A Matter of Character: Nehemiah #7
This is an exposition of Nehemiah 5:1-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, January 10, 2016.
Intro:
While it seems we’ve been in a presidential election cycle for a few years now, we are just now heading into the real campaign. The election is in November and the first primaries are just around the corner. One thing is clear this time around, divisions are deeper and the divide is getting wider. Rhetoric is inflamed, emotions are high and our world becomes increasingly fragile. For a couple of decades now one question keeps coming up. Does character matter? Is character essential for leadership? Of course this question does not just apply to presidential politics. It spills over into everyday life and becomes an issue in the lunchroom, the school room and the church. Does one’s personal life effect their job performance? Is it possible to lead if you have no moral or spiritual character? By character I mean a commitment to a certain clearly defined code of conduct. I mean to live bound by moral and ethical standards.
It seems to me we are living, for the most part, in a characterless world. In the drive to succeed, integrity and honesty are to many expendable commodities. I wish I could say that is the cause “out there” in the world but it seems just as much an issue within the church. There is a desperate need for reformation within the church. A reformation of character. There is a need for the people of God to exhibit the character of Christ in a godless world. To live in such a way as to demonstrate that faith in Christ affects every area of life. That faith in Christ impacts the way you think, act and feel.
In the fifth century b.c. in the land of Israel we find a prime example of what can happen because of a lack of character and the steps necessary for restoring a right character. Nehemiah and the builders have made great strides in restoring the walls and thus the integrity of the people of God. They have weathered some significant storms in the process. Upon arrival Nehemiah had to deal with criticism and attacks that sought to destroy the work. But Sanballat, Tobiah and Gershem were unable to turn the people away from their divine assignment. Even the doubts, fears and discouragement of the workers proved ineffective in derailing the progress. Through it all God’s people kept their noses to the grindstone. Through it all they were committed to the task until the fruit of characterless leadership began to bloom. We read about it in Nehemiah 5 of Nehemiah.
Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19
The book of Nehemiah is a timeless resource on leadership.
It is as up to date as tomorrow’s newspaper.
As we explore its pages it is crucial that we glean its timeless principles and apply its powerful lessons.
In this text we discover the importance of a godly character. The biblical writer makes it clear that character has a direct bearing on leadership and getting the job done. the fifth chapter of Nehemiah makes it abundantly clear that…
Thesis: The life of an effective builder must possess a godly character.
This is not a helpful hint for a happier life.
This isn’t about if you want to take it to the next level.
This is something that is essential to the Christian life.
This is what it means to be Christian.
Yes, it is essential to leadership but is not limited to leadership.
The person of impact, the one who leaves their mark on the world, will be a person who consistently demonstrates the mind and heart of God. We, as the people of God, are called to be continually conformed to the image and likeness of God. This is the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in every believer.
There are 3 things I want to point out in our text.
- The lack of godly character sabotages the work of God. (5:1-5)
- Restoring godly character requires a direct approach and a definite plan. (5:6-13)
- A godly character of necessity produces a godly lifestyle. (5:14-19)