Title: Nehemiah's Three Temptations
Contents
Nehemiah's Three Temptations (Nehemiah 6:1-19)
Dear all! Nehemiah was tested again. This time, the test was taken near the end of the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah accomplished the great work of the people of Israel in just 52 days. This test came after such great success. I hope you keep in mind that tests like this come when you succeed when you are at peace rather than when you are difficult. This morning, I want to share the grace of thinking about "the three temptations Nehemiah suffered."
I. plot to kill
Nehemiah's first test is a plot to kill. Sanballat had plotted to kill Nehemiah and asked to meet him in the Plains of Ono. Nehemiah is now threatened with his life. What did Nehemiah do at this time? ① I did not take revenge. Nehemiah knew he was plotting to kill him, but he did not seek revenge. Vengeance makes both the person who takes revenge and the person who is being avenged miserable. Revenge is not something especially for those who believe in God. Because faith is greatly damaged. Would revenge be a prayer? Will you live a life filled with the Holy Spirit? That is why Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, and I will repay, says the Lord.”
The Bible says that it is God's exclusive right to take revenge. A Christian should never be vengeful. Because your faith will be damaged and your life will be miserable. ② I did my best in my mission. Nehemiah clearly knew what the mission God had entrusted to him. The mission is to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. It's not about revenge. I did my best for my mission. You can't afford to waste your time on other things. Dear all! I pray that you will become saints who do their best in their mission without taking revenge under any circumstances. I pray that you will become the saints who will overcome any trials.
II. slander
The second test Nehemiah faced was slander. It is spreading the rumor that "Nehemiah is trying to make himself king by rebuilding the city of Jerusalem." If the news spreads to the king of Persa, Nehemiah is executed as a traitor. There is a rumor in verse 6 that "you and the Jews are building a city to rebel". No one was like that, so was Kasumu. In this way, they spread false rumors, spread false propaganda, and slander. This is a more heinous test, worse than the first test to kill. Slander is really bad. How many people are hurt and tormented by this false propaganda slander? Politicians as well as churches often suffer from false rumors. Slander is a terrible sin.
The ninth commandment is not to slander falsely against your neighbor. Theft can be solved by returning it, but there is no way to return it if you testify falsely. It is said that the Puritans set standards of conduct in order not to commit this sin of slander. When there are bad rumors about whom first, is this rumor based on facts? Second, have I verified this with myself? Third, if it were true, would it be to the glory of God and to the benefit of my brethren that I should share this with others? It is said that he was thinking about these three things. “Do not let any unclean word come out of your mouth, but speak good words that are useful for edification, so that they may give grace to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).
What did Nehemiah do when unjust rumors spread? ① I did not make excessive excuses. 'Rumors are not true' I just kept saying. Why? Because excuses are not a solution. ② And I prayed. Instead of wasting time on excuses, I prayed when I went to excuses. Prayer content is also important. "God, it's unfair. Remove the frame. Please destroy the enemy." This was not a prayer. "Strengthen my hand." Give me strength to do God's work. Everyone! How wonderful is this prayer of Nehemiah? This is productive prayer. Here we see the personal faith of the great Nehemiah. Nehemiah is falsely framed, and rumors that he is about to become king are spread to King Pasa, and he may receive severe punishment. But Nehemiah was more interested in God's work than his own problems. Dear all! If you are living your life of faith, especially if you are doing church work, sometimes you hear unfair things. I hope you will think of Nehemiah at a time like this. I pray that you will become a victorious saint by praying without making too many excuses.
Ⅲ. The Temptation of the False Prophet
The third temptation Nehemiah faced was the temptation of a false prophet. Shemaiah, the prophet and prophet, had not appeared for a few days, so Nehemiah was curious to find out. Then Shemaiah prophesied. "Enemies will come to kill you. It seems to be coming tonight. You have to hide. Isn't the safest place in the temple, so let's go into the temple with me, lock the door, and hide." How grateful are you, Suma? Is there anyone who thinks of Nehemiah like this and gives it for him? Aren't you thankful enough to bring tears to your eyes?
But what did Nehemiah do? ① In a word, I refused. No matter how much the words of the prophets, no matter how urgent the situation, and no matter how advantageous it may be, when it goes against the word of God, he resolutely rejects it. There is nothing to consider. Only the priest can enter the temple, but no one else can. Nehemiah is a governor but not a priest. So I refused Shemaiah's offer because I could not enter the temple. He was not sent by God. It was prophesied by taking a bribe from Tobiah of Sanballat. He had dug a trap before Nehemiah. The test through false prophets is the greatest test. Even for us today, the greatest test is the test through the false prophet. “Many false prophets will arise and deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11) “It is said to perform great miracles, and even make fire come down from heaven to the earth in front of men. (Revelation 13:13)
So many people are deceived. The saints of the last days must keep this in mind. We will stand firm in the word of God. If it goes against the Word of God, you must not follow it. There are many false prophets. False prophets perform greater miracles. Healing diseases, exercising power, preaching well, and teaching the Bible amazingly, we have no choice but to fall for it. A believer should be able to say “no” to anyone when it goes against the Word of God. ② Nehemiah also prayed about this matter. The saints of the last days must pray especially. Nehemiah, the man of prayer “for discernment of spirits,” was able to understand. So he did not fall into the dreadful temptation trap through false prophets.
Dear all! The demons still prowl around like a roaring lion and a hungry lion, looking for someone to devour. False prophets deceive us. Various heresies are running rampant. I pray that you will become victorious saints by standing firm in the word of God and always watching and praying.