Aim: To be encouraged to loving action—through faith in Christ and His grace.
Doctrine: God's leaders move the church from shame, to dignity. This is not achieved through passive self-pity; instead, grace propels us to positive action.
Exegesis: The stages of inspirational leadership: first, hope is ignited (in the midst of despair) (v. 17); then, faith is placed in Christ (and His encouragement) (v. 18a); finally, love motivates activity (for the glory of God) (v. 18b).
Further application: How this text relates to the church today: rather than bemoan our situation, let us boldly advance Christ's kingdom (in our lifetimes).
Key verse: v. 18 ''And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work.''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.