RPG Adults
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XXII)
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Nehemiah 13:15-31
Jude 1:3-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3
“…there were false prophets
also among the people,
even as there shall be…”ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XXII)
Spiritual growth and reformation are never completed. Those who are reformed must maintain vigilance to stay reformed. As they grow, they need to go on reforming. The history of the church since the Reformation presents a picture of a church that is always reforming. Every generation maintains the biblical standards and creeds of the past generations, while fighting their own battles and raising up a standard against the contemporary challenges they face and against the inroads the enemy tries to make. So did Nehemiah. This section highlights the need for constant self-evaluation and commitment to continual growth.
In those days saw I in Judah… (Neh 13:15). At the beginning of the covenant renewal, the people made for themselves ordinances. Among others, they resolved that “if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them” (Neh 10:31). But, with the passage of time, they had moved from this position to “some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses” (Neh 13:15). This presented the deceptive nature and influence of the world even on people who had purposed and willingly affirmed to “make a sure covenant, and write it” (Neh 9:38). The lure of the world and rationalisation of things that we once took a firm stand on have, over the ages, repeatedly affected the church. Hence the need for vigilance among God’s people. Nehemiah was not the only one who saw what was happening on the sabbath day. But it was he who was concerned. To others who saw it also, it seemed to be normal and acceptable. Similarly, today, the displacement of the Word from the pulpit seems normal and acceptable. The replacing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs for a “worship experience” seems normal and acceptable. The replacing of the pulpit with a stage, and pastors with motivational speakers, seem normal and acceptable. Like Eliashib giving a place to Tobiah in the chambers of the treasures of God’s house, today new things abound where biblical things once reigned. Yet, few there be who see the need to “contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3).
THOUGHT: “Reformed and always reforming” means growth, discipline and correction must always remain in the church.
PRAYER: (Use Nehemiah 13:14.)