Nehemiah 4:4 - Homiletics

Despising the godly.

"Hear, O our God; for we are despised." The contempt of many for sincere and earnest Christians has respect not only to their undertakings, as here, but their whole religious life. Taking this more general subject, notice—

I. THE TREATMENT LAMENTED . "We are despised." How is it that Christians are ever despised? Sometimes, doubtless, they have themselves to blame (see, on the whole paragraph, II . 1). Thoroughly consistent Christians often obtain high respect from men of the world. But the feeling of others is that of contempt.

1. What they despise.

2. The real causes of their contempt.

II. THE FEELING WHICH SUCH TREATMENT AWAKENS . The feeling expressed in the text is evidently that of pain. It is singular that to be despised is harder to bear than any other kind of ill-treatment. It wounds self-respect more, perhaps pride. It is felt most keenly by those whose knowledge, or refinement, or position enables them best to appreciate the feelings which prompt it. St. Paul found it harder to bear the scorn of educated men than St. Peter. To be deeply affected by it, is in all cases a sign of too great regard for the good opinion of men. Habitual supreme regard for "the praise of God" would raise us above it.

III. THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WILL SUPPORT US UNDER IT . Let good men bear in mind—

1. Who it is that despise them. Those whose judgment, for the reasons given above, is of little account.

2. For what they are despised. For that which they know to be wise, noble, substantial, worthy of all honour.

3. With whom they are despised. God ( 1 Samuel 2:30 ; Psalms 10:13 ). Our Lord Jesus ( Isaiah 53:3 ). Apostles, martyrs, saints in general, "the excellent of the earth."

4. The estimation in which they are held by the wisest and best beings. God esteems and treats them as especially his "sons and daughters." Christ "is not ashamed to call them brethren." Angels are "ministering spirits" to them, and rejoice when even "one sinner repents" and is added to their number.

5. The vindication of themselves, and the confusion of their despisers, which will take place at the last day.

IV. To WHAT WE SHOULD RESORT WHEN SUFFERING FROM IT . Prayer for those who despise us. "Pray for them which despitefully use you." "Being reviled, we bless." Prayer for ourselves; for needful strength to bear contempt meekly yet manfully. "Strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man," we shall not heed it.