Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. 3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors. NEHEMIAH 3:1-5 NIV
GOD REBUILDS THROUGH PEOPLE WHO:
SEE THEIR ORDINARY WORK AS HOLY
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters COLOSSIANS 3:23 NIV
WORK ALONGSIDE THE NEXT GENERATION
Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. PSALM 71:17-18 NIV
FAITHFULLY START WITH WHAT’S IN FRONT OF THEM
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. EPHESIANS 2:10 NLT
…and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12 NIV
I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. EZEKIEL 22:30 NLT
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 PETER 2:4-5 NIV
My Notes
Discussion Questions
Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon. Choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:
- START HERE: Think about a project, skill, relationship, or responsibility you've built into over time. What helped you stay faithful when progress felt slow or ordinary?
- START HERE: Who from an older or younger generation had a meaningful impact on your life? What made their influence stick with you?
- KEEP GOING: Read Nehemiah 3:1-5 NIV. What stands out about the way God used ordinary people working side by side to accomplish His purpose?
- KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 3:23 NIV. God rebuilds through people who see their ordinary work as holy. Which of your everyday, often overlooked responsibilities could become acts of worship when done for the Lord?
- KEEP GOING: Nehemiah 3 challenges us to faithfully start rebuilding what's right in front of us, one step at a time. Is there an area of your life where you know the next step, but you're tempted to wait, avoid, or hope someone else will take responsibility? What would it take to begin the work?
- KEEP GOING: Read Psalm 71:17-18 NIV and Ephesians 2:10 NLT. Where do you see opportunities to encourage, invest in, or learn from the next generation? What would help you take that opportunity more seriously?
- KEEP GOING: Read Ezekiel 22:30 NLT and 1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV. What about God would you need to believe or trust, to by faith, step into the work He's put in front of you – even if it feels small, unnoticed, or difficult?
- LIVE IT OUT: Do you sense God inviting you to help rebuild a relationship, habit, responsibility, ministry, or area of brokenness? What specific, intentional step will you take this week? Who could be encouraged/impacted if you follow through?
