Series: Renew 2021
Thesis: We need to be renewed by connecting or re-connecting with the Lord this year in 2021. To do this requires a renewed mind, a renewed soul and a renewed passion for Jesus.
Key theme Scriptures for the year:
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:30-31
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” - Romans 12:2
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” - 2 Corinthians 4:16
2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Our theme for 2021 is Re-new - we accomplish this by:
1. Renewing the mind
2. Refreshing the soul
3. Reigniting a passion for Jesus
When we decide to go after these (RE’s) another (RE) occurs – the word is revival – what is a revival? – it’s an extraordinary event moved by the power of the Holy Spirit to get people to repent and come to the Lord. It takes place within the church, within individuals lives, family lives and within the community. Revival is a great spiritual awakening and will change people, families, churches and communities – it’s a divine move of God.
Key point: The “Re’s” we have been exploring are all key ingredients to revival and renewal – these “Re’s” are to be looked on as beacons of light and hope for us to be renewed in 2021. We have to decide to put them into action to get a prayer for revival and renewal.
Sermon 2: Renewal (Nehemiah part 3)
Thesis: The Body of Christ in America needs to be renewed in 2021. They need to follow the example of Nehemiah who returned to Jerusalem by the direction of the Lord to rebuild, restore, rejuvenate, reform and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. All these elements birthed a revival!
Opening Scripture Text: Nehemiah 5: 1-19
Nehemiah’s Concern for the Poor
1Some of the men and their wives complained about the Jews in power 2and said, “We have large families, and it takes a lot of grain merely to keep them alive.” 3Others said, “During the famine we even had to mortgage our fields, vineyards, and homes to them in order to buy grain.” 4Then others said, “We had to borrow money from those in power to pay the government tax on our fields and vineyards. 5We are Jews just as they are, and our children are as good as theirs. But we still have to sell our children as slaves, and some of our daughters have already been raped. We are completely helpless; our fields and vineyards have even been taken from us.” 6When I heard their complaints and their charges, I became very angry. 7 So I thought it over and said to the leaders and officials, “How can you charge your own people interest?” Then I called a public meeting and accused the leaders 8by saying, “We have tried to buy back all of our people who were sold into exile. But here you are, selling more of them for us to buy back!” The officials and leaders did not say a word, because they knew this was true. 9I continued, “What you have done is wrong! We must honor our God by the way we live, so the Gentiles can’t find fault with us. 10My relatives, my friends, and I are also lending money and grain, but we must no longer demand payment in return. 11Now give back the fields, vineyards, olive orchards, and houses you have taken and also the interest you have been paid.” 12The leaders answered, “We will do whatever you say and return their property, without asking to be repaid.” So I made the leaders promise in front of the priests to give back the property. 13Then I emptied my pockets and said, “If you don’t keep your promise, that’s what God will do to you. He will empty out everything you own, even taking away your houses.” The people answered, “We will keep our promise.” Then they praised the Lord and did as they had promised.
Nehemiah Is Generous
14I was governor of Judah from the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was king until the thirty-second year. And during these entire twelve years, my relatives and I refused to accept the food that I was allowed. 15Each governor before me had been a burden to the people by making them pay for his food and wine and by demanding forty silver coins a day. Even their officials had been a burden to the people. But I respected God, and I didn’t think it was right to be so hard on them.
16I spent all my time getting the wall rebuilt and did not buy any property. Everyone working for me did the same thing.
17I usually fed a hundred fifty of our own Jewish people and their leaders, as well as foreign visitors from surrounding lands. 18Each day one ox, six of the best sheep, and lots of chickens were prepared. Then every ten days, a large supply of wine was brought in. I knew what a heavy burden this would have been for the people, and so I did not ask for my food allowance as governor. 19I pray that God will bless me for everything I have done for my people.
Introduction:
The Re’s I discovered in the story of Nehemiah tell us how to be renewed and revived.
In our new section of Nehemiah 5-13 we see Nehemiah upset not just about completing the building project and it’s opposition but also about the needs of the poor and how the political leaders, spiritual leaders and rich were abusing and mistreating the poor people because of the famine.
Our next “Re” is Rectitude and it is defined as: morally correct behavior or thinking; righteousness.
1. Rectitude
a. Nehemiah’s concern for the poor and the abuses toward the poor by the leaders of Israel and wealthy of Israel cause him anger and he confronts the injustice.
i. Rectitude refers to behavior that is correct, upright and honorable. You have moral rectitude if you refuse to be involved with a plan that takes advantage of the poor in times of natural disasters like famine.
1. Poor people were losing their fields and income source due to famine – some over excessive taxation and greed by political leaders.
2. Some of the people were even sold into slavery for failure to pay debts caused by the famine – Israelites were enslaving Israelites.
ii. Does social injustice make you angry?
1. It made Nehemiah angry and upset and he decided to do something about it.
2. He refused to be apart of taking advantage of the poor with excessive taxes that were unable to be paid.
3. So, he confronted the leaders involved in this practice and told them to quit charging interest! They were even to pay these people back and return what they had taken from them! This was wrong!
b. Nehemiah Refused to be a part of the problem in Israel and he instead instituted reform in the political culture, religious culture and business culture.
i. He himself lived as an example of servant leadership forsaking all his perks as a political leader for the sake of the people. He choose not to take money to live an excessive lifestyle as Governor.
T.S. - Nehemiah cared about the people more so than the wall and it shows in this section of Nehemiah! He stopped injustice so revival could ignite. Nehemiah had to deal with multiple issues and problems while doing a project for the Lord – political corruption, greed, enslavement, rape and opposition to the project from Israel’s enemies. But Nehemiah was a man of integrity and fortitude.
2. Rebuilding and more opposition Nehemiah 6:1-19
a. Notice the names of the opposition to Nehemiah (This is very important as we get to the end of Nehemiah):
i. Sanballat
ii. Tobiah
1. I want you to remember these names in our Story.
2. These wicked people are noted in the Bible as wicked and evil!
b. Nehemiah’s life was on the line repeatedly in the midst of the major rebuilding project. Not only was he doing the building project he was instituting reform politically. Nehemiah had God’s wisdom and insight so as to avoid the ambushes of his enemies – enemies of Him - God and Israel.
i. His avoidance of the various setups or traps show a leader with insight – He knew the building project could be thwarted if he was eliminated - Nehemiah knew what they were up too – so he refused to be foolish and meet them in places that were dangerous – they wanted him dead.
1. There is a time to meet and talk and a time to build and reform! He focused on moving forward on the rebuilding of the wall and gates and refused to be caught up in playing games with these wicked leaders.
2. 4x they tried luring him off the rebuilding project so they could kill him and ambush him! He saw through the deception and trap and said I am working not time to meet.
ii. The 5th time they sent a letter filled with accusations and lies about Nehemiah and the people saying they were seeking to rebel from the King.
1. The threats on Nehemiah’s life were real tangible threats – they wanted him dead so the building project would stop – He even had to deal with people in Jerusalem trying to get him filled with fear so as to quit. Yes, some of his own people tried to get him to hide and runaway for safety – but he refused to do so - he refused to lock himself away in his home or even in the temple to be safe.
2. He had determined that Fear would not stop the building project, the political reform or the mission from God.
T.S. – In the midst of the rebuilding the opposition increases – but more Jewish people are returning to Jerusalem.
3. Return - Nehemiah 7:1-73; 11:1-12:47
a. Notice all the different names of those who returned to Judah and Jerusalem – all who I believe were called by God to return and help in the renewal, reform and restoration of Jerusalem.
i. It did take a village and teamwork to accomplish the God given task. This is why we see and read all the names of these people.
T.S. – The people returning from captivity are freed and but they become totally set free when Ezra reads the Word and revival breaks out.
4. Reading of the law brings an act of repentance/remorse: Nehemiah 8:1-18:
a. Ezra read the law and it cut to the heart of the people of Israel see Nehemiah 8:6:
i. They read the Law, they taught and preached on the meaning of the law and on the Words of God! The Word of God always has the power to bring spiritual reform:
1. The people start mourning and weeping as they listened to and heard the Word of God.
2. They realized their sinful condition and grieved over what their forefathers had done in abandoning the Lord.
3. They grieved over their own sin.
a. Notice - When Nehemiah decided to go after the (RE’s) another (RE) occurs – the word is revival – what is a revival? – it’s an extraordinary event moved by the power of the Holy Spirit to get people to repent and come to the Lord. It takes place within the church, within individuals lives, family lives and within the community. Revival is a great spiritual awakening and will change people, families, churches and communities – it’s a divine move of God.
b. The leaders spoke up and said as the grief swept through the nation:
i. “Do not mourn or weep.” Vs 9 Nehemiah then says in vs 10: “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some of those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
1. The leaders calmed the people down!
a. They went home to celebrate the Word and the truth.
b. They reminded everyone the joy of the Lord is their strength.
2. They came back gathered around Ezra to give attention again to God’s Word.
3. They discovered the celebration and ritual of the Feast of Booths so they put it into action and decided to make sure throughout the towns and in Jerusalem they heard the Word of the Lord – many celebrated as instructed by Moses and great joy filled the region.
a. They celebrated 7 days and read and listened to scripture each day and joy filled their hearts and lives – it was great joy.
b. By the way everyone this is revival – renewal – a move of God sweeps across Judah and the people of Israel and rediscover the Word of God.
T.S. – The reading and teaching of God’s Word on receptive hearts will always ignite a revival! It will also bring a revelation to the eyes of the people.
5. Revelation – a revealing from the Word of the Lord happened. They discovered again who God is and why they lost possession of the Promised Land - Nehemiah 9:1- 39:
a. The same month a few weeks later the people come together again fasting, wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. Signs of humbling themselves before God.
i. Revival has invaded their hearts and minds and the things of God have come alive to them again.
ii. The people receive a fresh Revelation of the Lord and see His majesty and might.
b. A stream of Revelation is unleashed and a move of God opens people’s eyes to truth and life.
i. Remember: People were listening to the Word for hours – listening to the singers sing and were involved in worshipping God - they spent hours repenting and confessing their sins to God.
c. The people are also rejoicing standing and celebrating how great God is – “God is from everlasting to everlasting” (9:35-37)
i. They praise His name and say how blessed and glorious His name is!
ii. They declare God alone is Lord!
iii. They shout, “He gives life to everything!”
iv. They sing, “You are the God of miracles and deliverance!”
v. They praise God for how God led them out of slavery in Egypt and they recalled all the miracles the Lord did for the nation of Israel.
vi. They remember how they fell as a nation and turned away from God and rebelled against Him after what He had done for them. They forgot the miracles!
vii. They in the middle of revelation confess the sins of their forefathers and the shame of forcing God to have to bring judgment on their nation. They recall, “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” The revelation keeps flowing!
viii. The people acknowledged how they kept doing evil – they kept forsaking God – they killed His prophet’s so God finally handed them over to their enemies to be crushed, enslaved and oppressed.
ix. The Revelation proclaims, “How the leaders kept rejecting God and His ways and refused to follow the Law, they did not pay attention to God’s commands or warnings God gave them.”
x. They declared even “In prosperity they rejected God more and more.”
xi. The Revelation causes, a wave of confession and repentance and eyes are opened. They see and understand why they had become slaves in the land – we did it to ourselves – God gave us over to sin and we reaped the result of forsaking God’s ways. It was our fault not God’s!
d. After the unveiling and declaration of this revelation with confession they make a binding Covenant to God – a written promise of renewal. They wanted God to know they were serious in returning back to Him and His ways. Then you see all the names who signed this Covenant – this is found in Nehemiah 10:1-29!
i. In Nehemiah they make a list of promises to God so as to do it right this time and not to forsake Him - They all take the oath to be faithful and keep God front and center of their nation and families lives. The promise and pledge is proclaimed and signed into law.
1. See Nehemiah 10:30-39
T.S. – A revelation swept through the nation and the people because they got back into the Word of God and their blind eyes were opened and they saw God as they should. It caused repentance, confession of sin, grief over their sins and a commitment to rededicating themselves to God and His truth.
6. The Rededication of the City of Jerusalem and Judah back to God!
a. Nehemiah 12: 27-47:
i. 27When the city wall was dedicated, Levites from everywhere in Judah were invited to join in the celebration with songs of praise and with the music of cymbals, small harps, and other stringed instruments. 28-29The Levite singers lived in villages around Jerusalem, and so they came from there, as well as from the villages around Netophah, Beth-Gilgal, Geba, and Azmaveth. 30The priests and Levites held special ceremonies to make themselves holy, and then they did the same for the rest of the people and for the gates and walls of the city.
31I brought the leaders of Judah to the top of the city wall and put them in charge of the two groups that were to march around on top of the wall, singing praises to God.
1. Two choir like groups march on the wall singing and play worship to God for His faithfulness to restore and rebuild.
ii. Nehemiah 12:43: God had made the people very happy, and so on that day they celebrated and offered many sacrifices. The women and children joined in the festivities, and joyful shouts could be heard far from the city of Jerusalem.
1. The celebration and dedication of the city back to God brings great joy to everyone!
T.S. – The purpose of the Word of God is for divine revelation to us of our sinful condition and God’s loving provision of forgiveness. It speaks of us taking responsibility for our sins and turning from them so he can bless us. This is what revelation does by the way! This is what God’s Word is designed to do and empowered to do. God’s revelation will always cause political reform, spiritual reform and business reform. It will birth revival!
7. The final Reforms of Nehemiah - his final ones are found in Nehemiah 13 - But also notice His words to God “Remember me Lord!” – See Nehemiah 13:1-31:
a. The spiritual reform of the Lord caused a banning of the Moabites and Ammonites from the assembly of God because of all the trouble they had caused the people of Israel. They were promoters of sin, of rebellion against God! And they needed to be rooted out and cast out!
i. We do have to separate ourselves from those who want to constantly lead us astray from the ways of the Lord.
1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5: What People Will Be Like in the Last Days:
a. 1You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. 2People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, 3heartless, and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything that is good. 4They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. 5Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won’t be real. Don’t have anything to do with such people.
2. Titus 3:10-11: 10Warn troublemakers once or twice. Then don’t have anything else to do with them. 11You know that their minds are twisted, and their own sins show how guilty they are.
b. The final reforms continue and Nehemiah corrects the wrongs again of Eliashib the Priest.
i. This priest allowed a wicked person to steal and take possession of one of the storerooms of Temple. He allowed him to steal from the people of Israel, from God and from God’s worshippers in the Temple. He stole their jobs! Yes, this priest allowed Tobiah to move into one of the storerooms of the Temple. Do you remember his name? Here he is again doing evil! He tried to have Nehemiah killed! He opposed Nehemiah!
1. He did evil while Nehemiah was gone.
a. Vs. 8-11 Nehemiah threw out all of Tobiah’s goods out of the room stolen from the people of Israel and had it purified and returned to what it was to be used for in the worship of God and for taking care of the Levites and the singers in the Temple.
b. Tobiah and the wicked priest stole from the people and from God.
i. Because of this act of treason the worshippers and workers of the Temple were not paid or fed! Because of the injustice of this priest and they had to quit worshipping God because they had returned to their fields to raise grain to eat and support themselves.
c. He removes the priest Eliashib – why He is untrustworthy – He also removed all those associated with him and replaced them with the trustworthy leaders, singers, worshippers and workers.
ii. He also stops the working on the Sabbath and the buying and selling on the Sabbath!
1. Neh. 13:14-22
a. He rebukes the nobles of Judah for allowing this to happen.
i. He calls it wicked!
b. He reminds them that forgetting God is what led to the destruction of the Temple and the city walls in the first place!
c. He asks, “Have you not learned your lesson from the past?”
iii. He addresses the inter-marriage of Jewish and non-Jewish people and how ½ their children could not speak Hebrew or did not even know of the ways of the Lord.
1. He beat some of them and pulled their hair out – ouch!
a. He points out this is how Solomon got himself in trouble with God and caused the nation to divide and eventually fall.
i. Foreign people who reject God and his ways will always lead you into sin! Just look at the history of Israel.
ii. They were practicing unholy things – doing evil and not worshipping the true God of Israel. The Jewish spiritual leaders did nothing to stop it.
iii. Eliashib’s son was even married now to Sanballat’s daughter and they were corrupted by this wicked person.
1. He too tried to have Nehemiah killed and tried stopping the rebuilding of the walls.
2. Nehemiah drove the enemies away! He fired the priest to once again bring reform.
iv. Nehemiah’s cry throughout all the rebuilding and the reforms was: “Remember me Lord” – Nehemiah kept saying it over and over!
1. His mission was hard and difficult! But reform is not easy – confronting corruption is hard and painful.
2. Note: It always is hard when you are standing up for truth and righteousness and the true worship of God. The enemy’s of God hate it!
Conclusion:
What do we need to know from this message?
Answer: When we are doing building projects for the Lord and we discover social injustice we need to fix it and correct it – even in the middle of building a huge project for God. Social injustice needs to be reformed and fixed. It should make us angry and cause us to do something about it!
Why do we need to know this truth?
Answer: Reform will always come from God’s Word and His truth. It will open people’s eyes to sin, it will cause grief and remorse and repentance. It will motivate people to change and renew their commitment to the Lord. This in turn will bring revival to a city and nation. The opposition will always be there to steal away the blessings and seek to stop the worship of God. And they have to be dealt with but the mission for God moves froward.
What do they need to do?
Answer: We today need a fresh revelation of Jesus – who He is-was and will be – we need to get into the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to touch people’s hearts and open people’s eyes. Why? So, they repent, confess their sins and renew their relationship with Jesus. When this happens, we will see political reform, spiritual reform and revival sweeping across our nation.
Why do they need to do this?
Answer: We need to revival in this nation – We need to return to God’s Word and ways because we are headed for disaster if we do not. We need to speak up for truth and fight for truth – if we don’t who will!
