The Danger of Compromise (1/15/12 AM)

(Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6:7-11) The walls of the city were destroyed by the captors due to the disobedience of God's people. These walls were important for several reasons and the enemy knew why. (4:1-3) 1. Fortification - protection from the enemy 2. Sacrifice - sanctifying God in their hearts and lives - dependence of God to protect from the enemy within. 3. Restoration/preservation- to remember what they were known for. Distinction. the walls were known for beauty and holiness. 4. Identification - The enemy knew who the Jews were. They knew the difference between God's people and those around them. (:8-11) These are the same reasons why we need walls of separation and conviction once again in our church; in our life. What are the tools of the enemy? What tactics do they use? 1. Mocking/Public ridicule (4:1-2) 2. Discouragement (4:1-2) 3. involvement of others in the world against God's people (4:2) 4. Anger (4:1,7) 5. Plotting Evil ( Prov 6:16-19, Neh 4:8,11) 6. Invasion: (:11) blending in, pretending they are part of the work, cherry picking our own, slay them (spiritually quenching their desire) 7. Feed lies and disruption (not always physical - sometimes it disrupts morale of the people.) 5:1-5 accusations of unfairness and financial misconduct. 8. Compromise (6:1-7) The enemy will stop at nothing to discredit the work of the Lord. What does Compromise do? (6:1-7) 1. It stops progress 2. Causes you to "come down" from where you are at 3. always requires YOU to give and never to receive 4. Insists even when you turn it down 5. Always plans mischeif 6. Manipulates with lies and distortion of truth (2:17-20) 7. Brings Fear and entrapment or slavery 8. never stos with you - always goes after others. (6:17-19, 13:4,28) Rebellion is bred in the hearts and minds of those who are persuaded by compromise. Why we should NOT compromise: 1. It is a GOOD work (2:18, Rom 12:1-2) 2. It is a GREAT work (tasking, labor) (6:3) 3. It is a Finished Work (6:15, Col 2:10) The enemy will not find Christ palatable with their lifestyle and agenda- why should we compromise? We are on the winning side! 4. It is a Command by God - for us to be Holy, Separate, Clean. (I Cor 6:19-20, 2Cor 6:14-18, I Peter 1:13-15, James 4:1-4) 5. It is of a certainty that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways ( James 1:8, Josh 24:15, Mat 6:24) Face it- when rain compromises with dirt it creates mud and only pigs are attracted to mud.