June 14, 2015

Organization and the Will of God

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Get-R-Done: Walking with God; Accomplishing His Will Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1–3:32

Organization and the Will of God
Nehemiah 3:1-32

Motivation without organization leads to frustration!

“But all things should be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Exodus 18 – One of the earliest leadership lessons in the Bible about how proper organization can facilitate the accomplishment of God’s will and work.

Organizational Principles to Help Pull Off the Impossible

1. Simplification: Keep it simple (1)

The strongest organizations are the Simplest

2. Participation: Work with those who want to work (5)

Two kinds of people: Workers and Shirkers

3. Delegation: Make specific assignments

Some 45 sections of construction mentioned including 10 gates

Everyone’s job is nobody’s job!

4. Motivation: Allow for ownership

Key phrase: “Opposite his own house” (10,23,28,29,30)

Good organizations allow people to develop their own areas.

5. Cooperation: Encourage teamwork

Key phrase: “Next to them or After him” (20 times)

Good organizations provide a supportive climate of trust and teamwork.

There are over 50 “one anothers” in the New Testament.

6. Administration: Supervise the work

“Next to him the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him Hashabiah, ruler over half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. After him their fellow Levites made repairs under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler over half the district of Keilah.” (Nehemiah 3:17–18, HCSB)

People do what you Inspect, not what you Expect

Good organizations establish clear lines of authority.

7. Appreciation: Give recognition

32 individuals singled out in this chapter

“After him Baruch son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.” (Nehemiah 3:20, HCSB)

Good organizations recognize and reward effort.

Three Types Of Work Noted in Nehemiah 3

No work
Some work
Zealous or Diligent work

God’s Word encourages us to be involved in the work of God’s Kingdom!

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4–8)

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23)

For Personal Application:

  1. What is my place “on the wall” here at First Baptist? How am I involved in the work of God’s Kingdom?
  2. Which phrase best describes my involvement in God’s Work (No work, Some work, Zealous or Diligent work)?