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Uncommon Humility
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Sermon Notes - August 8, 2021
The Greatest Stories Rarely Told - Brian Becker
Sacrificial Generosity
Radical Hospitality
Uncommon Humility
Success
Passion
Anger
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah 1:1-2(NIV)
The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:3-4 (NIV)
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:5-6a (NIV)
Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.
Nehemiah 1:6b-7 (NIV)
I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws you gave your servant Moses.
Nehemiah 1:8-9 (NIV)
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
Nehemiah 1:10-11 (NIV)
“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.
Nehemiah 1:1-10 (NIV)
Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”I was a cupbearer to the king.
“Loving your neighbor as yourself means caring about your brothers and sisters who are hurting - even if it doesn’t affect you.” - Derwin Gray
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
2. Sits down to cry.
3. Kneels down to pray.
4. Stands up to act.
Nehemiah 1:2 (NIV)
Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
Nehemiah 1:3 (NIV)
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
“Why is water wet?”
“What are shadows made of?”
“Where does the sky end?”
We cannot participate in healing if we’re unaware of the hurting.
What questions do you need to asking about the needs that exist around you?
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
2. Sits down to cry.
Nehemiah 1:4a (NIV)
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.
John 11:35 (NIV)
Jesus wept.
Until we slow down long enough to ask the right questions, we’ll never have a heart that is broken for the right things.
“They had it coming.”
“Poor leadership I guess.”
“This is what happens when you make bad decisions.”
“This isn’t my problem to solve.”
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
2. Sits down to cry.
3. Kneels down to pray.
Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:1-10 (NIV)
Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
But (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
2. Sits down to cry.
3. Kneels down to pray.
4. Stands up to act.
Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NIV)
The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
Uncommon Humility…
1. Slows down to question.
2. Sits down to cry.
3. Kneels down to pray.
4. Stands up to act.
Rather than stay in your lane…
- Ask a few questions.
- Open your heart to the needs.
- Pray for God’s provision.
- Do something about it.