Standing the Gap

Reference

Nehemiah 1-2

MESSAGE 6: Stand in the Gap — Called to Advocate and Act

Series Title: Justice. Mercy. Humility. — The Way of Jesus
Theme Verse: Micah 6:8
Primary Text: Nehemiah 1–2
Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 22:30, Isaiah 1:17, Galatians 6:9–10

Big Idea:

God is looking for people who will stand in the gap—through prayer, advocacy, and faithful action—for individuals, families, communities, and nations. Justice is not just a sermon topic. It is a call to intercede, defend, and rebuild what is broken in the name of Jesus.

Sermon Outline

INTRO: God Is Looking for Someone

Read Nehemiah 1:1–4 — Nehemiah hears about Jerusalem’s ruin and is moved to deep concern.
He doesn’t rush to act—he sits, weeps, fasts, and prays. Justice begins in brokenness.
Like Nehemiah, we’re called to respond to the brokenness in our communities—not with passivity, but with prayerful purpose.
Justice is not just a feeling—it’s a faithful response rooted in the presence of God.

POINT 1: Intercede Faithfully

“When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4)

Exposition:

Nehemiah was deeply moved by the suffering of others. His first response was intercession, not action.
He confesses the sins of his people, identifies with them, and asks for God’s favor (Neh. 1:5–11).

Key Insight:

The burden to rebuild always begins on your knees.

Application:

Who are you weeping for?
Where do you need to pause and pray before stepping in?
Invite the congregation to ask: What has God allowed me to hear, so I would intercede?

POINT 2: Advocate Boldly

“Then the king said to me, ‘What would you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven. I said to the king…” (Nehemiah 2:4–5)

Exposition:

Nehemiah didn’t just pray—he spoke up. He used his position with the king to advocate for rebuilding and restoration.
He didn’t know how the king would respond, but he trusted God’s timing.

Key Insight:

Advocacy is what happens when prayer leads to courageous speech.

Application:

Who has God placed around you to speak to on behalf of others?
Where can you use your influence to advocate for healing and justice?

Corporate Prayer Moment

Before moving into Point 3, lead the congregation in focused, corporate intercession: - Pray for your neighborhood — that hope, peace, and restoration would rise. - Pray for our city of Tulsa — for justice, healing, and spiritual renewal. - Pray for the state of Oklahoma — for godly leadership and compassion-driven unity. - Pray for the United States — that revival and righteousness would shape our national future.

Use this moment to unify the church and stir hearts before taking action.

POINT 3: Act Practically

“You see the bad situation we are in… Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:17)

Exposition:

Nehemiah surveyed the damage and mobilized people for practical action.
He didn’t just dream—he built. He gathered people, delegated work, and oversaw progress (see Neh. 2:17–18; Ch. 3).

Key Insight:

Justice comes alive through practical obedience. Small acts rebuild broken places.

Application:

What wall needs rebuilding around you?
Who can you rally to serve with you this week?
Ask: What is the first brick God is asking me to lay?

Closing Challenge & Ministry Moment

Invitation:

Will you be the one to stand in the gap?
For a child? A family? A city? A people?

Altar Moment:

Invite people to respond specifically:

Those who are committing to stand in the gap in a fresh way.
Those who need boldness to speak up or step out.

Pray over individuals and groups as they come forward.
Commission your people as Nehemiah-like builders and intercessors for this generation.—identify where you are being called to stand.
Intercede. Advocate. Act.