Believers’ Needed Spiritual Sensitivity

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11 IBCSS July 5, 2009

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Sensitivity is a wonderful manifestation of one’s awareness toward his visible and invisible surroundings. It is an important virtue to be used in our daily existence and survival in this chaotic world. Apparently, the absence of sensitivity would mean the deceitful presence of danger. An insensible person hardly detects an approaching shadow of danger; hardly understands the needs of others; and hardly perceives his own shortcomings. It may sound witty, but a dead person has the highest level of insensitivity.

Many people are smart and intelligent and they boast of their high “Intelligent Quotient” scores; but when we speak of “Emotional Intelligence”, only very few will be counted commendable. Such kinds of intelligence are good for us to achieve and use for the glory of God. However, we should aim for the highest kind of intelligence, which is spiritual intelligence. Intelligence quotient is good; emotional intelligence is better; but spiritual intelligence is the best for a man to have. And without fear of God, such kind of aptitude is unattainable.

Nehemiah was a classic example of man of intelligence. His sensitivity was apparent and unquestionable. A careful study of the whole Book of Nehemiah will help us to realize what a godly and intelligent man Nehemiah was during his days. His courage to stand for what is right was notable and his wisdom to carry out what God has impressed in his heart was inspiring.

As we go on our study about “Believers’ Needed Spiritual Sensitivity”, the first chapter of Nehemiah will serve as an eye-opener to help us see and understand the importance of spiritual sensitivity in one’s life. It is truly heart-breaking to see many people being led to idleness, unproductiveness, stagnancy and powerlessness because of lack of sensitivity. We strongly believe that spiritual sensitivity is a must-have of goal-oriented children of God.

(I) Sensitivity Toward The Needs Of God’s People

Nehemiah 1:1-4

Sensitivity toward the needs of other believers will lead us to do acts of sympathy. True kindness starts from the heart and ends up with extended hands. When Nehemiah heard the news concerning the unpleasant situation of the Jews in Jerusalem, his heart was touched and he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed to God. In Nehemiah 1:4, the Bible says, And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, (KJV) This passage reveals to us the kind of heart Nehemiah had for the people of God.

-Believers are in need of:

· God’s leading

A believer who is uncertain of God’s will and leading for his life will certainly become spiritually unproductive. For such reason, we should pray earnestly to the Lord so other believers may know His blessed will for them and prosper spiritually. The best walk a believer could have in life is the moment he follows God’s leading.

· God’s protection

Believers are in need of God’s protection, and it is also best to pray for others especially for those who are exposed to different kinds of dangers. We must keep in mind that even the Apostle Paul asked other believers to pray for him so he may be protected from evil. In II Thessalonians 3:1-2, Paul said, 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (KJV) Truly, we need to pray for one another.

· God’s provision

Without doubt, many believers are destitute and are physically, emotionally and spiritually in need. God provides the needs of His people day by day, though sometimes it may not be according to our expectation, but in a very special way. God could touch the hearts of other believers and use them perfectly to meet the needs of others. Sensitivity to His leading will make us realize that God uses His people to be channels of blessings so others needs may be supplied.

(II) Sensitivity Toward Our Privilege To Pray

Nehemiah 1:4-7

Oftentimes, believers’ privilege to come before God’s throne of grace is being overlooked because of unnecessary panic and pressures of life in times of need. Sensitivity toward our privilege to pray should not be taken lightly lest we miss God’s blessings and working through our lives. Nehemiah was a man of prayer and he enjoyed communing with the Lord especially in times of trouble. No doubt, he not only gained the loving favour of God, but also experienced God’s miraculous working in the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.

-To talk to the Almighty God

· God of heaven

Talking to God through prayer is a great honour and privilege. Shame on us if we desire to talk to well-esteemed people in our days but have indifferent attitude toward prayer. We must be reminded that every time we kneel down in prayer, we are communicating with the God of heaven. (See verse 5)

· The great and terrible God

Our God is great and terrible and He could do great things for us. Having deep communion with Him will usher us to deep spirituality and powerful Christian life. What an advantage we have in the Lord. May we not let sins take away our excitement to come to God in prayer.

· Trustworthy God

God is a trustworthy God and His hope-giving promises are provided for us to cling to. Knowing such knowledge of Him should trigger our hearts to be more reliant on His Word. We really need His unchanging Word as we live in this changing world.

· Merciful God

Awareness of the presence of our merciful God will help us to be closer to Him. Having a merciful Father and a sympathetic great high priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, will surely touch our hearts to pour unto Him in deep contrition. In Hebrews 4:4-16, it is written, 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) Being mindful of these comforting passages from the Scriptures will surely build up our prayer life.

(III) Sensitivity Toward Sin

Nehemiah 1:6-7

Sensitivity toward sin is now a fading thing in the lives of many professing believers. How sensitive we are toward sin reveals our reverence to the Holy One. In Nehemiah 1:6, it is written, Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned. (KJV) Nehemiah was a God-fearing man and he acknowledged his sin and the sin of the whole Israel.

True believers must be sensitive toward their sin, the sin of their families and the sin of their nation so they may be led to humble themselves before heaven and pray to God for mercy. In II Chronicles 7:14, it is written, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (KJV)

(IV) Sensitivity Toward The Word Of God

Nehemiah 1:8-9

A man who takes the Word of God lightly will never come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but he who hears the Word seriously, truly repents from his sins, humbles himself before God and by faith receives Christ into his heart will have mercy and will enjoy God’s salvation so great and free. He will grow in the knowledge of truth, become spiritually strong, shine for Christ and be a blessing to the lost.

-Concerning the consequences of sin

The Bible tells us about the sad consequences of sin. A man who ignores the Word and keeps on practicing sin will never escape the appropriate punishment for his sin. In Nehemiah 1:3, it is written, And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. (KJV) The children of Israel were in great affliction and reproach because of their disobedience to the Word of God. True believers must be sensitive toward sin and avoid it. The Bible says in Galatians 6:7, Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)

-Concerning the blessings of obedience

In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, it says, 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (KJV) These passages from the Scriptures remind us of the blessings of obedience. Sensitivity and obedience to the Word are delightful to God and those who practice them will gain the loving-favour of God. (See also Nehemiah 1:8-9)

(V) Sensitivity Toward Spiritual Prosperity

Nehemiah 1:10-11

It seems that most people today are more inclined toward earthly prosperity than spiritual progress. Passing success is more appealing to them without realizing the long range benefits of spiritual gain. Nehemiah was an excellent example of a man who desired to fear God and prosper according to the will of God and his priority was to follow what God had impressed in his heart to do. Because of his strong faith and courage to stand for what was right, God blessed the works of his hands and prospered in a tremendous way.

-The desire to fear God

In Nehemiah 1:10-11, the Bible says, 10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. (KJV) What a godly goal Nehemiah had in his heart. What an inspiring prayer for us to think about and to pray for.

In Proverbs 22:4, it is written, By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (KJV) Fear God and He will lift you up.

-The desire to gain the loving-favour of God

Nehemiah’s prayer was, “I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” A prayerful believer will surely gain the loving-favour of God. That was exactly what happened to Nehemiah when he made request to King Artaxerxes. His request was granted and the desires of his heart to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem prospered in spite of many hindrances. The wall was finished and the people perceived that it was the “Work of God”.

Be sensitive toward God’s leading and be a part of God’s miraculous working.

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