The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
This chapter records a second, intensified episode of opposition to the rebuilding effort. In this case it is directed more personally at Nehemiah. There appears to be an increased risk of physical harm and shaming for Nehemiah.
Three specific tactics utilized by Nehemiah’s enemies:
to him.
planning a revolt against the king of Persia.
him within the temple, which Nehemiah indicates would be sinful for him to do.
As he had done before, he prayed for God to strengthen him.
Jesus similarly faced three specific temptations in the wilderness and succeeded in all three.
In this section we can see a model of response to opposition: pray, resist, and persist. Nehemiah prays for strength. He resists the temptations to pull him away from the work of rebuilding the walls. And he persists in doing the work. We can pray.
Simply continuing to do the work God has given us is a strategy unto itself in the face of opposition.
The chapter ends on a high note. After 52 days of work, the city walls were finished.
New Testament Scriptures to read:
● Ephesians 6:12
● 1 Peter 5:8
● 1 Timothy 4:1-5
● Luke 5:15-16
● James 4:7
Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
○ What are some things you could pray about right now to ask for God’s strength to endure?
○ What would it look like for you to “resist the devil” in your current situation?
○ What work does God have for you that simply persisting in doing would be an expression of faithfulness in the face of opposition?
Phone: 918-994-2638 | Email: support@churchapps.org
2025 © Live Church Solutions. All rights reserved.
