DEALING WITH YOUR TOBIAS AND SANBELLATS

DEALING WITH YOUR TOBIAS AND SANBALLATS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3

"But it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?"

Supporting Texts: Nehemiah 2:19, 4:7-8, 6:1-2, Psalm 18:44-45, John 10:10

INTRODUCTION
In the Bible, Nehemiah faced two major antagonists—Sanballat and Tobiah—who relentlessly opposed his God-given assignment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Their opposition came in the form of mockery, threats, and attempts to disrupt God's plan for Nehemiah. These figures represent the adversaries in our lives who arise to challenge, distract, or discourage us from fulfilling God’s purpose. In this sermon, we will explore how to identify and confront the "Tobias and Sanballats" in our lives, armed with spiritual strategies that ensure our victory.

1. WHO ARE YOUR TOBIAS AND SANBALLATS?
Tobias and Sanballat were powerful figures who sought to oppose the work of God through ridicule, opposition, and deceit.

a) Sanballat – The Mocking Opponent
Sanballat mocked the rebuilding efforts, attempting to discourage Nehemiah and his people (Nehemiah 4:1-3).

b) Tobiah – The Deceptive Enemy
Tobiah partnered with Sanballat to spread lies and to sabotage the work, even suggesting that the wall would fall (Nehemiah 2:19).

c) Both Represent Opposition to God’s Plan
Their efforts were designed to stop the progress and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, just as the enemy seeks to halt our progress in life and destiny.

d) They Use Distraction and Deception
Their plan was to divert Nehemiah’s attention from his task and cause him to fear for his life (Nehemiah 6:2).

e) Biblical Example:
The Pharisees, like Tobias and Sanballat, opposed the ministry of Jesus through criticism and false accusations (Matthew 12:14).

2. STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH TOBIAS AND SANBALLATS
When dealing with adversaries like Tobias and Sanballat, we need to adopt specific strategies to resist their influence and remain focused on our mission.

a) Stay Focused on the Vision
Nehemiah did not allow the mockery of his enemies to distract him from his mission (Nehemiah 4:6).

b) Use Prayer as a Weapon
Nehemiah turned to God in prayer, asking for strength and protection against his enemies (Nehemiah 4:9).

c) Strengthen Your Team and Fellowship
Nehemiah encouraged his workers, reminding them of the greatness of their task and God’s protection (Nehemiah 4:14).

d) Expose the Enemy’s Plans
Nehemiah was alert to the plans of his enemies and did not allow them to secretly sabotage his work (Nehemiah 6:10-13).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus exposed the deceit of the Pharisees and stood firm in His calling (Matthew 23:27-28).

3. THE ATTACKS OF TOBIAS AND SANBALLAT
Tobias and Sanballat used various methods to try and thwart Nehemiah’s work. Similarly, we must recognize the strategies of the enemy against us.

a) Mockery and Ridicule
They mocked the work of God, attempting to undermine the confidence of the people (Nehemiah 4:1-3).

b) Distraction and Division
They sought to distract Nehemiah by sending false messages to derail his progress (Nehemiah 6:1-4).

c) Physical and Emotional Threats
Tobias and Sanballat used intimidation, trying to make Nehemiah fear for his life (Nehemiah 6:10-13).

d) Deceptive Peace Offers
They invited Nehemiah to meet with them to “discuss” the work, but their true intentions were to harm him (Nehemiah 6:2-3).

e) Biblical Example:
The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, trying to distract Him from His mission (Matthew 4:1-11).

4. HOW TO OVERCOME THE TOBIAS AND SANBALLATS IN YOUR LIFE
Victory comes when we stand firm in faith and utilize God’s power to overcome opposition.

a) Declare Your Confidence in God’s Power
Nehemiah boldly proclaimed that the work would continue because the Lord was with them (Nehemiah 4:6).

b) Keep Building in the Face of Opposition
Despite opposition, Nehemiah and his team continued to work with perseverance and faith (Nehemiah 4:15-16).

c) Pray for Divine Protection
Nehemiah prayed for God’s protection against the plots of the enemy (Nehemiah 4:9).

d) Remain Alert and Discern the Enemy’s Tactics
Nehemiah was wise in recognizing the tricks and lies of his enemies and stayed alert (Nehemiah 6:10-13).

**e) Biblical Example:
Paul resisted the false apostles and remained firm in his calling to spread the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).

5. THE REWARD FOR OVERCOMING YOUR TOBIAS AND SANBALLATS
When we successfully overcome opposition, God rewards our faithfulness with great victories and divine favour.

a) Completion of the Work
Nehemiah completed the wall in record time, despite the opposition (Nehemiah 6:15).

b) Divine Protection and Strength
God protected Nehemiah and his workers throughout the process (Nehemiah 4:15).

c) Honour and Praise from God
Nehemiah and the Jews were honoured for their work and faithfulness (Nehemiah 12:27).

d) Unstoppable Progress
Despite the enemy’s opposition, God ensured that Nehemiah’s work was not hindered (Nehemiah 6:16).

e) Biblical Example:
David overcame Goliath, and God elevated him to be king (1 Samuel 17:50-51).

CONCLUSION
Every believer will face oppositions in life, but God promises us victory over all adversaries. The Tobiases and Sanballats in your life may try to mock, ridicule, and distract you, but God’s plan for your life cannot be thwarted. Stay focused, pray fervently, and trust in the Lord’s power to deal with every enemy. Just as Nehemiah finished the wall, you will complete your God-given assignment and experience divine breakthrough.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Every Tobias and Sanballat in my life, be exposed and destroyed in Jesus' name!

2. I decree and declare that every plan of the enemy against my destiny shall fail!

3. O Lord, give me the strength to complete my assignment despite opposition!

4. I cancel every evil plot and conspiracy against my life!

5. My destiny will not be delayed by the mockery of the enemy!

6. I receive divine protection against every spiritual attack!

7. Every power working to distract me from my calling, be silenced now!

8. O God, grant me the wisdom to discern and overcome the tricks of the enemy!

9. Every wall the enemy has built against my progress, I break it down in Jesus' name!

10. Thank You, Lord, for granting me victory over every Tobias and Sanballat!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. Every enemy plotting against your destiny shall fail in Jesus’ name!

2. Your progress and breakthrough will not be hindered by mockers and distractors!

3. You will complete your assignment and receive divine elevation!

4. Every opposition to your purpose shall be frustrated by the power of God!

5. The enemy’s plot against you will backfire!

6. You will experience supernatural protection and victory in all areas of your life!

7. No weapon formed against you shall prosper!

8. Your destiny is unshakable and unstoppable!

9. Every trap set by the enemy will catch them instead of you!

10. The Lord will reward your faithfulness with divine honour and favour!

In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen!