Nehemiah 3-5-23
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“True Leadership”
“True Leadership”
Evidently, management is not the same thing as leadership.
Dr. Richard Albert Mohler Jr.
Our theme for this year is “The Church and me in 2023”. We will be focusing on Church outreach and our involvement in God’s Church.
The Church and Me in 2023
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We are in a series simply titled “Rebuilding”
Through this series we study Nehemiah and his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
With this we will see how to apply the techniques and lessons learned in Nehemiah to our lives today.
How to rebuild, restore, and renew our lives, our ministry, our church, and our relationship with Christ.
Taking on a ministry means you are a leader of sorts.
A Christian leader can apply in many different roles….
in the community
in the church
in the home
Literally anywhere you go, you may be called to be a leader, pointing others to Christ.
Today we are going to explore what an unselfish leader looks like.
We will answer the question, what is true leadership?
We are in chapter 5 and we will be continuing where we left off, starting in verse 14.
14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
18 Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
19 Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
*open prayer*
Today we are going to see examples of Nehemiah’s unselfish leadership, an important element as we dive into our “rebuilding” series.
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
Nehemiah 5:14 (NAC Ezr-Es): We see something in this chapter that was never mentioned before. The dialogue with King Artaxerxes in Neh 2 does not lead us to expect that Nehemiah would be in Jerusalem twelve years (445–433 b.c.). It is possible that he returned to Susa after a year or so and then was reappointed for a longer time. Or his appointment as governor may have been made after he was in Jerusalem.
We see Nehemiah put the work of God ahead of his own personal interests
He certainly had the right to tax the people to support him in his endeavor, but knew it ultimately would not benefit the work at hand.
We see another example of this with Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 9. Specifically verse 1-15, but lets quickly look at verses 11-15.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
When it comes to financial support, Paul could have asked for it, but in this case it was better for the spreading of the Gospel that he didn’t.
BTW, when talking about churches, our ministries, or even evangelistic opportunities, there is something wicked with the idea of not doing it because “the money isn’t right”.
That is an excuse we tell ourselves often...
It can be hard to step out on faith and trust God to meet your needs….
But taking care of you is His to deal with, not you.
That is part of stepping out on faith.
Lets run some verses on that...
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
Here is another one....
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
God gives us discernment to determine certain things, but He is not going to call in into a ministry that will not ultimately be good.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
There are too many church leaders today that treat the ministry as a job and not a calling.
They want to be preachers but not pastors….
They want to be staff employees, not servants.
Bosses, not leaders...
We are failing future leaders of the church by not preparing men and women of God to conduct the work of God.
We need to prepare the men and women of God to conduct the work of God.
We need to teach them what it is, and also, what it isn’t.
I know I am relatively new in this capacity, but I thank God I had a seasoned Pastor explain to me what the difference is between a pastor and a preacher.
A good preacher proclaims a message on Sunday morning.
He prepares a message.
Puts in the research and time.
Spends countless hours praying fervently over what words to use, what message to speak.
All in preparation to speak to an audience.
BTW....A good preacher preaches to an audience of one....
A pastor works the ministers all hours of the day.
A pastor tends to the flock
A Shepard, that carries his staff.
He guides the flock with one side, and with the other a weapon to ward off the wolfs.
He has discernment to know which end to use and when.
I should emphasis, the pastor that taught me this did not say it audibly...
He showed me with his actions.
I hope one day I will be able to get to that point...
True leadership is a righteous act of service...
Lets look again at verse 15.
But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
Even though he had a right, even though others have done this before him….
Nehemiah goes on to tell us his reasoning behind his decision….
Nehemiah truly did not care what his peers operated in the past, or what the crowd thought, or what the rest of the world thought for that matter.
He was there for one reason and one reason only, to serve the Lord and build this wall!
Its interesting because Nehemiah did not stop at not taxing the people, he actually gave to those in need!
Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
Nehemiah was provided with lots of food from the king do to the position he was appointed…
Food he could have kept to himself.
He could have let go to waist.
He could have attempted to make profit off of.
Instead he generously gave.
What is it about power that makes man want more….
The same could be true about money. When they get it, all they want is more….
It’s why people turn to a life of crime…
According to retired cold case homicide detective, J. Warner Wallace there are only 3 main reasons people commit crimes…
financial greed
Sexual or relational lust
Pursuit of power
People with power will abuse that power for the same 3 reasons.
Why do people abuse power?
Greed
Lust
Power
Why do people abuse power?
Greed
Lust
Power
one commentator said this “The depth of one’s reverence for God will determine one’s decisions.”
Nehemiah did not only feed others, he even paid for some of the expenses on his own. He is an example of another verse we see in the new testament…
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Lets look at verse 19.
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
It should come as no surprise, this chapter ends with another prayer….
Nehemiah asks God to think upon him, or “remember” him.
Some have suggested this as a selfish thought, but lets keep in mind Nehemiah is not seeking gratification from man. He is speaking to God.
It is interesting to note, the book of Nehemiah was likely just a diary. It is not a letter or book addressed to anyone in particular.
If that is the case I am glad God gave us this diary, so we can see the insights of this man of God.
Nehemiah 5:19 (NAC Ezr-Es): Even though Nehemiah knew how to take definite action and exert courageous leadership, his dependence was on God. The Christian leader faces many delicate matters. The internal problems of greed, inequality, and injustice that Nehemiah faced were delicate and serious. But he reacted carefully yet swiftly and decisively, trusting in God’s help and the guidance of his Word. He confronted the offender privately and made the matter clear (the implication of v. 7). Then he called an assembly, since public issues must be dealt with in public. Yet he exhibited a humble attitude throughout. He was an example of generosity, setting an example of unselfish service.
Nehemiah was a leader in both the public atmosphere and in his private life.
He did not just talk the talk, he walked the walk.
Remember how important it is to pray....
Let’s talk about this type of prayer for a minute.
“Think upon me”….
The phrase means- name, mention, remember; take to court, make known, profess, praise; to recall knowledge from memory or have a recollection; to keep in mind for attention or consideration; to be called to mind; to cause something to be remembered by others; to make reference to
Here are all the ways this Hebrew word here is translated.
זכר
remember, remembered, Remembering
make mention
be remembered
mention
think
mindful
call, calling to remembrance
be mentioned
Is it Selfish to pray this way???
Are there examples of this type of prayer in scripture?
Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people:
O visit me with thy salvation;
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
O Lord, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Now lets look at some times when God “remembered people”
And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;
And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.
Who remembered us in our low estate:
For his mercy endureth for ever:
And of course, after the thief on the cross asked Jesus to remember him, this was his response.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Nehemiah is a true leader.
If you learn anything about him, learn this first.
He is a man of action.
And..
He is a man of Prayer!
True leadership is bathed in prayer.
True leadership is bathed in prayer.
As a leader in the faith, strong prayer life is a must.
Lets look at Philippians chapter 4 real quick…
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Think on these things...
Nehemiah asked God to “think upon him”
Here we are told what things we should think on....
True, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise...
Often times as we only think about the bad, the negative.
This is really true in any type of Church leadership.
We are our worst critics sometimes....
As Paul said to Timothy..
Preach the word!
We want to be right, but its ok to learn when we are wrong...
Lets look at this phrase....
Be careful for nothing…
As a christian, is it wrong to pray for yourself?
Is it wrong to pray “Lord, remember me”?
I think scripturally we have a clear answer.
Nehemiah has accomplished so much with God’s guidance.
to whom much is given, much is required…
But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
When God gives us money, power, influence, etc… It is important that we use it righteously.
If God cannot trust you with a little, why would he give you more?
Thinking about it this way, we can see why it may good for us to have less, or go through hardships and troubled times.
We have spent a lot of time talking about prayer today.
All that time in prayer is useless if you don’t have someone to pray to.
One that listens to your prayers.
One that truly wants the best for you...
Thankfully we have an amazing God to pray to...
His name is Jesus.
Do you know Jesus today?
Let me ask it this way…
If you were to die today, would you go to heaven?
Do you for sure know the answer to that question?
The most important decision of your life centers around how you choose to answer that question.
What determines how you get into heaven?
Jesus is the answer.
He is so loving, so amazing, and he came as a servant.
By choice…
And he came for one reason, not to condemn the world, but to save it.
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He loves us so much, He offers us redemption.
It is not His will that any should perish...
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, can I encourage you to come to Him today?
Christian brothers and sisters, true leadership starts with prayer...
Is there something you should be in prayer about today.
If you have business with God, will you come today?
*Closing Prayer*