We consider this passage in light of the labor that we perform today for the establishment and prosperity of the kingdom of Christ. Laboring in the Ruins involves
1. Bearing burdens for Christ 4:17 - "and they that bare burdens..." Matthew 11:28-30 - take my yoke Galatians 6:1-2 - bare the burdens of God's people
2. Building up the brethren 4:17 - "They which builded on the wall..." Some builders today build wrong 1 Peter 2:7 - the stone which the builders disallowed 1 Cor 3:12 - build with wood, hay and stubble Ancient ruins guided Nehemiah in building the walls We likewise have an ancient book in Holy Writ to guide us Prayer is key to building up ourselves and others. There are some things that only can be accomplished by prayer. We build up God's people by applying the gospel to every part of the heart of God's people
3. Battling the belligerent 4:17 - "...and with the other hand held a weapon" Sanballat and Tobiah were continually hostile to the laborers If you want to see God's kingdom built, you can expected to be threatened and mocked. 1 Peter 5:8-9 - Ultimately we battle Satan We will know the hot breath and the roar of the evil one against us Yet we will ultimately know the victory of Christ because the greater Bearer of Burdens will hold us up and afterward receive us into glory.
Are you active in bearing burdens, active in building up the brethren, and active in battling the opposition to the gospel? To choose wrongly is to perish. Choose wisely. Choose Christ.
SERMON ACTIVITY
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Dr. Mark Allison has been president of Geneva Reformed Seminary since October 2015. Before becoming president, he was pastor of the Free Presbyterian Church of Malvern, PA (2000-2016), and adjunct professor at GRS, where he lectured in English Bible and Practical Theology. In...
