The Courage To Think Big

We begin a short sermon series on A Fresh Vision of the Task based on the excellent example of Nehemiah, the Jew in exile who worked as the cupbearer of Artaxerxes, king of Persia.

The Courage To Think Big

He heard of disturbing news about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant from his brother, Hanani (1:2). Thus began his journey of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem.

The Courage To Think Big

From Nehemiah’s memoirs, we will learn three guiding principles in carrying out our God-given task:

Think Big Start Small Build Deep

The Courage To Think Big

In this sermon, we will answer the question,

“How is it that Nehemiah had the courage to think big?”

The Courage To Think Big

Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a

passionate desire to help.

(1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

1. Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

• When Nehemiah heard of the lowly and unsafe predicament of the Jews in Jerusalem, he sat down and wept.

1. Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

“Those who survived the exile and are back in the

province are in great trouble and disgrace. The

wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

(Nehemiah 1:3)

1. Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

The Jews in Jerusalem attempted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem but they were unsuccessful. Their hostile neighbors convinced the king of Persia to order them to stop rebuilding.

(Ezra 4:11-23)

1. Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

• Nehemiah’s weeping was an intense expression of emotion that can only come from a sincere longing to change their situation.

1. Nehemiah’s vision was born out of a passionate desire to help. (1:1-4a)

The Courage To Think Big

• A God-glorifying vision is never borne out of a self-centered heart.

Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and

earnest prayer. (1: 4b-11)

The Courage To Think Big

2. Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1:4b-11)

The Courage To Think Big

• Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for four months before he made the appeal to King Artaxerxes.

The Courage To Think Big

Based on the Jewish calendar, Kislev (1:1) is between November and December while Nisan (2:1) is between March and April.

2. Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1:4b-11)

2. Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1:4b-11)

The Courage To Think Big

• No doubt Nehemiah developed his plan during this period of fervent prayer but he fully relied on God for its outcome.

The Courage To Think Big

God's working and our planning are not

contradictory.Dr. Thomas Constable

2. Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1:4b-11)

Prayer is where planning starts.

J. White, Excellence in Leadership

The Courage To Think Big

• A God-glorifying vision is always a product of fervent prayer.

2. Nehemiah’s vision was bathed in a prolonged and earnest prayer. (1:4b-11)

Nehemiah’s vision was broached with

human fear and divine faith.

(2:1-10)

The Courage To Think Big

3. Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)

The Courage To Think Big

• As a human being, Nehemiah was afraid. But his God-given faith overcame his fear. He asked for unbelievable favors believing that the God of heaven will do the impossible endeavors.

3. Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)

The Courage To Think Big

Nehemiah’s requests:1. Revise the policy the

king gave about the walls of Jerusalem! (2:5; cf. Ezra 4:21)

3. Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)

The Courage To Think Big

Nehemiah’s requests:2. Take a leave of absence

for 12 years! (2:6; cf. 5:14)

3. Protection on his journey to Jerusalem! (2:6)

3. Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)

The Courage To Think Big

Nehemiah’s requests:4. Timber supply for the

rebuilding of Jerusalem’s gates, temple, walls and his residence! (2:8)

"Like many since his time, Nehemiah's greatness

came from asking great things of a great God

and attempting great things in reliance on him."

Mervin BrenemanEzra, Nehemiah, Esther (p. 174)

The Courage To Think Big

The Courage To Think Big

• A God-glorifying vision is always carried out by faith in the God of heaven.

3. Nehemiah’s vision was broached with human fear and divine faith. (2:1-10)

Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their

own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have

been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them.

James Hudson TaylorThe Courage To Think Big