Sermon Title: Bold commitment: A Bold life requires commitment and perseverance
Passage: ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬, Nehemiah 4:6-20, Galatians 6:9 NIV

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Sermon Title: Bold commitment: A Bold life requires commitment and perseverance
Passage: ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬, Nehemiah 4:6-20, Galatians 6:9 NIV

1. Commitment to doing difficult God honoring things is where the greatest joys in life are found.
   ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
   Nehemiah 4:6
   “Let us not pray for easy lives. Let us pray to be stronger men.” JFK
2. Partnering with God in his mission requires faith, grit and perseverance.
   Nehemiah 4:6-20
   Galatians 6:9
3. Nothing on earth is more powerful than Gods people joining Gods mission with Gods power.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Take a moment to share a way you’ve experienced God’s joy through a challenging commitment.
2. What stands out to you about how Nehemiah approached the challenges he faced in rebuilding the wall? How did his commitment inspire those around him?
3. Nehemiah 4:1-23 describes how the people faced ridicule and threats. How did they respond boldly to these challenges, and what can we learn about trusting God in similar situations?
4. In rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah and his people trusted God while actively working on their task. How does this balance of trusting God to do His part and people doing theirs apply to this Bold season?
5. How did Nehemiah’s trust in God and bold actions inspire those around him to persevere? How can we lead others in faith when facing challenges?
6. Nehemiah’s people worked side by side to complete the wall despite threats. How does unity among God’s people help us respond boldly at the midpoint of our UNCHARTED journey ?
7. Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. How does trusting God’s power enable us to keep going when challenges seem insurmountable?
8. What are some ways you’ve seen LifeChurch demonstrate faith and grit combined to accomplish something meaningful? How about in your personal life?
9. How have you experienced joy or a sense of fulfillment in committing to difficult, God-honoring work?

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. As you reflect on this BOLD series What is one difficult thing God is calling you to commit to this week? 
2. How can you trust Him for strength to follow through?
3. How did Nehemiah’s trust in God and bold actions inspire those around him to persevere?
4. How can we encourage others to remain faithful during this BOLD UNCHARTED season in the life of the church?
5. Take a moment to write down a way you’ve experienced God’s joy through a challenging commitment. How can this testimony inspire others to join in God’s mission?
6. We see in the journey of Nehemiah, that there was God sized vision, and personal responsibilities in order to complete the wall. How can you lean on God’s strength and trust others to do their part?

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Ephesians 6:10-11
• Psalm 27:1
• Isaiah 41:10

 

RESOURCES:

• BOOK | A.W. Tozer | The Pursuit of God
• BOOK | J. Oswald Sanders | Spiritual Leadership
• PODCAST | PAUL TRIPP | Men of Faith Are Fearless

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: SIMPLICITY

Practicing simplicity is really about letting go. Letting go of comforts, devices, activities, and other things that scream for our time, energy, or resources, It can be alarming to realize how dependent we have become on things as we begin to cut back on them. Growing deeper in connection and union with God should grow our sensitivity of God’s desire for us to be completely dependent on him alone. The deeper our union, the deeper our understanding of provision and dependence with God himself. 

Simplicity Practice for the week: Digital Minimalism

Choose one day a week to limit your use of technology. Avoid social media, email, and other distractions that consume time and mental energy. Instead, focus on simple, soul-nourishing activities—spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, going for a walk, or connecting deeply with family or friends. This practice helps you recognize the peace and clarity that come from focusing on what truly matters without the constant noise of digital distractions.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

We should not be surprised when we come upon hard times or bad days. Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33, “…in this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In the same loving encouragement, Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

You are not a bad Christian when you express disappointment, struggle through hard seasons, or feel overwhelmed. Jesus promises we will face difficulties, even prolonged ones. Scripture shows us that God’s people have faced centuries of suffering, yet God was always working for their deliverance and ultimate good. Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God’s power is made perfect in our perseverance and faith, even amid opposition and weariness.

However, Jesus calls us to Himself when times get hard. He is the wellspring of living water and longs to comfort us in our suffering. Just as Nehemiah trusted in God’s strength while actively working to rebuild the wall, we are invited to lean into God as our source of comfort, peace, rest, and provision. Pretending everything is fine when it is not denies Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the rightful place in our lives as our refuge and source of power.

“Come to me, and I will give you rest.” If you find yourself in a season of turmoil, unrest, emotional distress, financial struggle, or other challenges, know that God sees you and patiently waits for you to call on Him. When we are honest with God about where we really are, we enter into a deeper relationship with Him, and the healing and restoration of our hearts can begin. Nehemiah’s boldness shows us that even in the face of great opposition, God’s mission continues with power and purpose through those who trust and persevere in Him. Let us boldly take heart, for the One who overcame the world walks with us.

 

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor