Using Nehemiah 4 as a model, Dr. Woodson helps you find encouragement to continue under opposition.

1. More
Opposition
Nehemiah 4:1-6

2. Overcome
discouraging attacks
through prayer and
hard work.
2

3. Expect Opposition
To Grow 1-3
Nehemiah 4:1-3
When Sanballat heard that we were
rebuilding the wall, he became angry and
was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the
Jews, ….
3 Tobiah, …said, ―What they are
building—if even a fox climbed up on it,
he would break down their wall of
stones!‖
All Scripture is taken from: The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

4. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
8 We are hard pressed on every side, but
not crushed; perplexed, but not in
despair; 9 persecuted, but not
abandoned; struck down, but not
destroyed.

5. Importance of Suffering
2 Corinthians 12:10
10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight
in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,
in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I
am weak, then I am strong.
5

6. In The Midst Of Opposition,
Pray – 4a
Nehemiah 4:4
4 Hear us, O our God, for we are despised.
6

7. Imprecatory Prayers
Like some of the imprecatory prayers in which the psalmists invoked God’s condemnation on His enemies,
Nehemiah’s prayer in this instance was severe and condemning. He prayed that Sanballat and his cohorts
would be taken captive and that they would be judged for their sins.
How should a Christian interpret this kind of praying, especially in view of what Jesus Christ said about
praying for one’s enemies? (Matt. 5:44; cf. Rom. 12:14, 20) Several facts need to be noted. First, in opposing
the Jews, Sanballat ‖and company― were actually opposing God. Second, God had already pronounced
judgment on Israel’s enemies. Nehemiah was praying according to God’s will—that God would deliver
Jerusalem from her enemies (Josh. 1:5). Third, Nehemiah was praying that God would bring about what He
had promised Abraham regarding those who curse His people (Gen. 12:3). Fourth, vengeance belongs to God,
not to Nehemiah or other believers (cf. Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19). Also see comments on the imprecatory
psalms in the Introduction to the Book of Psalms.
cf. confer, compare
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary :
An exposition of the scriptures (682). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
The psalmists did not hesitate to avow their loyalty to God and His covenant. In their zeal to champion
righteousness, their words frequently contain imprecations or curses. They prayed that God would break the
arms of the wicked (Ps. 10:15), smash their teeth (58:6), and turn His wrath on them (69:22-28). It must be
remembered that the psalmists were filled with zeal for God’s theocracy. Thus these expressions were not
indications of personal vendetta. The psalmists, in fact, protested that their kindness to such people had been
betrayed by treachery (109:4-5). Their prayers represent their longing that God’s cause be vindicated on earth,
that sin would be judged—which God would do eventually.
Of course the New Testament believer has a different prayer life because of his understanding of the full
revelation of God. Yet to pray for God’s will to be done or for Christ to come quickly, is also to pray for the
vindication of the righteous and the judgment of the wicked.
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary :
An exposition of the scriptures (788). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
7

8. Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but
in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. 7 And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
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9. In The Midst Of Opposition,
Return To Work - 6
Nehemiah 4:6
6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached
half its height, for the people worked with
all their heart.
9