Nehemiah - Part 6
Joshua Daniel teaches that true spiritual freedom and blessing come from honoring God's laws, discerning sin within our families, and embracing our identity as servants in the land God has given us.
This sermon addresses feelings of condemnation, guilt, and inadequacy, emphasizing the impact of rebellion on future generations and the importance of spiritual discernment within families. It highlights the need to prioritize God over worldly affections and to recognize the subtle sins that may be present in our lives. The message also touches on the concept of being servants in the land God has given us, acknowledging the need for repentance and freedom in Christ.
Full Transcript
I feel condemned. I feel guilty. I am doing so little.
Oh dear people, when you have no regard for the basic law of God, the laws of God, when rebellion thrives in your heart, it will be passed on to your children. If you have a prophetic spirit, and you pray for your children, God's promise is, the spirit which is upon you will be upon your children. The words which I have put in your mouth will be in your children's children.
These are the promises of God. Alas, what is our heart condition tonight? Lord, I am open to you. I will honor you and your word.
Another subtle sin. I asked one brother today, how is it I understand, that in this particular center, young people are living unspiritual lives. He said, the parents are taking sides with their children.
My dear friends, when you get blind, you take sides with the sins in your family. And what does God say? What did God say in the times of Eli, the high priest? Thou honorest your sons more than me. Now, of course, that's a natural kind of affection.
Everybody likes to his sons in some way stand up for their own children. But, spiritual people, they will see some of the subtle things in the hearts of their children. And they will pray.
They will, in other words, be sharpshooters of evil. Other people, blindly support children. Oh, what a sad history befell that high priest's family.
Last of all, you know Nehemiah says, 36th verse, Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land which thou gavest our fathers, to eat the fruit thereof, and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it. We are servants in it. What is the land which God has given us? What is the land which God has given us? Blood-bought liberties of Calvary.
You should be free while walking as sons and daughters of God. Here is this confession. In this land of plenty, which you have given us, it yieldeth much increase unto the kings.
It yields much increase unto the kings. Because of our sins, you have set these overlords to sap the fruit. And we are slaves in it.
Any slaves here?
Sermon Outline
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I
- The danger of rebellion and its generational impact
- God’s promises for those who honor Him
- The condition of the heart before God
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II
- The subtle sin of parental partiality
- Lessons from Eli the high priest’s family
- The importance of spiritual discernment and prayer for children
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III
- Our identity as servants in the land God has given
- The spiritual consequences of sin on our freedom
- The call to live as free sons and daughters of God
Key Quotes
“When rebellion thrives in your heart, it will be passed on to your children.” — Joshua Daniel
“Spiritual people will see some of the subtle things in the hearts of their children and they will pray.” — Joshua Daniel
“We are servants in the land which God has given us, and we should walk free as sons and daughters of God.” — Joshua Daniel
Application Points
- Examine your heart for any rebellion and seek God’s forgiveness to break generational sin.
- Pray diligently for your children and practice spiritual discernment to guide them rightly.
- Embrace your identity as a servant in God’s land and walk in the freedom Christ provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a servant in the land God has given us?
It means recognizing that although we live in a place of blessing, we are called to serve God faithfully and live in obedience to His laws.
How can rebellion affect future generations?
Rebellion in one generation can be passed down, influencing the spiritual condition and behavior of children and grandchildren.
Why is spiritual discernment important in families?
Spiritual discernment helps parents identify and pray against subtle sins in their children, preventing blind support of wrongdoing.
What is the significance of the example of Eli’s family?
Eli’s family shows the consequences of honoring children’s sins over God’s commands, leading to spiritual downfall.
How does this sermon address feelings of guilt and condemnation?
It encourages listeners to turn to God’s promises and repentance, emphasizing freedom through Christ rather than condemnation.