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#3 à Making Harmony Out Of. Discord Neh 5:1-19. Lessons From Nehemiah. Making Harmony Out Of Discord Neh 5:1-19. The Situation The Jews Created. Times were indeed tough for the Jews Poverty & famine had gripped them v. 2 Many mortgaged themselves just to live v. 3
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#3 à Making Harmony Out Of Discord Neh 5:1-19 LessonsFromNehemiah
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Situation The Jews Created • Times were indeed tough for the Jews • Poverty & famine had gripped them v. 2 • Many mortgaged themselves just to live v. 3 • Many mortgaged themselves just to pay their taxes v. 4 • Due to defaulted loans, many families became enslaved v. 5
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Situation The Jews Created • The Jews made matters worse by charging brethren usury, interest v. 7 • A violation of the Law Ex 22:25 Lev 25:35-38 • This drove a wedge between brethren, causing the disadvantaged to cry out v. 1
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Situation The Jews Created • Sometimes, adversity brings out the worst in people ordinarily governed by principle • Distress can cause us only to think of ourselves, use others…even brethren • Jeremiah had so prophesied Jer 47:3 • Jesus refused to do so Mt 26:53 • Imagine how Nehemiah must have felt?
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Solution Nehemiah Sought • His plan emphasized unity over division • Initially, he was angry v. 6 • Sin should anger us Prov 119:104 Jn 2:14-15 • Nehemiah made sure he remained in control himself v. 7a cp. Prov 14:29 • When sure of his own emotions, then he confronted the guilty v. 7b
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Solution Nehemiah Sought • His plan emphasized unity over division • He stressed principle v. 9a • He convicts them of sin • He points them to the damage they’ve done to their reputation, God’s way vv. 8a, 9b cp. 2 Sam 12:14 Titus 2:5 • The guilty were unable to answer v. 8b
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Solution Nehemiah Sought • His plan emphasized unity over division • He placed them under an oath vv. 12b-13 • Their word became more than a promise • More importantly, he led by example • Being an example to others is always commendable 1 Tim 4:12
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Solution Nehemiah Sought • His plan emphasized unity over division • More importantly, he led by example • Nehemiah offered himself as a role model vv. 8a, 10, 14-18 • He only asked of them what he did himself • Doing for others is more important than one’s own individual “rights” cp. 1 Cor 9:3-12
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 The Solution Nehemiah Sought • His plan emphasized unity over division • Finally, he prayed v. 19 • Once again, Nehemiah shows himself to be a devout man who prayed cp. 1 Thess. 5:17
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 Conclusion • Unity, harmony was no more needed in Nehemiah’s day than ours • Satan tries to ruin God’s work in the church just as he tried to stop the building of the walls • He’ll use external servants • He’ll even use internal strife, division
Making Harmony Out Of DiscordNeh 5:1-19 Conclusion • Christians are exhorted re: unity Eph 4:3 • Keeping unity is as vital as gaining it • Paul mentions ways unity is “kept” • Lay aside falsehood…speak truth Eph 4:25 • Confront unity’s enemey Eph 4:26 • Be willing to share with the needy Eph 4:28
