Lesson 16
background notes
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doctrinal / teaching points
- Blessed are those who deny their rights in the interest of the Kingdom
of God.
- People have short memories, but God doesn’t.
practical applications
- Don’t get compassion fatigue.
- Everyone does not do it.
questions
- Explain, “Nehemiah built a wall, not a personal empire.”
- What does it mean to deny your rights for the glory of God?
- What is meant by “compassion fatigue?”
- Is it wrong to expect the best of both worlds, materially and spiritually?
- Cite specific examples, both biblical and contemporary, of believers
who denied their personal rights in the interest of the kingdom of God.
answers
- As governor of Judah, he was a godly example and set high standards
as a leader, giving up many of his “rights” as governor.
He could have taxed the people and bought land at a low price, but he
didn’t. Rather than charge diplomatic expenses to the Persian government,
he paid expenses out of his own pocket.
- It means to deny yourself privileges, even legitimate ones, if it would
bring honor to God. The Christian has higher standards, and it is his
godliness that shines through to win people to Christ. It is going the
second mile.
- It means becoming desensitized to the plight of the disadvantaged,
usually because of the overwhelming nature of the task and the numerous
requests for financial support.
- Some popular “prosperity gospels” present the unscriptural
teaching that Christians should expect both material and spiritual prosperity
in this life. But Jesus had “nowhere to lay His head,” and
many early Christians experienced poverty and persecution.
- Two examples: Abraham – Genesis 13:5-12 and Moses – Hebrews 11:24-26.
See how many more you can name!
discuss/consider
- Discuss 1 Corinthians 15:58 and Hebrews 6:10. How is this teaching
different from the “prosperity gospel?”
- List some things to which you have become desensitized. What should
you do about this?
challenge
Have you written a letter, called, or visited anyone with the express purpose
of thanking him for the impact he has had on your life? Consider doing this
before it’s too late.
memorize
- “Out of reverence for God I did not act like that.” Nehemiah
5:15
