Renew Your Commitment to God

Nehemiah 10:28–39 (ESV)

“The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord and his rules and his statutes. We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. And if the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day. And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.

“We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: for the showbread, the regular grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the appointed feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, have likewise cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law. We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor. And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse. For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”

Introduction:

The book of Nehemiah is more than just a historical account of rebuilding a city; it’s a powerful narrative of spiritual renewal, resilience, and recommitment to God. As we journeyed through this book, we saw the Israelites return from exile, rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and reestablish their identity as God’s chosen people. But the true strength of their restoration wasn’t in the stones and mortar but in the renewal of their covenant with God.

The walls have been completed, the people have settled, and a sense of accomplishment is in the air. But Nehemiah knew that the real work was just beginning. The physical walls were up, but the spiritual walls—the ones that would guard their hearts and guide their lives—needed to be rebuilt with even greater care.

The Israelites understood that their efforts would be in vain without a renewed commitment to God. They recognized that the covenant made with their forefathers was not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing commitment that needed to be reaffirmed and lived out daily.

In Nehemiah 10- We witnessed a profound moment when the people came together to remember the covenant and renew it actively. They made a public declaration, a covenant of commitment, vowing to live according to God’s Word, to support His work, and to set their lives apart for His glory. This wasn’t just about ritual or tradition; it was about aligning their lives with God’s purposes in a fresh, transformative way.

As we explore this chapter, we are invited to consider our lives. Are there areas where our spiritual walls have crumbled? Are there places where we need to renew our commitment to God?

The story of Nehemiah 10 is not just their story; it’s our story, too. It’s a call to examine our hearts, to recommit ourselves to God’s Word, and to live out our faith with renewed passion and purpose.

Transition: As we delve into this chapter, the first aspect of this renewed commitment that stands out is the people's dedication to obeying God's Law. This wasn't just a formality; it was a deep, heartfelt commitment to live according to the statutes given to them by God. This first aspect also calls you and me to. . .

Commit to Obeying God's Law (vv.28-29)

Nehemiah 10:28–29 (ESV)

28 “The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and all who have separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters, all who have knowledge and understanding, 29 join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord and his rules and his statutes.

Context: The Israelites realized that true spiritual renewal required a recommitment to God’s Word. They publicly bound themselves under a curse and an oath to obey God's Law, demonstrating their seriousness.

Word Study: The Hebrew word for “curse” here is *alah*, which means a solemn vow with severe consequences if broken. This wasn’t a casual promise but a deep, solemn commitment.

Joshua 1:8 ESV

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

This verse reinforces the importance of committing to God’s Law as a path to blessing and success.

Psalm 119:105 ESV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This reference highlights how God’s Word guides our lives, making the case for why obeying His Law is crucial.

James 1:22 ESV

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

This New Testament reference emphasizes the need to act on God’s Word, not just listen to it, tying into the idea of a deep commitment to obedience.

Illustration: Imagine a ship sailing through a storm. The captain relies on the navigational charts to guide the ship safely to its destination. In the same way, we must commit to obeying God's Word as our spiritual navigation system, especially when we face life's storms.

Application: Just as the Israelites recommitted themselves to God’s Word, we, too, must take seriously our commitment to live according to Scripture. It's easy to be a hearer of the Word, but the challenge is to be a doer. Ask yourself: Are there areas in your life where you’ve strayed from God’s commands? What steps can you take to recommit today?

Transition: Now that we’ve seen the importance of recommitting ourselves to obeying God’s Word, let’s move on to aspect of our covenant with Him—our commitment live a life set apart for God.

Live a Life Set Apart for God (vv.30-31)

Nehemiah 10:30–31 (ESV)

30 We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons. 31 And if the peoples of the land bring in goods or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day. And we will forego the crops of the seventh year and the exaction of every debt.

Context: The Israelites committed to live differently from the surrounding nations, especially in their relationships and observance of the Sabbath. They understood that their identity as God’s people required a distinct way of life.

Word Study: The word “set apart” is related to the Hebrew concept of *qadosh*, meaning holy or sacred. To be set apart is to be distinct, dedicated to God, and separate from the world’s practices.

We sac track this theme throughout the Word of God. . .

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

This verse supports the call to live distinctively as God’s people, resisting the patterns of the world.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

This reference emphasizes the identity of believers as set apart for God’s purposes.

2 Corinthians 6:17 ESV

17 Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

This verse ties directly to the idea of living separately from worldly influences, as the Israelites committed to do in Nehemiah 10.

Illustration: Consider the uniqueness of a diamond among ordinary stones. Its brilliance and value come from its distinctiveness. In the same way, our lives should reflect the light of Christ, standing out in a world that often lives in darkness.

Application: How distinct is your life from the world around you? Are you conforming to the patterns of this world, or are you living as someone set apart for God? This commitment to a set-apart life isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing holiness in every aspect of our lives.

Transition: Now that we’ve seen the importance of recommitting ourselves to obeying God’s Word and setting ourselves apart for God’s purpose let’s move on to another critical aspect of our covenant with Him—our commitment to faithful stewardship. Just as obedience is vital to our spiritual walk, so is our responsibility to support the work of God’s kingdom.

Manage God’s Blessings Faithfully (vv.32-39)

Nehemiah 10:32–39 (ESV)

32 “We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the showbread, the regular grain offering, the regular burnt offering, the Sabbaths, the new moons, the appointed feasts, the holy things, and the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 34 We, the priests, the Levites, and the people, have likewise cast lots for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our fathers’ houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law. 35 We obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of every tree, year by year, to the house of the Lord; 36 also to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God, the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks; 37 and to bring the first of our dough, and our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and to bring to the Levites the tithes from our ground, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our towns where we labor. 38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites receive the tithes. And the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers of the storehouse. 39 For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God.”

Context: The Israelites made a series of specific commitments regarding their giving and tithing, reflecting their desire to honor God with the first and best of what they had. These were not casual promises but binding commitments that recognized everything they possessed as a gift from God, affirming their role as stewards of His blessings. The text reveals their dedication to ensuring the ongoing work of the temple and the needs of those serving there.

The Israelites made a solemn pledge to financially support the temple of God. They committed to bringing offerings, the first fruits of their harvest, and their tithes to ensure that the work of God’s house continued without interruption. This was more than a financial obligation; it was an act of worship, a tangible expression of their devotion to the Lord.

Word Study: The term "firstfruits" (reshit in Hebrew) refers to the initial yield of the harvest, considered the best and most valuable part. Offering the firstfruits to God acknowledged His sovereignty and goodness, demonstrating trust that He would provide for the rest of the harvest. Similarly, the "tithes" (maaser) were a tenth of all produce, given to support the Levites, who had no inheritance of their own and relied on these tithes for sustenance.

Illustration: Imagine a vineyard in the hands of a skilled gardener. The gardener doesn't just plant seeds and walk away; he nurtures the soil, waters the plants, prunes the vines, and protects the harvest. In the same way, God has entrusted us with resources—time, talents, and treasure—not to be hoarded or wasted but to be invested in His kingdom. Our stewardship is like tending a garden; it’s about faithfully nurturing what God has given us so that it bears fruit for His glory.

Proverbs 3:9–10 ESV

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

The Israelites didn’t just talk about giving; they acted on it. They committed to bringing the firstfruits of their crops, their livestock, and their dough to the temple. They also brought their tithes to the Levites, ensuring that those who were dedicated to serving God’s house were provided for. This was not just a one-time gesture; they committed to doing this year after year. Their actions were a powerful declaration that their resources belonged to God and that they were willing to invest in His work continually.

Application: Just as the Israelites brought their first and best to the Lord, we too are called to give God the firstfruits of our lives—whether it’s our time, our talents, or our finances. Tithing and giving are ways we can actively participate in God’s ongoing work. It’s a way of saying, "Lord, I trust You to provide for my needs, and I want to honor You with what You’ve given me." When we commit to tithing and giving, we follow in the footsteps of the Israelites, who understood that their blessings came from God and were meant to be shared for His glory.

If you are not committed to tithing and giving offerings, you are selling yourself short and failing your church. I know that sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 that when we withhold our tithes, we miss out on the blessings that come from fully trusting God and supporting His work.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7 ESV

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Our church depends on the faithfulness of its members, and when we fail to give, we are shortchanging ourselves and the mission God has entrusted to us. Let’s be honest—our commitment to giving reflects our commitment to God and His church.

Many say, "What I give is between me and God." And yes, that’s true. But remember, what you choose not to give is also between you and God. Your commitment should reflect your obedience to God’s command to tithe and give. Statements like these shouldn’t serve as a shield for non-commitment; rather, they should remind us that God expects us to honor Him with the firstfruits of our labor. Tithing and giving are not just obligations but acts of worship that demonstrate our trust in God’s provision.

I’m going to say something that might make some of us feel uncomfortable and perhaps even offend others. But it needs to be said: If you do not tithe, you are not fully trusting God—especially when it comes to believing in His provision. This isn’t just my opinion; it’s what the Bible clearly teaches in Malachi 3:10. God challenges us to test Him in this area, to trust that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing when we honor Him with our tithes. So, let’s not deceive ourselves—trusting God includes trusting Him with our finances.

Malachi 3:10 ESV

10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Transition: Now that we’ve seen how these commitments—to obedience, stewardship, and a set-apart life—work together to shape our covenant relationship with God, let’s bring all these ideas together and reflect on what this means for us as we conclude.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Nehemiah 10, we see a people who were serious about their relationship with God. They committed themselves to obey God’s Law, to be faithful stewards, and to live set-apart lives. Today, God calls us to the same level of commitment. Let us renew our covenant with Him, dedicating our lives to His service.

In a world where commitments are often broken, let us be a people who remain steadfast, reflecting the unwavering commitment of Christ Himself. Remember, He was committed even unto death, securing our eternal covenant through His resurrection. Just as the Israelites stood together and committed themselves to God, let us stand together as the body of Christ, committed to living out our faith with integrity, faithfulness, and holiness.

Let’s go forth, building our future together with faith, commitment, and unity—just as our Lord and Savior has taught us. Amen.