RPG Adults
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XXI)
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Nehemiah 13:1-14
Philippians 3:17-21
“…mark them which walk
so as ye have us for an ensample.”
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XXI)
Biblical Separation is the only recourse in dealing with compromise and infiltration. Biblical Fellowship is exclusive and must be extended only as defined by the Word of God and based on the dictates of His Word. Where infiltration or compromise is found, the only way of showing care and concern for the members involved is church discipline. The only way to deal with the enemy, who through infiltration has entered the fold, is separation.
I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah (Neh 13:7). The events that brought Tobiah into the chambers of the treasury took place in the absence of Nehemiah. Upon his return, Nehemiah found out what had happened and had to address it. He dealt with both Eliashib who had welcomed Tobiah, and Tobiah who had infiltrated the city. He dealt with Tobiah decisively. He first “cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber” (Neh 13:8), and removed him from Jerusalem. Upon expelling Tobiah from Jerusalem, he then purified the chambers and restored it to its rightful use. It is difficult to restore true worship without first removing the errors and compromise. He then dealt with Eliashib who had “oversight of the chamber” (Neh 13:4). He evidently removed him from this duty and replaced him with other treasurers taken from both the priests and Levites. The men were chosen for this duty because “they were counted faithful” (Neh 13:13). He also contended with the rulers and charged them for the neglect that had taken place, restoring order in the community and congregation of God’s people. The courage and zeal of Nehemiah is desperately needed in the church today because much damage has been done. Many past gains have been eroded due to the lack of courage and prudence to make the hard choices and take a biblical stand against sin and compromise in the house of God.
THOUGHT: Even though hard or painful, Biblical Separation and church discipline are still important and mandatory duties of the church.
PRAYER: (Use Nehemiah 13:14.)