The Cost of Commitment

The Cost of Commitment
Nehemiah 5

So far, in Nehemiah's quest to build the wall, he has faced: derision(2:19), discouragement(4:6-10), danger(4:11-12) and, now the grestest threat of all, division and discord(5:1-19).

This chapter give three very difficult issues:money, morals and morale.
The internal threat to community life.
Abuse (vs. 1-5)
Food shortages, over taxation, slavery, property ownership…
The internal threat to community life.
Answer (Ex. 22:25, Deut. 23:19-20,Leviticus25:35-57)
Confronting destructive behavior in the community.
Accusation
Reaction-“Then I was very angry.” (v. 6)
Reflection-“I consulted with myself.” (v. 7a)
Rebuke (v. 7b-11)
Admonition
Public Promise (v. 12)
Cost of Compromise (v. 13)
The integrity of fearing God.
Awe
Sacrifice (vs. 14-15)
Servanthood (vs. 16-19)