. Nehemiah sees through the conspirator’s schemes. Four different times they come a calling and asking for a personal meeting with him so he will stop his work. You, too, may experience continuing pressure to change your mind and go along with something that is wrong. Some of us give in to repeated pressure. We might decline the first invitation but find our defenses weakened as the enticements continue. But Nehemiah persists in his refusal because he knows what his priorities are: “I am doing a great work. I have a great calling. God has committed a tremendous project to me, and if I leave, it will be threatened.”
b. One of the most helpful things that we can do to resist temptation is to remember that God has called each of us to a great task. This is true of every believer in Christ ¬ whether you’re just joining GNBC today or you’ve been here for many years. We are called to make a kingdom impact. Our priorities as a church are summed up in our purpose statement: “Making Disciples and Leading Them to Maturity in Christ”. Ilust: As a seminary student I remember reading about a missionary in China whose abilities were so outstanding that one of the American companies tried to hire him. They offered him an attractive job with a salary to match, but he turned it down. He told them that God had sent him to China as a missionary. He thought that would end the matter, but instead they came back with a better offer and an increase in salary. He turned that down too, but again they came back, doubling the financial package. Finally he said to them, “It’s not your salary that’s too little. It’s the job that’s too small!”
C. Applic: In her book, “A Practical Guide to Prayer,” Dorothy Haskins tells about a noted concert violinist who was asked the secret of her mastery of the instrument. This is what she said, “There are many things that used to demand my time. When I went to my room after breakfast, I made my bed, straightened the room, dusted, and did whatever seemed necessary. When I finished my work, I turned to my violin practice. That system prevented me from accomplishing what I should on the violin. So I reversed things. I deliberately planned to neglect everything else until my practice period was complete. And that program of planned neglect is the secret to my success.” Friends, in a similar way, we’ve been called to a great task ¬ one that we have to prioritize or we’ll be distracted from it. If we don’t practice some “planned neglect” of other things, even good things, we’ll be distracted from God’s best. That’s what Nehemiah does. He’s involved in a great work, and he’s not going to forsake it for anything less.
II. In Order to Deal with Distractions We Must Not Be Fearful of Innuendo. Vv. 5-9
A. Innuendo and Gossip threatened to Distract Nehemiah from finishing his work.
1. Nehemiah’s enemies attempt a new tactic to distract and halt the work.
a. When Nehemiah’s enemy cannot accomplish his purpose by offering “peace”, he switches back to his original scheme of sinister threats. He moves from political softball to political hardball. Take a look at verses 5-7 (Read) Notice that descriptive word “open” letter. What was the purpose of an open letter? Why do we still seal letters today? SO OTHERS WON’T READ! The conspirators wanted everyone who handled this letter to read the letter and take up what was said and then repeat it so as to damage the political power of Nehemiah. Saying that Nehemiah was a rebel and wanted the Persian Empire to come in and remove Nehemiah. Now this wasn’t true, but hope that the right amount of innuendo would get back to the throne and would either recall Nehemiah or else have him executed as a traitor!
b. Now, what was the purpose of this letter as far as related to Nehemiah? Wanted to put enough pressure on Nehemiah that he would have to yield to their request and come and meet with them. But notice, Nehemiah does something that we should all mirror at specific times. He resists! Christian, what does the Bible tell us: “Submit yourselves to God then. Resist the devil and he will flee from you!” (James 4:7) Resist! Don’t give in. Don’t act like a beat dog. Resist!
2. Nehemiah’s enemies attempt to quote certain sources to make him lose heart.
a. Notice what takes place next: Have you ever noticed that rumors regularly cite people of distinction as sources? Illust: I have known individuals who have made a lot of money as an “expert witness”. That’s what happened here ¬ “and Gashmu says its true.” Who was Gashmu? Most likely simply a dialectical change and same person as Geshem the Arab. Wow, that’s a great source! The guy who already hates you says this. Someone has said that gossip is news you have to hurry to tell somebody else before you find out isn’t true!
b. Illust: Christian, don’t be intimidated by the sources today. People will constantly quote individuals or ideas that run contrary to the Scripture and tell you that you should trust them or obey them because these individuals are the “experts”. Really? Were they there in the beginning when THE EXPERT created it all? Does HE seek their advice now?
B. Notice how Nehemiah Responds to the Fearful Innuendo.
1. Nehemiah responds with three distinct actions.
a. Nehemiah responded three different ways ¬ he denied the rumor, he prayed to God for strength, and he went back to work. Look at verse 8: “I sent him this reply: ‘Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.’” That’s the best way to respond to a charge like this -- just a flat denial. He doesn’t try to disprove the accusation but merely states, “That is a lie. There is no truth in it.” And then, invariably, as was his practice, he responds with another “popcorn prayer” in verse 9: “They are all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’”
b. Their tactics were to get the people to think that Nehemiah had some hidden motive -- his own glory -- for rebuilding the wall, hoping that the workers would thus become discouraged and quit. Nehemiah simply prays, “Lord, do not let that happen. Strengthen me to work all the harder.” They were on the last lap of the race and the finish line was in sight. He took care of his character and trusted God to take care of his reputation.
2. How should we respond to allegations or insults that are only meant to stir us up and distract?
a. Prov. 26:2 says: “Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
b. Let’s go back to the story: His enemies were trying to get the people to think that Nehemiah had some hidden motive -- his own glory or power -- for rebuilding the wall. Why? Because they were hoping that the workers would thus become discouraged and quit. Nehemiah simply prays, “Lord, do not let that happen. Strengthen me to work all the harder.” They were on the last lap of the race and the finish line was in sight. He took care of his character and trusted God to take care of his reputation.
C. Applic: In 1887 the coffin of Abraham Lincoln was pried open to determine if it contained his body. What makes that act so remarkable is the fact that Lincoln’s body had rested in that coffin for 22 years. Yet, even more amazing is that 14 years later a rumor circulated again that Lincoln’s coffin was actually empty. The furor so gripped the land that the only way to silence it was to dig up the coffin—again. This was done and the rumor silenced when a handful of witnesses viewed the lifeless body of Abraham Lincoln. (Today in the Word, February, 1991, p. 27) Nehemiah did not listen to gossip and innuendo. Neither should we!
III. 3rd in Order to Deal w/ Distractions don’t Allow Intimidation to Immobilize. vv. 10ff
A. Having the Right Priorities Gave Neh. Courage to do what was right.
1. Finally, the last attempt to distract Nehemiah is displayed in an attempt to intimidate.
a. Here we go again! Third attempt to get Nehemiah to stop. Read v.10 - This false prophet claims to have hidden knowledge. That is suggested by the phrase, “he was shut in” at his home. He was secluding himself for some religious reason. This is frequently the case with those who claim to be psychics who are in touch with the invisible world. They sit behind curtains in semi-darkness, trying to create a sense of mystery, as though they know more about inscrutable things than others. What he says sounds logical: “Some people are out to get you. They are going to kill you.” Nehemiah certainly believes that! The man suggests, “Come on up here and we will go into the temple and shut the doors. They will not dare attack you there.” That sounds good, but immediately Nehemiah detects that something is wrong. He knows that he is not permitted to go into the temple, for only priests could enter the holy place.
b. Nehemiah knew that what Shemaiah was saying was wrong! He had read his Bible and he knew that what he was being told was a lie! Friend, you want to know the best way to be able to tell what is a lie in a situation? Read the truth!
2. The enemy will seek opportunities to intimidate and immobilize you and me thru fear.
a. Illust: Black Bart was a professional thief whose very name struck fear as he terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line. From San Francisco to New York, his name became synonymous with the danger of the frontier. Between 1875 and 1883 he robbed 29 different stagecoach crews. Amazingly, Black Bart did it all without firing a shot. Because he wore a hood, no victim ever saw his face. He never took a hostage and was never trailed by a sheriff. Instead, Black Bart later said from prison that he didn't need to fire a shot; all he had to do was to use fear to paralyze his victims. "Fear, the face of the unknown, was my weapon of choice, my weapon of intimidation." His sinister presence and his threat of words was enough to overwhelm the toughest stagecoach guard.
b. What is it that the devil can bring up in your or my life to intimidate us and then immobilize us? Failed relationship? Financial issues? Barrenness? Health matters? The devil is a tempter, deceiver, accuser and intimidator. These are the tactics that Satan uses to keep us from being victorious Christians and fulfilling our divine calling. Intimidation is a companion of fear. Paul reminded young Timothy, "God has not given us a spirit of fear" II Tim. 1:7. Fear is a spirit but not of God! Fear (Greek: delia) denotes cowardice and timidity. The devil will do everything he can to knock us out of the battle, and intimidation is one of his chief weapons.
B. Beware of the Enemy's attack.
1. God gives Nehemiah some insight in verses 12-13: “I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.” It was all part of a plan to discourage and distract the people from following Nehemiah’s lead. Fueled by jealousy and ambition, these enemies slandered him and tried to trick him into yielding to their demands.
2. We must be aware of this kind of attack in our lives as well. Don’t take someone’s advice or do what a friend asks you to do just because they seem like a nice person. Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from God’s priorities. The best response to such an approach is what Nehemiah uses here -- a deep sense of his true identity as a believer. “Should a man like me run and hide and try to save his life by wrong approaches and unlawful practices?” He falls back upon his clear understanding of who he is and what his priorities are. He is a believer in the Living God and as such need not resort to trickery to save his life. Illust: I knew of a man in Northern Ireland who had a great fear of flying. This man was a very important man in the government and had to fly quite often. Would always pray before takeoff and remind the Lord of His promise in Ps. 91:16 “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." Man recently died, at 88 yrs. of age! Friend, you are immune from death until the moment God calls you if you are saint of His.
C. Applic: Stay focused and don't allow distractions to remove your focus.
