Sermon Library

Our Doctrine

Kenneth H. Good Books

May 15th, 2005

Pastor George H. Heiland

Integrity in High Places

14 Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance. 15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. 16 And I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table one hundred and fifty Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. 19 Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. 

A. Nehemiah’s Integrity Declared                         vs.  14

“Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance.”

1. The Governor’s Food Allowance Defined

One of the “fringe benefits” of being governor was a food allowance, granted him by the Persian officials, perhaps for official entertaining of guests. This was paid for by taxing the people and was subject to abuse.

2. The Governor’s Food Allowance Declined

Nehemiah had determined that this project would be accomplished by the people of God apart from the support of the Persian Empire. History teaches us that co-mingling Institutional Religion and Government is a lethal mixture.  How blessed are the people of God who follow the teaching of Jesus as He prepared the stage for the Church Age.  See Mark 12:17  “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  

GFBC is an independent, autonomous body of believers operating as best we know how under the direct Headship of Jesus Christ.  See Ephesians 1:19b-23;  19b “. . .These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.”

 

B. Nehemiah’s Integrity Delineated                       vs.  15, 18

1. His Reprehension for His Predecessors  

“But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people.  . .  .”

2. His Reverence for His God

“ . . . But I did not do so because of the fear of God.”

God is greatly to be feared and one day all will fear Him.  See Revelation 15:3,4; 3 And they sang the song of Moses the bond-servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Thy ways, Thou King of the nations. 4 “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou alone art holy; For all the nations will come and worship before Thee, For Thy righteous acts have been revealed.”

3.  His Regard for His People

“ . . . I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people.”

Nehemiah was very much aware of the peoples hardship and complaint and was determined not to add any undue burden both for their sake and the sake of their God.

 

C.  Nehemiah’s Integrity Demonstrated           vs. 16-19

1. Integrity in his Work Ethic

 “ . . . And I also applied myself to the work on this wall; . . .”

Nehemiah and his noblemen and servants led the way.  How blessed they were to have had such a great leader.

2. Integrity in his Business Ethic  vs. 16b

“ . . . we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.”  Nehemiah in no way would take advantage of the people.  Honest work meant honest pay just as honest need meant honest aid.

3. Integrity in his Diplomatic Ethic      vs.  17,18

17 “Moreover, there were at my table one hundred and fifty Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance.

The arduous task did not diminish Nehemiah’s responsibility as a generous host and governor.  He executed his official duties with utmost care and abundance.

4. Integrity in his Personal Ethic      vs.  18b,19

a. His Appraisal of the Need      vs.  18b

Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance,

because the servitude was heavy on this people.

He preferred to bear the expense of his office than to lay a burden upon the people who were nearly stretched to their limits.

b. His Appeal to His God      vs.  19

“Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”

Nehemiah asked for nothing other than the blessing of God in connection with his responsibilities of leadership and care of their needs. 

Each of us as Christians knows that God is both kind and just.  Church planters and pastors are especially singled out to be conscious of accountability to Him.  Paul warns the leadership in Corinth to pay attention to their attitude and motives in the work. 

1st Corinthians 3:10-15; 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.

Will you be ready to answer to God for your life here on Planet Earth?  Maybe it is tome to get serious about your relationship to God.  Why not call on Him today. the Bible says . . .

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.”  Acts 16:31

 Thanks for reading this message.  DO YOU have need of salvation? God's Word tells us to repent of our sins and come to God accepting the fact that Christ died on the cross, rose from the dead and paid the full penalty for all that come to Him in faith.

Here are some points to consider:

Have you found a church home?  If you are in the area of Port St Lucie, why not visit us?

Have you found new life in Christ? Why not come to Him today? God will receive those who will come to Him.  He has provided the means for you to be saved, baptized and be a part of His New Testament Local Church ministry -- He gave His Son to intercede; all you need to do is cast yourself upon His mercy and grace.  

Jesus said in John 6:37-40

38 “For  I have come down from heaven,  not to do My own will, but  the will of Him who  sent Me. 39 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of  all that He has given Me I  lose nothing, but  raise it up on the last day. 40 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who  beholds the Son and  believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will  raise him up on the last day.”

 It is important to note Luke's comment in Acts 4:12 

 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”

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