Rebuilding: Setting the Example
Pastor Phil Burdoin
July 4, 2021
Nehemiah lived a consistent life.
Nehemiah lived a sincere life.
Nehemiah lived a self-sacrificing life.
Leaders lead by example, love by example, and live by example
Are we… faithful in responsibilities
Do we live a… life of integrity
Do we… Put others first
July 4, 2021
Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that.
Nehemiah 5:14-15
Nehemiah lived a consistent life.
But out of reverence for God I did not act like that.
Nehemiah 5:15b
Nehemiah lived a sincere life.
Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land.
Nehemiah 5:16
Nehemiah lived a self-sacrificing life.
Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people. Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.
Nehemiah 5:17-19
Leaders lead by example, love by example, and live by example
Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.
Nehemiah 5:19
Are we… faithful in responsibilities
Do we live a… life of integrity
Do we… Put others first
Small Groups Talk About It
Watch the Message Summary:
- Share about a time when you were part of a group project that had no leader. Or share about a time when you were part of a group project that had too many leaders.
- What happens when the wrong leader is chosen for a project?
- Read Nehemiah 5:14-16: Up until this point the author of Nehemiah has spent the time telling the story of re-building the walls of Jerusalem. Why do you think the writer takes a break and explains some of the other things going on? What can we learn from that?
- What was Nehemiah’s reason for not eating the food allotment? What does it say he focused on instead?
- Share a time when it was tempting to take advantage of a situation you were in? When you look back are you happy with how you handled the situation?
- Read Nehemiah 5:17-19: Why do you think the writer points out specifically the number of people who ate at Nehemiah’s table and also the menu? What does this tell you about Nehemiah’s character?
- What qualities make a great business or political leader? What qualities make a great Godly leader? How are they different?
- Name some of the qualities that made Nehemiah a great leader. Which of those qualities do you think you have? Which of those would you like to work on?
Bottom Line: Leaders lead by example, love by example, and live by example.