“PAYING THE PRICE FOR A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING”
Nehemiah 9:38-10:39

I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The two-fold purpose for the book:
1. Rebuilding the place on the outside: Chapters 1-7
2. Revitalizing the people on the inside: Chapters 8-13
a. Ungodliness – “leaving God out of your
thinking”: (Rom. 1:18)
b. Unrighteousness – “sinful acts”:

B. The “revival” ignited: Chapters 8-9
1. The lengthy instruction from the Word: Chapter 8
2. The people humbled with conviction: Chapter 9
3. The prayer that led to a personal commitment:
Chapter 9

C. The truth about revivals:
1. The duration of revivals: (See Rev. 2-3)
2. The need for continual renewal:

II. THE THREE ARTICLES OF THEIR “SURE COVENANT”:
A. Submission to the Word of God: vv. 1-27, 29
1. Putting a seal on their covenant:
2. Laws governing vows and oaths: (Num. 30:2; Eccl.
5:1-7; Mt. 5:33-37; 23:16-22)
3. The highest motivation for our obedience:
(See Jn. 14:15; I Jn. 5:3; Col. 3:1-4) (love prioritizes
the eternal at the expense of the temporal)

B. Separation as the people of God: vv. 28, 30-31
1. Defining separation: “Separation is total devotion to
God, no matter what the cost.”
2. Two areas of separation addressed:
a. Marriage - relationships: (II Cor. 6:14-7:1; I Cor. 7:39)
(Ungodliness)
b. Sabbath - time: (Col. 2:16; Rev. 1:10)
(Ungodliness)

Commands – All of God’s commands are either to “protect” or “provide”.
3. Illustrating separation: (See Mt. 6:33)

C. Support for the house of God: vv. 32-39
1. What is indicated by how we care for a building:
(See Hag. 1:1-11)
2. Four different areas they promised to address:
a. The temple tax – flat tax: vv. 32-33
b. The wood offering - utility tax: v. 34
c. The first fruits: vv. 35-37a (See Pro. 3:9-10)
d. The “storehouse” tithes - % tax: vv. 37b-39
(See Mal. 3:8-10)

III. PRINCIPLES TO PERSONALLY APPLY:
(Together becoming “people of the Word” in principle AND in practice)
A. All “sure covenants” demand not one but two decisions
beginning with the leaders. (Josh. 24:15; Neh. 10:1)

B. Thankfulness “sets the table” for revivals. (I Thes. 5:18)

C. Revivals are only personal options to believers.

(II Chron. 7:14)

SINNERS PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I was made by you and I was made for you, but
I have been living for myself. I am sorry for that self-rule you call sin.
I believe that Jesus Christ being my creator God, died, was buried,
and rose again to pay the insurmountable debt that my sin has
created since birth. So right now, I am turning from a life of going my
own way, to by faith, place my trust in Jesus Christ, to pay the debt of
all my sin, and to get me to heaven, when I breath my last breath.
Lord Jesus, from today on, I am yours. Thanks for saving me, this
very moment, in Jesus name, amen.

If you just made this life changing decision, we would love to draw
along side and help you grow now in Christ. Call Grace Bible Church
at (509) 684-5936. If get an answering service, we will promptly get
back with you as soon as possible. You can also connect with us on
Facebook. Once again, share this worship service now with all your
loved ones on Facebook to give the good news of the gospel to those
who might have hesitated to visit this local church or with those who
live miles away.