How Badly Do You Want The Word?
Re-Examining Your Responsibility • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 7 viewsNotes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Re-examining your responsibility means taking another look at the things I am required to do for which i must give an account
This re-examination must be done through the agency of God’s word
HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT IT?
Nehemiah chapter 8 truly exposes the attitude of the Israelites towards the word. This text is not about the “preacher” but the people. (13x between verse 1-12; “all the people” 9x collective spirit on display)
They Had Desire (Neh 8:1)
They Had Desire (Neh 8:1)
Their eagerness to rebuild and be restored seemed to have been matched by their eagerness for the word.
1 Pet 2:1-3 - leaving ungodliness becomes successful when I go towards the word
Job 23:12 - Job expresses a longing for God which is matched by his attitude toward the word of God
They Were Attentive (Neh 8:3)
They Were Attentive (Neh 8:3)
The word attentive is not in the original manuscript but is supplied because of what the word “understand” means. This message is profound because their lack of attentiveness led to this predicament.
“But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing.
“And I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen.’
The phrase “he who has ears, let him hear” (used 18x times, all by Jesus)
They Had Respect (Neh 8:5)
They Had Respect (Neh 8:5)
Their time in captivity could have re-shaped their disposition regarding God’s word. Pre-captivity they rejected God’s word (Hos 4:6)
“The wise men are put to shame, They are dismayed and caught; Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, And what kind of wisdom do they have?
Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jesus says “if you love me, keep my commandments”
God said “this is my beloved Son, hear ye Him” - this verse encapsulates the concept that i must have the same respect for God’s word as I have for God!
Respect comes from:
Knowing where the word came from
Knowing what the word can do
They Celebrated it (Neh 8:9-12)
They Celebrated it (Neh 8:9-12)
Their reaction to hearing the law acts an indictment for our response to the word today. The gospel does way more than the law ever did; how should we respond?
BONUS POINT: They Did it
BONUS POINT: They Did it
All of this would be pointless if we do not practice what the word says
James 1:22 “Act on what you hear!” (The Message)