As is the case in real life, Nehemiah’s success does not last. The spiritual high that culminated in chapters 10-12 with the sounds of celebration and rejoicing have now been replaced with the very acute failures of God’s people.

Nehemiah once again has his work cut out for him as he returns to Jerusalem after living back in Persia long enough for a new generation to have children that are the product of a reckless breaking of their oath and covenant with God.

We will examine the pattern of repair that Nehemiah now brings to the people, and seek to apply these lessons to our own lives as we too work through the ebb and flow of obedience in the Christian life.

Observation:

• Sin #1 – vs 1-3 The pollution of God’s people
• Sin #2 – vs 4-9 The desecration of God’s chambers
• Sin #3 – vs 10-14 The neglect of God’s house
• Sin #4 – vs 15-22 The abuse of the God’s Sabbath
• Sin #5 – vs 23-27 The breaking of God’s covenant
• Sin #6 – vs 28-30 The defilement of God’s priestly office, God’s covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites

Conclusion:
1. The absence of God’s Word leads to disobedience

Psalm 119:11

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

2. Without Godly leadership we will repeat the sins of the past

Psalm 72:1-4

1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.

3. Unrepentant sins lead to more sins

Psalm 32:1-5

1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Application:
Solution – purification

1 John 1:8-9

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Hosea 6:1-3

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;