God's People and God's Word

The sermon opens with the historical account in Nehemiah 6:15, when God's people under the leadership of Nehemiah completed the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days despite opposition from enemies. This project symbolizes the unity, faith, and courage of God's people. However, the pastor points out that while these stone walls protected the city materially, the walls protecting the spiritual life of the people remained broken and desolate because the people had not yet heard, understood, and applied God's Word.

The second section develops the theological argument about the necessity of God's Word through specific biblical references. The pastor quotes Micah 6:6-8 to demonstrate that God does not demand formal offerings but desires justice, mercy, and humble walking with the Lord. The concept of "walking with God" requires people to know and understand God and move in the same direction as Him. The pastor also uses the example of Christ's temptation by Satan in Matthew 4:3-4, when Jesus responded with God's Word: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." The pastor emphasizes that God's Word recorded in the 66 books of Scripture is the foundation of life's purpose, moral standards, and the basis of salvation.

The third section focuses on three essential elements when hearing and reading God's Word: understanding it, repenting of sin, and obeying it. The pastor stresses that Scripture is not a mysterious book meant only for the highly educated, but must be explained clearly so everyone can understand. Through the example of Ezra reading and interpreting the Law of Moses, the pastor shows that people must actively request God's Word to be read and explained to them. The people stood from morning until noon listening to the reading because they desired God's Word and believed it would transform their lives.

The fourth section describes the people's repentant response when hearing God's Word and teaches about God's forgiveness. When the people heard Ezra read the Law, they wept in repentance for their sins. However, Nehemiah encouraged them to rejoice because "the joy of the Lord is your strength" (8:10). The pastor explains that God is not a judge constantly watching to punish every mistake, but a loving God who desires His people to walk in His ways. The pastor also quotes Psalm 103:10-12 to show God's boundless forgiveness: "He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities."

The final section applies the message to the real-life spiritual experience of the congregation today. The pastor emphasizes that the purpose of hearing, reading, and studying God's Word is not to increase knowledge of complex theology but to truly know God, walk with Him, and be transformed by the Holy Spirit who uses God's Word to remind, teach, correct, and change lives. The pastor also reminds the congregation that the revival of the church must be applied to each individual's life, not only when gathered together but also when alone. If each child of God reads God's Word, understands its teaching, repents of sin, and joyfully commits to obey it for themselves and their families, then God's church will certainly experience revival.