Nehemiah 5

4 WAYS TREASURE CAN BE STEWARDED

Righteous rich stewards – Biblical examples of righteous rich stewards include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job (both before and after his life tragedy and season of poverty), Joseph of Arimathea (who gave Jesus his personal tomb), Lydia (who funded much of Paul’s ministry), and Dorcas (who often helped the poor).

Righteous poor stewards – Biblical examples of righteous poor stewards include Ruth and Naomi, Jesus Christ, the widow who gave her mite, the Macedonian church, and Paul, who often knew want and hunger.

Unrighteous rich stewards – Biblical examples of unrighteous rich stewards include Laban, Esau, Nabal, Haman, the rich young ruler, and Judas Iscariot.

Unrighteous poor stewards – Biblical examples of unrighteous poor stewards include the sluggard and the fool, who are repeatedly renounced throughout the book of Proverbs.

Big Idea: The greatest enemy to the people of God will never come from external attack, it will always come from internal discord as a result of unchecked sin.

1. Good Leaders Get Angry at Sin (v.6)

Proverbs 6:16–19 ESV

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

2. Good Leaders Takes Thoughtful, Measured Action Against Sin (v.7)

3. Godly Leaders Call for Repentance and Restitution (v.11)

“The gate of Mercy is opened, and over the door it is written, ‘This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ Between the word “save” and the next word “sinners” there is no adjective. It does not say, “penitent sinners,” “awakened sinners,” “sensible sinners,” “grieving sinners,” or “alarmed sinners.” No, it only says, “sinners.” And I know this, that when I come, I come to Christ today… I dare not come as an adjective sinner, but I come as a sinner with nothing in my hands.” Charles Spurgeon