5th is a series on Nehemiah's prayers. Nehemiah had a crisis brewing in the workers' camp. People were in need. He challenged the "common business practices" of his day and reinstituted charity and compassion ministries. He led with generosity and prayed to God to take notice and bless his giving.

1. Leaders in Generosity
Nehemiah 5:19

3. Oppression by Brothers
• The builders on the wall were starving and in
serious need. (5:1-5)
– They had big, hungry families and little grain to
feed them. (2)
– They had mortgaged their property to buy the
expensive grain. (3)
– They were in heavy debt, without any way to
work to earn money. (4)
– They were enslaved to their poverty and their
Jewish brothers. (5)

4. Challenge by a Brother
• Nehemiah heard about their plight and called
for action. (5:6-12)
– The unjust situation angered Nehemiah. (6)
– Nehemiah formed an accusation against the
injustices and oppression. (7-9)
– Nehemiah challenged them to be generous and
gracious toward their own brothers. (10-11)
– The oppressors repented and committed to
restoring their brothers. (12)

5. Object Lesson for Brothers
• Nehemiah warned against anyone reneging
on their promises of generosity. (13)
– Nehemiah shook out the dust from his garment.
– So, God would shake out and empty anyone who
tried to continue abusing their brothers.
– The point was well received; they did exactly
what they said they would do.

6. Example for Brothers
• Nehemiah backed his message up with action
of his own. (5:14-18)
– Nehemiah was not about to take anything from
the ones who already had trouble.
– Nehemiah did not even take what was
allowed, so that he could help the brothers out.
– He led by example in his generosity.
– He was driven by the fear of God (15) and a
compassion for the people (18).

7. A Heart for Brothers
• Nehemiah called God to take note of these
things done for the benefit of brothers. (5:19)
– God sees the heart and the motivation, and will
reward the giver correctly.
– Nehemiah’s generosity was sacrificial – it cost
him much, it was for God, it purified his heart.
– This act of service was only for God’s attention or
repayment.

8. Prayer Effects
• We can pray for
– forgiveness if your lack of generosity has caused
undue stress on your brothers
– boldness to challenge brothers who are sinning
against others
– clarity to define your levels of generosity
– love for people who are genuinely in need.
(especially, not exclusively brothers)
– God’s favor, blessing, goodness to on your gifts