When God establishes a vision, effective leadership is necessary to communicate that vision clearly and practically to those whose efforts will bring it to fruition. In this study of Nehemiah 2:11–20, Alistair Begg examines the aspects of Nehemiah’s leadership that helped to plant his vision to rebuild the Jerusalem wall in the hearts of God’s people, even in the face of apathy and opposition. If a vision is God-given and humbly presented, then God will earth it in people’s hearts and move them to respond.
Nehemiah Sent to Judah
1In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.
Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem's Walls
9Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.
11So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. 15Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.
17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 19But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim1 in Jerusalem.”
Copyright © 2020, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.
Series: The Pastor's Study, Volume 1
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 1
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume one of this series, Alistair Begg looks to Scripture for examples of biblical leadership. In Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and Paul’s work to establish the New Testament Church, today’s pastors find patterns of God-centered leadership worthy of imitation. True leadership, the Bible reminds us, is about submitting oneself to God’s vision for His people.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Marks of a God-Given Ministry
ID: 1879
|
1879 |
Colossians 1:24-2:5 |
CD | |
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Establishing a Vision
ID: 2099
|
2099 |
Nehemiah 1:1-11 |
CD | |
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Earthing a Vision
ID: 2100
|
2100 |
Nehemiah 2:1-20 |
CD | |
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Tackling Opposition to Change
ID: 2101
|
2101 |
Acts 6:1-15 Nehemiah 4:1-23 |
CD | |
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Bring Out the Book
ID: 1729
|
1729 |
Nehemiah 8:1-12 |
CD | |
|
Sufficiency of the Word
ID: 2052
|
2052 |
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 |
CD | |
|
The Pulpit: Its Powers and Pitfalls
ID: 2051
|
2051 |
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 |
CD | |
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The Church Confronts the World
ID: 1795
|
1795 |
Acts 24:22-27 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23001 | CD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 2
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume two of this series, Alistair Begg addresses practical aspects of preaching common to every pastor. Throughout Scripture and Christian history, we see God using biblical preaching to build His Church and save the lost. While methods vary and styles differ, a pastor’s practice in the pulpit should reflect his careful stewardship of God’s Word and point hearers to the cross.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Preacher: John the Baptist
ID: 2154
|
2154 |
Luke 3:1 |
CD | |
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What Happened to Expository Preaching?
ID: 2155
|
2155 | CD | ||
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A Historical Survey of Preaching
ID: 2156
|
2156 | CD | ||
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The Nature of Expository Preaching
ID: 2157
|
2157 | CD | ||
|
Practical Pointers on Preaching
ID: 2158
|
2158 | CD | ||
|
The Call of Ministry
ID: 2160
|
2160 |
2 Corinthians 4:1 |
CD | |
|
Preaching of the Cross
ID: 2174
|
2174 |
1 Corinthians 15:3 |
CD | |
|
The Centrality of the Cross
ID: 2175
|
2175 |
1 Corinthians 1:22-24 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23002 | CD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 3
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume three of this series, Alistair Begg reminds pastors to stay focused on God’s Word as the source of inerrant truth. Preachers should teach the Bible in a manner that glorifies God, since He alone can change people’s hearts and draw new worshipers to Himself. Regardless of the challenges or changes that may come, a good leader places his trust in God’s strength, not his own.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Back to the Basics
ID: 2223
|
2223 |
2 Peter 2:1 |
CD | |
|
The Basics of Expository Preaching
ID: 2225
|
2225 |
Nehemiah 7:73-8:9 |
CD | |
|
The Benefits Of Expository Preaching
ID: 2244
|
2244 |
2 Corinthians 2:12-17 |
CD | |
|
Leadership and Change
ID: 2226
|
2226 |
Nehemiah 1:1 |
CD | |
|
The Nature of Acceptable Worship
ID: 2227
|
2227 |
John 4:19 |
CD | |
|
Martyn Lloyd-Jones - The Preacher
ID: 2224
|
2224 | CD | ||
|
Jesus: The Preacher
ID: 2228
|
2228 |
Luke 4:1 |
CD | |
|
The Strength Of Weakness
ID: 2245
|
2245 |
2 Corinthians 12:1 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23003 | CD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 4
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
Volume four of this series addresses the value of evangelistic preaching for the modern pulpit. Drawing on biblical figures, personal experience, and known theologians, Alistair Begg explores the merits of biblical preaching that draws listeners to Christ. When pastors and congregations depend on God for strength and victory, His word is proclaimed and His name glorified.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
God's Revelation
ID: 2276
|
2276 |
Isaiah 66:2 |
CD DVD | |
|
Practical Issues of Pastoral Ministry, Part One
ID: 2333
|
2333 |
Titus 3:1-11 |
CD | |
|
Practical Issues of Pastoral Ministry, Part Two
ID: 2334
|
2334 |
1 Thessalonians 2:1 |
CD | |
|
The Power of Weakness
ID: 2386
|
2386 |
2 Chronicles 20:1-37 |
CD | |
|
The Weakness of Power
ID: 2387
|
2387 |
2 Chronicles 26:1-23 |
CD | |
|
Evangelistic Preaching, Part One
ID: 2449
|
2449 |
Luke 15:1-32 |
CD | |
|
Evangelistic Preaching, Part Two
ID: 2450
|
2450 |
Luke 15:1-32 |
CD | |
|
Preach The Word
ID: 0116
|
0116 |
2 Corinthians 4:1 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23004 | CD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 5
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume five of this series, Alistair Begg explores the Gospel’s central role in the pastor’s preaching ministry. If a preacher isn’t watchful, his pulpit can easily become a platform for chasing fame or sharing worldly wisdom that leaves the hearer without real hope. Only the Good News of God’s grace can truly kindle belief in the lost and ignite the Church for its holy mission.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
For the Sake of the Gospel, Part One
ID: 2510
|
2510 |
1 Corinthians 9:1-27 |
CD DVD | |
|
For the Sake of the Gospel, Part Two
ID: 2511
|
2511 |
1 Corinthians 9:1-27 |
CD DVD | |
|
Preaching God's Grace
ID: 2630
|
2630 |
Titus 2:11-3:11 |
CD | |
|
Gospel Ministry, Part One
ID: 2631
|
2631 |
2 Corinthians 4:1-7 |
CD DVD | |
|
Gospel Ministry, Part Two
ID: 2632
|
2632 |
2 Corinthians 4:1-7 |
CD DVD | |
|
Persuasive Preaching, Part One
ID: 2682
|
2682 |
2 Corinthians 5:20 |
CD DVD | |
|
Persuasive Preaching, Part Two
ID: 2683
|
2683 |
Acts 26:1-32 |
CD DVD | |
|
Peter's Denial
ID: 2687
|
2687 |
John 13:36-38 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23005 | CD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 6
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume six of this series, Alistair Begg examines the Bible’s instruction on pastoral priorities. Scripture teaches that the pastor must give himself wholeheartedly to the preaching of the Gospel—a duty built on prayer and personal holiness. With this priority in view, pastors can equip their congregations in the confidence that God Himself empowers their work.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The Word of the Cross
ID: 2741
|
2741 |
1 Corinthians 1:18 |
CD DVD | |
|
Jesus Christ and Him Crucified
ID: 2742
|
2742 |
1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5 |
CD DVD | |
|
Jesus as Evangelist, Part One
ID: 2809
|
2809 |
John 3:1-21 |
DVD CD | |
|
Jesus as Evangelist, Part Two
ID: 2810
|
2810 |
John 4:1-42 |
DVD CD | |
|
Pastoral Priorities, Part One
ID: 2875
|
2875 |
Acts 6:1-7 |
CD DVD | |
|
Pastoral Priorities, Part Two
ID: 2876
|
2876 |
Acts 6:1-7 |
CD DVD | |
|
I Found It Necessary
ID: 2952
|
2952 |
Jude 1:1-7 |
CD DVD | |
|
Now to Him
ID: 2953
|
2953 |
Jude 1:17-24 |
CD DVD | |
|
The Dangers and Delights of Long Term Ministry in One Place
ID: 2954
|
2954 |
Acts 6:1-7 Nehemiah 6:1-8 |
CD DVD | |
|
Preaching Evangelistic Sermons
ID: 2811
|
2811 |
Romans 10:1-21 |
CD | |
| Complete volume: | 23007 | CD Series DVD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 7
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that "the work of preaching is the highest and greatest and most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called." Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: As a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In the Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume seven of this series, Alistair Begg emphasizes the sufficiency of Scripture in the pastor’s work. When pastors compromise the Bible’s truths or doubt its power, their ministry crumbles: God’s Word must be preached faithfully, regardless of the cultural climate. Pastors will be strengthened by these messages as they fulfill their callings and faithfully exposit Scripture.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Preservation of the Saints (Ligonier)
ID: 3173
|
3173 |
John 10:25-30 Romans 8:35-39 |
CD | |
|
Ecclesiastes Speaks Today, Part One
ID: 3032
|
3032 |
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 |
CD DVD | |
|
Ecclesiastes Speaks Today, Part Two
ID: 3033
|
3033 |
Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 |
CD DVD | |
|
Back to the Basics Again, Part One
ID: 3081
|
3081 |
2 Timothy 4:1-5 |
CD DVD | |
|
Back to the Basics Again, Part Two
ID: 3082
|
3082 |
2 Timothy 4:1-5 |
CD DVD | |
|
The Pastor's Role in the Praising Church
ID: 3083
|
3083 | CD DVD | ||
|
Keeping Watch
ID: 3084
|
3084 | CD DVD | ||
|
We Do Not Lose Heart, Part One
ID: 3169
|
3169 |
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 |
DVD CD | |
|
We Do Not Lose Heart, Part Two
ID: 3170
|
3170 |
2 Corinthians 4:7-18 |
CD DVD | |
|
On Being a Pastor
ID: 3118
|
3118 |
Ephesians 4:11-12 |
CD DVD | |
| Complete volume: | 23008 | CD Series DVD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
Other messages in: The Pastor's Study, Volume 8
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that “the work of preaching is the highest and the greatest and the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called.” Such a high calling, however, comes with a high level of responsibility: as a pastor places his confidence in the Gospel’s power, the task of proclamation must be his chief concern. In The Pastor’s Study, we present a collection of sermons designed to help and encourage the Gospel-centered pastor as he evangelizes faithfully and establishes believers in the sound doctrine essential to spiritual growth.
In volume eight of this series, Alistair Begg brings God’s wisdom and his own experience to bear on the issues facing today’s church leaders, reminding them of their calling and counseling them through service to Christ’s body. Pastors are called and equipped to consider their purpose, preach the Scriptures, serve faithfully, and lead their people on toward maturity.
| Message | ID | Scripture | Buy | Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pastors and People
ID: 2661
|
2661 |
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 |
DVD CD | |
|
A Gospel Minister
ID: 3190
|
3190 |
Ephesians 3:7-8 |
CD DVD | |
|
Pastors and Teachers
ID: 3233
|
3233 |
Ephesians 4:12-13 |
CD DVD | |
|
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus (Personal)
ID: 3231
|
3231 |
1 Timothy 4:6-10 |
CD DVD | |
|
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus (Public)
ID: 3232
|
3232 |
1 Timothy 4:11-16 |
CD DVD | |
|
Leaders in the Local Church
ID: 3312
|
3312 |
1 Peter 5:1-5 Exodus 18:13-27 |
CD DVD | |
|
Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ — Part One
ID: 3361
|
3361 |
Colossians 1:28-29 |
CD DVD | |
|
Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ — Part Two
ID: 3363
|
3363 |
Colossians 1:28-29 |
CD DVD | |
| Complete volume: | 23013 | CD Series DVD Series MP3 CD Series | ||
