by Denis Beausejour

Sermon Series: GOOD TO GREAT

Companion Handout: Bible BasicsPerseverance!

Text: Nehemiah 13:1-31

Introduction - The chronology for this chapter reveals the tremendous perseverance of Nehemiah, and some timeless truths about following God from "Good to Great", over the long haul!

1. God's Word: He wants immediate obedience (verses 1-3)

    A note on exclusivity and separation - Deuteronomy 23:3-5, Ruth 1:1-4a, 16
 

2. Compromise: Always hurts God's people (verses 4-9)

    A note on righteous anger - Matthew 21:12-13
 

3. Disobedience: A loss of generosity (verses 10-14)

    A note on "the tithe" - Luke 11:42, Malachi 3:8-10

4. Working 24/7: A loss of blessing (verses 15-22)

    A note on "the Sabbath" - Mark 2:27-28
 

5. Mixed marriages: A loss of unity and worship (verses 23-31)

    A note on "equally yoked" - 2 Corinthians 6:14-15
 

Personal Application: How do you want God to remember you?
 

Note on the consistency of Scripture across the ages - Malachi

He prophesied in the period of Nehemiah's absence from Jerusalem

Against shoddy worship (1:6-14)

Against a corrupt priesthood (2:1-9)

Against marriage to unbelievers (2:10-16)

Against neglect of the tithe (3:6-12)