Opposition to Obedience: Generosity and Sacrifice in Nehemiah 5

In Nehemiah 5, we see a powerful reminder that the church is not a building, but a people called to live out God’s vision with courage, generosity, and integrity. As we prepare for Commitment Sunday and the next chapter in our church’s story, we are invited to reflect on the legacy of those who came before us—people who gave sacrificially, not for their own benefit, but so that future generations could encounter Christ. This is a call to invest in something bigger than ourselves, to be part of a movement that makes room for more people to move toward Jesus, not just toward our church.

The story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls is not just about overcoming external opposition, but also about confronting the internal challenges that threaten the community from within. When God’s people lose sight of generosity and begin to ask, “What’s in it for me?” the mission falters. Even small acts of selfishness—like a tiny pebble in a truck’s rotor—can create outsized problems, slowing or even derailing the work God has called us to do. Nehemiah’s response to the injustice among his people is instructive: he listens, reflects, and then acts decisively, calling the community back to God’s heart for justice, mercy, and selfless love.

God’s vision for us is never dependent on our own capacity, but on our willingness to listen and be available for what He wants to do through us. The way we pursue God’s mission matters as much as the mission itself. Nehemiah models leadership that is rooted in the fear of God, not in self-interest. He refuses to exploit his position for personal gain, choosing instead to bear burdens with the people and set an example of sacrificial generosity. Our worship and our daily lives must be aligned; our faith is not just for Sunday mornings, but for every relationship and decision.

Ultimately, we are most like Jesus when we are generous—when we give, forgive, and serve as He has done for us. Communion is a celebration of God’s generosity, a reminder that we are recipients of grace, called to extend that same grace to others. As we move forward together, may we trust Jesus more than ourselves, surrendering our plans and resources to His greater purpose, so that generations to come may know His love.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Generosity is the Heartbeat of God’s People We are wired to be generous, not just with our finances, but with our grace, forgiveness, and service. When we put God first and others second, we reflect the character of Christ. Generosity is not about what we get, but about what we give for the sake of others and the kingdom. [48:19]
• 2. Small Acts of Selfishness Can Derail God’s Work Just as a tiny pebble can bring a powerful truck to a halt, small compromises and self-centered decisions within the community can create major obstacles. When we begin to ask, “What’s in it for me?” we risk undermining the mission and witness of the church. Vigilance in the small things preserves the integrity of the whole. [53:48]
• 3. God’s Vision Depends on Our Availability, Not Our Ability The work God calls us to is often beyond our own capacity, but He is not limited by our resources. What He desires is our willingness to listen, to be available, and to trust Him with the outcome. Our role is to respond in faith, even when the task feels daunting or costly. [45:10]
• 4. The Way We Pursue God’s Mission Matters It is not enough to achieve good goals; the means by which we pursue them must also honor God. Nehemiah refused to exploit his position or burden the vulnerable, choosing instead to lead with compassion and sacrifice. Our methods must align with God’s character, ensuring that our actions reflect His justice and love. [69:20]
• 5. Worship and Daily Life Must Be Aligned True worship is not confined to Sunday gatherings, but is expressed in every aspect of our lives. When our hearts are realigned with God’s heart, our relationships, decisions, and leadership all bear witness to His grace. Communion reminds us that we are recipients of God’s generosity, called to extend that same generosity to others. [65:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [41:02] - Introduction to Commitment Sunday
• [42:40] - Families Worshiping Together
• [43:16] - The Momentum Commitment Card
• [45:10] - God’s Vision and Our Capacity
• [46:24] - Remembering Our Church’s Legacy
• [48:19] - Generosity Across Generations
• [49:43] - The Danger of Selfishness
• [50:14] - The Pebble in the Truck: Small Problems, Big Impact
• [54:24] - Opposition to Obedience in Nehemiah
• [55:40] - Internal Challenges in the Community
• [56:24] - Injustice Among God’s People
• [60:12] - Nehemiah’s Response to Injustice
• [65:39] - Realigning Worship and Life
• [69:20] - The Importance of How We Lead
• [73:08] - Communion: Celebrating God’s Generosity
• [84:21] - Fall Fest and Benediction

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 5:1-19 (ESV) — (Read the whole chapter together as a group)

Leviticus 25:35-38 (ESV) — “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”

Romans 12:9-13 (ESV) — “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Observation Questions

1. In Nehemiah 5, what specific problems were the people of Jerusalem facing within their own community? ([56:24])
2. How did Nehemiah respond when he heard about the injustice happening among his people? What steps did he take before acting? ([01:00:12])
3. According to Leviticus 25, what does God command regarding how to treat those who are struggling financially?
4. What example did Nehemiah set for the people in how he used his position and resources? ([01:06:51])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Nehemiah was so upset about the way some Jews were treating their fellow Jews? What does this reveal about God’s priorities for His people? ([01:00:12])
2. The sermon compared small acts of selfishness to a tiny pebble stopping a big truck. Why are “small” compromises so dangerous in a church or community? ([52:08])
3. Nehemiah refused to use his leadership position for personal gain. What does this teach us about the kind of leadership God values? ([01:06:51])
4. The people’s lives were “realigned with their worship” after Nehemiah’s challenge. What does it look like for our daily lives and worship to be aligned? ([01:05:39])

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “We are wired to be generous…not just with our finances, but with our grace, forgiveness, and service.” In what area of your life do you find it hardest to be generous? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([48:19])
2. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “What’s in it for me?” when it comes to church or serving others? How can you shift your mindset to focus on God’s mission and the needs of others? ([49:43])
3. Nehemiah listened, reflected, and then acted decisively to address injustice. Is there a situation in your life or community where you need to move from listening to taking action? What would that look like? ([01:00:12])
4. The sermon warned that even small acts of selfishness can derail God’s work. Can you think of a “small pebble” in your own life or in our church that could become a bigger problem if left unaddressed? How can you help remove it? ([52:08])
5. Nehemiah led by example, choosing sacrifice over privilege. Is there a way you can use your position, resources, or influence to serve others this month? ([01:06:51])
6. The sermon said, “Our worship and our daily lives must be aligned.” Are there areas where your Sunday worship and your weekday actions don’t match up? What’s one practical change you could make to bring them into alignment? ([01:05:39])
7. Communion is a reminder of God’s generosity and grace. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you motivate you to be more generous and forgiving toward others? ([01:13:08])