"I may face opposition & trials as I follow the Lord, but God will be faithful to finish His work."

RISING UP TO REBUILD (5:1-5A)
How did this work begin & continue?
1) God's Spirit working through God's Word (1)
"We often face fears of moving forward after failures."
"God's Spirit & God's Word are like oxygen and fuel to the fire of God's work."

2) God's people helping in unity (2)
"We need other believers willing to come alongside us (and us them) and say, 'Let's do this together for the glory of God!'"

3) Living in truth & trusting in God (4)
"Obedience is my part; outcome is His!"

4) "God Moves" (5)
"God's work, done God's way, will always have God's fingerprints on it."

THE REPORT SENT & THE RESPONSE OF THE KING (5:5B-6:12)
5b-17) your witness is not just with words, but with actions.
"The people of God, stood on the promise of God, and did the plan of God, in the face of the enemy of God!"

6:1-12) The king found it so and gave further counsel:
1) Step back & let the work continue (6-7)
2) Step up & foot the bill (8-9)
"God is not only stopping any threats, but is providing for His work. Even humiliating the enemies!)"
3) Step carefully or pay the price (11-12)

Prov. 21:1
"God took care of His work, His workers, and the enemies of Israel."

THE REJOICING & FINISHING OF THE TEMPLE (6:13-22)
13-15)The temple was finished.
"What God promises, He performs. He will complete the work not just in you, but through you."
16-18) The joy was expressed in worship & sacrifices.
19-22) The witness was seen among the nations.

"Look back and you will see God at work in your life."