Nehemiah Chapter 10

• Themes
• Responsibility
• Generosity
• Key Words
• "Tithe", "tenth" > 5x
• "House of the Lord", "House of our God" > 9x
• "Contribution", "contribute" > 3x
• "First", "firstbruit" > 5x
• Outline
• Statement of the leaders of this covenant (10:1-27)
• Submission to the authority of God's Word (10:28-29)
• Separation from the compromise by worldly influence (10:30)
• Surrender to the responsibilities of corporate worship (10:31-39)
• Observation #1
• The community (10:1-27) was to be known as people of the Book (10:28-30) and people of the House (10:31-39).  Christians want to open the Bible and live accordingly.  Christians want to be in church.
• Observation #2
• To not tithe, to not bring the first, to not contribute -- this meant neglect and irresponsibility.  Lack of generosity meant failure to accept covenant responsibility.  Before they could accept responsibility, they had to surrender their lives (10:28-30).  If your heart (life) isn't surrendered, your money and goods won't be either.  Maintaining Christian community (church, the family of God) is a costly enterprise.  It will cost you time, effort, money, leisure and energy.  Nonetheless, it is worth it!