REFLECTION SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 24:1-6 (Memory: John 13:35) CLOSING: Romans 15:5-6 SUMMARY: Nehemiah was angry when he discovered how the nobles and officials were behaving with their finances. Their selfishness was causing real suffering and injustice. He shows a better way to steward one’s wealth and be generous to others to advance God’s kingdom, as Nehemiah did. Nehemiah 5:1 Thoughts? “When the enemy fails in his attacks from the outside, he then begins to attack from within, and one of his favorite weapons is selfishness.” -Wiersbe 1. SELFISHNESS ALWAYS ! Selifshness uncovered (Nehemiah 5:2-5) Selfishness provokes leadership (Nehemiah 5:6-7) A note about anger: It's okay to . God can that anger for you. Take a moment, then act . Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 29:11 Selfishness must be confronted (Nehemiah 5:7-8) This is not how treats one another! WARTIME LIFESTYLE: “A $70,000 salary does not have to be accompanied by a $70,000 lifestyle.… No matter how grateful we are, gold will not make the world think that our God is good; it will make people think that our God is gold” (John Piper) 2. SELFLESS UNITES! Nehemiah 5:14-18 How did the people respond? Nehemiah 5:12-13 He confronted them with truth. He called them to fear God. He communicated the need. He compelled them to respond. He convened others as witnesses… They feared God...how do we know that? They repented. They stopped their selfishness. They moved toward unity! See Matthew 20:25-28