When Conflict Arises

When Conflict Arises – How to handle stuff when you’re backed up against the wall

Nehemiah 5:1-19

Construction Series #

In previous sermons from Nehemiah, it seems that most of the problems that came up for Nehemiah were from outside sources. In chapter five, we see a new problem developing – crisis from within. We saw hints of problems in chapter four, when fatigue was setting in amongst the workers, but now we see problems within the group. Tonight as we study, we’re going to see a pattern of how to handle stuff when you’re backed up against a wall. We’ve all been there – we’ve all blown it at some time or the other. This is a very valuable lesson for each person in this room. Listen, pay attention and allow the Holy Spirit to etch directions into your heart.

TEXT

I. Listen to the concerns of the people

a. There were definite problems within the Jewish quadrant of people.

b. Cheating, Excess charges of interest on borrowed goods, etc.

c. The problems were truly from within. I can imagine that the negativity from the outside sources aided into the process of conflict.

• Notice Nehemiah’s reaction to the people

o Angry at the words of the people

 When things are going somewhat well, stuff will happen

 Instead of getting mad and pitching a fit, Nehemiah

o Attacked the problems by talking with the nobles and rulers

o If Nehemiah’s relationship with God were not where it needed to be, his anger would have caused an all out blow up with his people and the wall would have never been completed.

o That brings us to this thought.

II. What would Jesus Do?

a. We see how Nehemiah handled the situation, he called the committee together, showed them the wrongs that were committed, and offered a solution.

b. Christ was the ultimate peace giver and peace maker. His words from the Beatitudes say it all, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

i. Christ was in tune to His Heavenly Father – “Not my will, but Thine be done”

ii. Christ was here on His Father’s business – “I have come to seek and save the lost”

iii. Christ was here to show us our mission – “To Go and Tell”

iv.

c. I believe Christ would have rebuked the people for their sin

i. Anytime that you fall out of the will of God – it is sin.

d. Christ would have gathered the people together, and taught them right from wrong.

e. Christ would have motivated them to follow God, not the things of the world.

III. How do you react when trouble comes your way?

a. Self-defensive?

b. Angry – High Blood Pressure?

c. Spewing of the Mouth?

d. Do you first call upon God for guidance?

Nehemiah followed the pattern of Christ. He referentially awed God for His goodness and realized that He was in ultimate control. For that God rewarded him. In our lives, when we realize that He’s in charge, our reaction to trouble is this: “We walk by faith and not by sight”

How do you react when you’re backed up against the wall?

• Finances?

• Marriage?

• Job?

• Church?

• Friendships?

What would Jesus Do?