Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons Nehemiah 7:2-3 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man… I. HE WAS A FAITHFUL MAN. To serve God acceptably we must be faithful. 1. By believing what God has revealed, on His testimony (2 Chronicles 20:20). To the exercise of this faith we are urged by the best example, as that of Abraham (Galatians 3:9; Romans 4:20), and that of Barnabas (Acts 11:24). Under the influence of this faith, we shall be led to seek God in the way He prescribes. 2. By conscientiously performing those duties which arise from our relations to God; as His servants, stewards, and soldiers. As His covenant-servants, we must devote ourselves to His service (Jeremiah 1:5; 1 Corinthians 4:19, 20). As His stewards, we must employ His gifts for His glory (1 Peter 4:10, 11). This faithfulness is required in stewards (1 Corinthians 4:2). As His soldiers, we must be valiant for His revealed truth (Jeremiah 9:8). We must be faithful — 3. By steadfast adherence to the required worship and service of God. Like the Church at Pergamos, we must not deny Christ through fear of suffering for righteousness' sake (Revelation 2:13; Revelation 17:14). 4. By seriously realising the invisible things of God (Hebrews 11:1). We should realise God's presence with us, as our Master, Helper, and Observer (Psalm 16:8; Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 11:27). We should realise the general judgment, when we must all appear before Christ (2 Corinthians 10:7, 9, 10). II. AND HE FEARED GOD ABOVE MANY. 1. By the fear of God, in this place, is meant the whole of personal religion, including the principles and practice, the dispositions and the conduct of its subject or possessor (Psalm 34:11; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 19:28; Ecclesiastes 8:12). 2. He feared God above many. This implies that there are different degrees of piety among those who truly fear God. This is intimated by our Lord, in His parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:8). It is admitted by St. Paul, in his doctrine of future rewards (2 Corinthians 9:6). This difference in pious attainments is also evident from the present state of the religious world. Of some eminent Christians, who are now the salt of the earth and the lights of the world, it may be said with great truth that they fear God above many. They acknowledge God more than many in their secular concerns (Proverbs 3:6; Philippians 4:6); they are more careful than many to allow themselves m those recreations only which are consistent with, and favour. able to, their advancement in holiness (1 Corinthians 10:81); they converse more spiritually and profitably than many (Ephesians 4:29); and they are more zealous than many, in employing all their talents for God's glory and the benefit of mankind (Acts 13:36). With respect to reputation; some have a good report from them that are without the Church, while the good that is in others is evil spoken of, through their indiscretions. With respect to usefulness; some are general blessings to their respective connections, while others are not visibly instrumental in bringing scarcely any souls with them to Christ and heaven. 3. The honourable mention of Hananiah's distinguished piety should excite us to imitate him, by endeavouring to excel in piety also. To excel in piety is — (1) Our privilege. This is incontestable from the prayers which the Holy Spirit has dictated for our adoption (Ephesians 3:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 24; Hebrews 13:20, 21). (2) Our interest. For this will be conducive to — (a) Our greater happiness (Isaiah 48:18); (b) our greater safety (2 Peter 1:10); (c) our greater glory in heaven (2 Peter 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:51). (3) Our duty. (a) God calls us to this (1 Peter 1:15, 16); (b) God will hereby be glorified (John 15:8); (c) herewith He will be pleased (Psalm 35:27). (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) Parallel Verses KJV: That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. |
    |