1 Thessalonians 5:21, which traditionally reads, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (NKJV) or “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (KJV)
In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, the Apostle Paul urges believers to exercise spiritual discernment. Rather than blindly accepting every teaching, prophecy, or spiritual claim, Christians are instructed to evaluate messages against the truth of God’s Word. Once the truth is identified, believers are told to hold firmly to it while rejecting anything harmful or evil.
Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed to God upon hearing that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and its gates burned.
The Story of Nehemiah
- The Bad News: While serving as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Susa, Nehemiah learned from his brother Hanani that the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem faced great distress and the city walls lay in ruins.
- Mourning and Prayer: Deeply heartbroken, Nehemiah sat down, wept, fasted, and prayed, confessing sins and asking God for mercy and success as he planned to approach the king.
- Action Taken: Nehemiah gained the king’s favor, received letters and resources for timber, traveled to Jerusalem, inspected the ruins by night, and rallied the people to rebuild the walls.
The story of Nehemiah in the Bible tells how a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king left his comfortable life to rebuild the ruined walls of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s Sadness and Prayer
- Nehemiah lived in the Persian city of Susa around 445 BC.
- His brother brought news that Jerusalem’s protective walls were broken down and its gates burned.
- Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed to God for help.
- He served as the king’s cupbearer, meaning he tasted the king’s wine to check for poison.
Return to Jerusalem
- King Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sad face and asked what was wrong.
- Nehemiah explained the plight of Jerusalem and asked to go home and rebuild it.
- The king gave him permission, official letters for safe travel, and timber from the royal stores.
- Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem as the appointed governor.
Rebuilding the Wall Against Opposition
- Nehemiah inspected the ruins by night and rallied the local people to start building.
- Neighboring enemies, like Sanballat and Tobiah, mocked the Jews and threatened to attack.
- Nehemiah stationed armed guards and told the builders to work with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other.
- Despite the fear and constant threats, the massive job was finished in a remarkable 52 days.
Reforms and Spiritual Renewal
- Nehemiah stopped rich nobles from charging high interest and taking advantage of poor workers.
- He worked with the scribe Ezra to read the Law of Moses to the people.
- The community celebrated the Festival of Booths and promised to honor God, keep the Sabbath, and support the temple.
Are you led by the Spirit of God to do something?
Being led by the Spirit of God means aligning daily choices and personal character with biblical truth rather than selfish desires.
Biblical Basis
- Romans 8:14 states that people guided by God’s Spirit show they belong to God.
- Galatians 5:18 explains that following this spiritual guidance frees a person from the strict control of religious rules and sin.
How Guidance Works
- Scripture: The Spirit brings the teachings of Jesus to mind through regular Bible reading and study.
- Rational Thought: Guidance comes through clear, sober-minded thinking rather than emotional loss of control.
- Resisting Sin: The main purpose of this leading is to help a person turn away from wrong actions and choose love, patience, and kindness.
Practical Steps
- Daily Prayer: Spend quiet time in prayer to listen for direction.
- Character Growth: Focus on showing love and helping others rather than seeking attention.
- Testing Choices: Ensure any strong feeling or decision matches the core teachings of the Bible.
