11/30/2025 Midtown Church Sacramento

“Mission: Restore the City”

Dr. Efrem Smith

Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-9  (NIV)

Other Text(s)- Nehemiah 4:10-20 and Ephesians 6:10-20

Biblical Foundation:

Nehemiah Chapter 4- The Forces That Resist Restoration

• Babylonian forces under King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Now the people are exiles under the Persians and King Artaxerxes.
• Nehemiah was a Developer for the rebuilding of the city and a Defender of God’s mission.
• Sanballat and Tobiah are opposing the restoration and renewal mission of Jerusalem.

Big Questions of The Series:

Will You Accept God’s Mission for Your Life?

Will You Join God’s Mission for the City?

Don’t Let Opposition Keep You From God’s Mission

 1. Don’t Stop Praying 

Nehemiah 4:1-9

• Prayer as a lifestyle. Prayer as a strategy. Prayer as a way to bring people to God’s mission.

2. Don’t Let Confusion and Threats Stop You 

Nehemiah 4:10-14

• The Bible says, “Do Not Be Afraid” multiple times for a reason

3. Don’t Let Your Opposition Frustrate You 

Nehemiah 4:15-20

• God fights on your behalf.
• Opposition can optimize God’s work in your life. Your opposition was God’s opportunity to take me to the next level, to mature me, to strengthen me, to heal me, to transform me.

Final Thought:

Don’t Forget What Is Really Opposing You (Ephesians 6:10-20)

• Don’t be surprised by Opposition but know who your opponent really is.
• I went on a prayer walk recently and started thanking God for all the opponents in life.
• Don’t forget in Christ, You are Victorious.