Sermon 6/15/2025 – Built to Lead – Week 3

Point 1: Faithfulness adjusts, not abandons, when pressure hits.

Nehemiah 4:6 ESV

6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Nehemiah 4:10 ESV

10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”

Nehemiah 4:15–17 ESV

15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

Point 2: Presence with others is one of the ways we lead.

Nehemiah 4:13–14 ESV

13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

Point 3: Spiritual work requires spiritual readiness.

Nehemiah 4:21–23 ESV

21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

I feel like God is calling me to…

□ CONNECT

…commit to relationships and community through a Sunday School class or group.

“I want to stop walking alone and grow with others at BCC.”

□ SERVE

…step up and contribute my gifts to the church.

“I want to use what God’s given me to build up the body and bless others.”

□ LEAD

…live faithfully under pressure and take steps toward making disciples here at BCC.

“I want to grow as a spiritual leader and help others follow Jesus.”

□ GIVE

…give generously and consistently to the mission of BCC.

“I want to invest financially in what God is doing here.”