“Caring Enough To Confront Sin And Complete The Mission”
Nehemiah 13
Sermon Series: “Change Your World In 52 Days”
Introduction: Nehemiah had been used by God for His glory to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, repopulate the city with God’s people, and lead in a time of spiritual renewal. However, one of the challenges of ministry is that nothing will ever be perfected on the earth. There are cycles of sin in people and churches that have to be confronted and dealt with. Nehemiah experienced this. After 12 years as governor, he returned to the palace of King Artaxerxes, and things fell apart spiritually in Jerusalem. He returned and discovered that they were doing the opposite of what they had committed to do in the covenant of chapter 10. They were neglecting the house of God (v. 4-10), profaning the Sabbath by conducting business on it (v. 15-18), and sinning against God through marrying pagan idolaters (v. 23-27). I am sure Nehemiah was frustrated and disheartened. The question is, “How was he going to respond?” He responded by confronting and correcting the sin among God’s people in order to bring about the completion of the mission. Based on what he says, I believe it was his convictions about who God is that motivated him to care enough to confront the sin that was derailing the mission and complete the mission.
Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Loving confrontation with the goal of restoration is essential to healthy church life (Mt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 5, Rom. 16:17, Titus 3:10-11).
Main Idea: When we see God correctly, we will be motivated to care enough to confront sin and complete the mission God has given us.
Here are some convictions that motivated Nehemiah:
1. The Holiness of God: Nehemiah was bitterly grieved by their sin as a response to the holiness of God. God’s holiness is expressed here through His house, the Sabbath, and marriage being holy.
2. The Glory of God: It is expressed in Nehemiah’s question in verse 11, “Why is the house of God forsaken?”
3. The Authority of God: It is expressed by Nehemiah saying, “Remember me, O my God, concerning this..” It expressed a fear of God based on a belief that he would answer to the Lord.
4. The Anger of God (v. 18): God’s wrath is against all sin (Romans 1:18). Jesus absorbed the wrath of God on the cross so if we trust Him, God is no longer angry with us but only has loving discipline for us.
5. The Mercy of God (v. 22): God’s mercy and grace is greater than all of our sin, which is our only hope.
6. The Mission of God (v. 30-31): The book ends with the restoration of the worship of God. His ultimate mission is to be worshipped by all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues (Rev. 7).
Conclusion-Applications:
1. Trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior. This is probably the last chapter written of the Old Testament. It shows the pattern of sin and the need for Jesus. A few hundred years later God sent His Son to redeem us from our sins (Galatians 4:4-7). He is our true Temple, Priest, and Sacrifice. He graciously delivers us from sin.
2. Repent of sin and be restored to fellowship with the Lord if you are a Christian not walking with Him.
3. Prayerfully find your God-given mission.
4. Be motivated to do what it takes to fully fulfill your Godgiven mission.
