Preparing for the Lord's Day
Rebuilding the Kingdom
Money can be a touchy subject, particularly in the church. Nevertheless, money plays a central role in our personal lives and in the advancement of God’s kingdom. Therefore, the Bible addresses financial issues head-on.
In our passage for this Sunday, the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall is once again interrupted. This time, however, the conflict is not external but internal. Ungodly financial dealings have put the entire economy of the Jewish community on the brink of collapse. Those with financial power have used their position to take advantage of those with fewer financial resources. As a result, the average citizen has become unable to provide for themselves and their families. They have been forced into debt to buy food and pay their taxes. Many of the Jews have even sold themselves or their children into indentured servitude. As the economy is falling apart the work on the wall cannot continue.
What is Nehemiah to do? What we will see in our text is that if the Kingdom of God will advance God’s people must repent of their wicked ways and obey God’s teaching on finances. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Nehemiah 5, Deuteronomy 23:19-20, Psalm 24:1, Proverbs 22:7, Matthew 6:21-24, 2 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, and this article on misunderstood verses about finances.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Rejoice, All People, Homage Give”, the Acclamation of Praise “To God Be the Glory”, and the Hymn of Response “Like a River Glorious”. Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Nehemiah 5
Title: Financing the Kingdom
Outline:
- Every Christian Must Avoid Financial Slavery (vv.1-5)
- Every Christian Must Walk In Financial Fear (vv. 6-13)
- Every Christian Must Live Out Financial Freedom (vv. 14-19)