SERMON NOTES
Series: Nehemiah
Scripture: Nehemiah 3 & 4
Title: All Hands on Deck
Big Idea
The mission of God takes all hands on deck. We are called to serve together, use what God has given us, and stand firm when opposition comes, knowing that our God is faithful.
1. The mission of God takes all hands on deck.
God never intended for a handful of people to carry out the mission while everyone else sits on the sidelines.
When we put our faith in Jesus, we're not just saved from our sin; we're saved into the body of Christ.
Every person has a purpose, and every part of the body matters.
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
2. There are no qualifications required to serve the mission of God.
The people rebuilding the wall came from all different walks of life. They weren't professional wall builders, but they were willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work.
You don't have to be a pastor, have a theology degree, or have your whole life figured out to be used by God.
All you have to do is say, "God, here I am. Use me!"
3. There is no work that is beneath us in the mission of God.
We can't say we're all about the mission of God if we're only willing to do the things that are easy or get us recognized.
Jesus, the King of kings, came not to be served, but to serve.
We're not here to make much of ourselves. We're here to make much of Jesus!
Read: Mark 10:45
4. The best place to start is where God has you right now.
Sometimes we get so caught up looking for some big opportunity that we miss the opportunities God has already placed right in front of us.
Faithfulness starts with where God has you right now.
Are you growing in your faith? Leading your home? Loving your spouse? Making disciples where God has placed you?
5. Following Jesus means standing firm when opposition comes.
When the people started rebuilding the wall, the enemy showed up.
We have a real enemy who wants to distract us and pull us away from what God has called us to.
We're not called to sit on the sidelines or throw in the towel when things get hard. We're called to fight the good fight of faith.
We don't fight for victory. We fight from victory! Jesus has already won the battle through His death and resurrection.
Read: Ephesians 6:11–13; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:12
Takeaways
Get in the game and use the gifts God has given you.
Don't wait until you feel qualified to serve.
Be willing to do the work, even when nobody notices.
Start being faithful right where God has placed you.
Stand firm when opposition comes, knowing that our God is faithful.
Reflection Questions
Where is God calling you to get in the game and use the gifts He's given you?
Have you ever felt unqualified to serve God? How does Nehemiah 3 encourage you?
Are there areas of serving that you avoid because they seem inconvenient or go unnoticed?
What opportunities has God placed right in front of you to be faithful?
Where are you experiencing opposition or spiritual struggle? What does it look like to stand firm?
What does it mean that we fight from victory, not for victory?
Take It Home
This week, identify one practical way you can get in the game and serve. Start with the opportunities God has already placed right in front of you. Be faithful where God has you, use the gifts He's given you, and keep pursuing His mission even when the work gets hard.
Remember: We don't fight for victory. We fight from victory because our God is faithful!
THIS WEEK: Identify one way you can use your God-given gifts to serve someone else and advance the mission of God.
The Vine Church | Milford, Michigan | thevinechurchmi.com