Blake Jennings

Grace Bible Church

“Beyond Justice to Generosity”

Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah's determination turned to anger. Attacks from enemies were to be expected, but God's own people hurting one another was reprehensible. The people of the land were called to restore a worshipping community for the glory of God's reputation. How could they do this if some were profiting by the destruction of their brothers? Nehemiah confronted his fellow Israelites, gave them specific directives to remedy the harm they had done, and then he led them by example. He sacrificed for God's people and surrendered his right to personal profit. The result was a unified community, glorifying God together.

I. The Disease

Selfishness:

“looking after own desires: concerned with one’s own interests, needs, and wishes while ignoring those of others”

Consequences:

– For humanity – spiritual death

– For believers

• Spiritual anemia

• Disunity

II. The Cure

Step 1: Treat one another justly

– Lev 25:35-37

– Exod 22:25-27

Step 2: Go beyond justice to generosity

– Phil 2:3-8

Where to find the Cure

5:18b – Find selflessness in compassion

Grow compassion through:

• relationships

• recognition of our mutual dependence (1 Cor 12:14,18-26)

• practice

5:15 – Find selflessness in the fear of God

– “Fear” = gratefulness for His grace

• Lev 25:37-38

– “Fear” = reverence for His coming judgment

• Luke 6:38; 2 Cor 5:9-10