I reprimanded the officials and said, is the house of God “So “Why forsaken?’” What is really important to you? Are you seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Spiritual Ministry Takes Priority Over Financial Support for the Leadership Roles I gathered them together and restored them “Then to their posts.” Notice he did not pay them first; he had them recommit to their proper roles for spiritual leadership and ministry; then he had the people perform their financial obligations Financial Support Depends on Faithful Giving on the Part of All of People Judah then brought the tithe of the grain, God’s “All wine, and oil into the storehouses.” Financial Support Requires Reliable Administration in charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok “And the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered reliable, and it was their task to distribute to their kinsmen.” Looking for faithful men who could be trusted (Neh 13:14) CONCLUSION: PRAYER REFRAIN SOLICITING – GOD’S FAVOR me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal “Remember deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services.” me” this refrain occurs at the end of each of the three rebukes in “Remember – Neh 13:22, 31 = basis for outlining the chapter Appropriate to expect God to show favor and reward such faithful behavior; not expressing any pride here; Nehemiah has put his life on the line in many situations and taken decisive action to further kingdom purposes God’s [Ruth 2:12 encouraging verses] – CORRUPTION OF WORSHIP REQUIRES CONSTANT VIGILANCE AND GODLY LEADERSHIP TO PURIFY AND RESTORE PRACTICES TO BIBLICAL NORMS
“So I reprimanded the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?’” What is really important to you? Are you seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Spiritual Ministry Takes Priority Over Financial Support for the Leadership Roles “Then I gathered them together and restored them to their posts.” Notice he did not pay them first; he had them recommit to their proper roles for spiritual leadership and ministry; then he had the people perform their financial obligations Financial Support Depends on Faithful Giving on the Part of All of God’s People “All Judah then brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses.” Financial Support Requires Reliable Administration “And in charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered reliable, and it was their task to distribute to their kinsmen.” Looking for faithful men who could be trusted (Neh 13:14) CONCLUSION: PRAYER REFRAIN – SOLICITING GOD’S FAVOR “Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services.” “Remember me” – this refrain occurs at the end of each of the three rebukes in Neh 13:22, 31 = basis for outlining the chapter Appropriate to expect God to show favor and reward such faithful behavior; not expressing any pride here; Nehemiah has put his life on the line in many situations and taken decisive action to further God’s kingdom purposes [Ruth 2:12 – encouraging verses] CORRUPTION OF WORSHIP REQUIRES CONSTANT VIGILANCE AND GODLY LEADERSHIP TO PURIFY AND RESTORE PRACTICES TO BIBLICAL NORMS
6562.Nehemiah-Commentary_2D00_Paul-Apple.docx