READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l How can Christians make a difference in society today?
Let us look at Nehemiah 5 by breaking it down into three parts.
1. PROBLEM: Enslavement (v1-5)
The rebuilding of the walls required a lot of effort and financial sacrifice, and the lower classes and farmers complained against the wealthier Jews. To make ends meet, the poor were forced to borrow money and even sell their children into slavery to pay their debts. Old Testament law banned Jews from charging interest on loans to fellow Jews.
2. SOLUTION: Redemption (v6-13)
Nehemiah was angry that upper class Jews were oppressing their own countrymen witnessed by Gentile enemies. They were taking advantage of the situation to enrich themselves. Nehemiah spoke up against debt slavery. For him to take issue with the rich and powerful was also sensitive as they were the drivers of the economy.
Nehemiah preached redemption! The rebuilding of the walls was supposed to unite the Jewish people and remind them of their roots and distinct heritage as God’s chosen people but what happened here had the opposite effect. Christians need to develop a strong sense of biblical redemption to any practice of enslavement to injustice. This was what Jesus did! He redeemed us from slavery to sin and death and we are to have redemption in our hearts too! The people listened to what Nehemiah had to say and responded positively even taking an oath that they would indeed pay back!
3. RESOLUTION: Witness (v14-19)
Nehemiah spent 12 years in Jerusalem as governor. He did not exercise any right to benefits he was entitled to! If he had exercised his rights it would have been at the expense of the people. He constantly had large numbers to feed (150 people) but he somehow managed to do it without burdening the people with high tax. He had a heart of love and generous justice, and showed it through his financial integrity.
Christian Discipleship Principles
- Stewardship: Love people, use money! Never use people, love money!
- Com-Mission: Let us constantly be aware of how people can be redeemed from unrighteous enslavement. We do this because Jesus did it for us!
- Duty: Influential and affluent Christians need to look out and speak up against injustice and oppression.
- Financial Prudence: Manage debt well. Don’t commit beyond your means as a way of being a good witness for Jesus.
- Financial Generosity: Help the poor (especially fellow Christians) get out of chronic debt and poverty with honour and dignity. This is testimony of God’s love extended to us, and therefore extended to others.
- Financial Integrity: Don’t profit at the expense of the needy.
- Reverent Love: Fear God (Justice) and serve God’s people (Love). Be merciful, gracious and generous as God is to us.
God desires us to have justice and love in our hearts and this is termed mercy. We are to be Nehemiah to our Community.
(Sermon notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What comes to mind when you think of “Injustice” in society? What do you think are some of the “injustice” that happens daily which often gets ignored? Suppose you witness one of such injustice, what would you do? (Ignore or help?)
- Read v1-5 and list down what the outcry is against? Who and what is the issue?
- Although slavery may not exist today – but enslavement to money still happens. How are ways a Christian can become enslaved by money?
- Read v6-11 – Who do you think Nehemiah’s issue was against? What was the issue? (v8) Nehemiah confronted the nobles and the rich for an issue – Why is this wrong even when this is not an issue in the eyes of the state? Why do you think Nehemiah felt convicted to do so? Would you risk confronting the nobles and rich? Why and why not?
- Read v14-18. Nehemiah resolved to live very differently as an affluent god-fearing leader. He exercised wisdom to abstain from privileged & luxurious practices that burdened his people. Describe how this can also apply in our lives as Christian leaders? What are some examples in our context that we can become a witness to those around?
- See P&P Sermon on the 7 discipleship points – share which ones resonate with you and how you can put it in practice in your life?
- Read v19 – Describe Nehemiah’s fear and love for God from this statement and what impact it has on his life and the life of the community. How can you become modern Nehemiah for God and your community? Share some ways with each other.
