KEEP THE WORK OF THE LORD GOING

                                                         Nehemiah 6:1-4

  Introduction

        A.  Nehemiah and his workers had finished building the wall around Jerusalem

              except for installing the doors in the gates.

        B.  Sanballat and Geshem, Nehemiah’s enemies, attempted to distract him by

              sending him an invitation to meet with them.

        C.  Nehemiah refused to meet with them and sent this message in verse 3 ……….

        D.  Let’s be reminded that we need to keep the work of the Lord going in spite of

              attempted distractions.

    I.  Three ways in which satan attempts to distract us:

        A.  Criticism.  Nehemiah 4:1-3

              1.  There is a penalty to be paid for leadership.  Examples:

              2.  Illustrations of encouragement:

        B.  By causing us to question our abilities.  Nehemiah 4:3

              1.  Let’s not sit on our abilities.  Matthew 25:25, 28-30

        C.  By intimidation.  Neh. 4:11-12; 6:6-9

              1.  satan thinks if he intimidates us enough that we will give up.

  II.  How to be prepared for distractions:

        A.  Anticipate distractions.  1 Peter 5:8

        B.   Refuse to stop the work of the Lord.  1 Corinthians 15:58

        C.   Pray to God for strength and guidance.  Hebs. 4:14-16;

               Philippians 1:4-6

        D.   Put feet to our prayers.  James 1:22

  Conclusion:  We have a responsibility to overcome distractions and keep the work of

                        the Lord going.