Nehemiah 5:1-19 – “Opposition from within”

Jon Beck

Nehemiah 5:1-19

INTRO

  • Chapter 4 – opposition from the outside
  • Chapter 5  – opposition from within
  • Dealing with internal conflict
  • Expect it (we live in a fallen world
  • Prepare for it
  • Deal with it rightly (biblically, in fear of God)
  • Nehemiah again gives a great lesson in leadership

The Outcry of the People – vv. 1-5

There was an outcry of the people.

  • They were in need of food
  • They had mortgaged their property
  • Bartered their own children.

The problem was from within

  • It was not done by the enemy, but by fellow Jews
  • They should have been doing all that was possible to help each other.

They were taking advantage of one another.

  • High interest
  • Looking out only for themselves
  • Selfish and Greedy

Nehemiah’s Solution – vv. 6-11

NOT BE RIGHT…. BUT GET IT RIGHT!

He was upset – v. 6

  • Burdened, Righteous Anger

He sought the truth – v. 7

  • Prayed
  • Pondered

Spoke Plainly

  • Biblical communication – Matt. 18:15-20
  • Speak the truth in love – Eph. 4:15
  • Deal with the issues at hand

Focused on the Lord

  • Their sin is against a holy God
  • It impacted their walk
  • It impacted their witness

Provided the solution

  • Repent
    • Recognize the sin
    • Turn from the sin
    • Live differently

Nehemiah’s Example – vv. 14-17

His preaching matched his living

  • His money
  • His stuff
  • His work
    • Diligent
    • Disciplined

They were greedy… Nehemiah was a giver – v. 14

  • Took care of 150 men – vv. 17-18
  • NOT ME… BUT OTHERS

He did all to please God – v. 19

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