The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.”

Again and again in Mark we have seen demonic powers seeking to destroy people, but also that they are reduced to trembling in the presence of Jesus.

The Bible teaches that the enemy is real. We do have a supernatural enemy who seeks to destroy us, who seeks to come against anything good that God is doing. This does not mean he has the power to triumph. As long as we stay close to Jesus, he cannot. Nevertheless, he will oppose the good work of God. We can count on that.

So far in our study of Nehemiah, we have looked at “Confession” in chapter one, and “Action” in chapter two. This Sunday, we will look at the “Opposition” that Nehemiah and the people faced as they sought to rebuild Jerusalem for God’s glory.

Read the following texts in preparation for this Sunday:                                                                                In chapter 2, read 2:10 and 2:19-20. Then read all of chapter 4, as well as chapter 6, verses 1-16.

What themes emerge from these passages? What do you see about the opposition that Nehemiah and the Jews faced as they undertook this great work? How did they respond to the opposition?

We do need to understand that we face spiritual warfare as believers. Our enemy’s tactics have not changed since the days of Nehemiah. So we need to be aware of his schemes. Most importantly, we need to be aware of the power and authority we possess as Spirit-indwelt children of the Sovereign God!

I hope you are enjoying this study of Nehemiah as much as me. Many of you have indicated that God is using it, and there is a tremendous sense of optimism about our By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations campaign. The spirit of sacrifice and giving in our church is incredibly encouraging. I’m thankful to be a part of it!

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.