Nehemiah 11:16 - Homiletics

Church officers.

"The oversight of the outward business of the house of God." What this business was in and about the temple. What it is in Christian Churches: care of the buildings, management of the finances, etc. The "oversight" is now exercised by church-wardens, deacons, treasurers, etc; according to the customs of each Church.

I. THE POSITION WHICH THIS " OUTWARD BUSINESS " OCCUPIES .

1. It is subordinate to the spiritual. For the sake of the latter it exists, and in order to its promotion should always be managed.

2. It is' essential to the spiritual. As in this world the body to the action of the soul, or food and raiment to piety and virtue. Preachers must be fed and clothed and housed; congregations cannot meet at stated times without buildings, nor in comfort unless the buildings are bared for and money spent on them. Neglect of the outward will tell unfavourably on spiritual life and growth. Due care for it is promotive of these, as it enables ministers to preach, and congregations to hear and worship, with undisturbed minds. Very useful and honourable, then, is their office who have "the oversight of the outward business of the house of God."

II. THE QUALITIES REQUIRED FOR THE DUE DISCHARGE OF ITS DUTIES . Besides the uprightness required in every kind of business.

1. Devoted love for the house of God. Awakening the desire to do all that is possible to secure the due order and the effectiveness of its services, and producing the conviction that it is an honour to be employed even in its humblest ministrations (see Psalms 84:10 ). Such love will make the officers of a Church examples to others (as they should be) of generosity and activity.

2. Sympathy with, and kindly regard for, those engaged in spiritual ministrations. Arising from a high esteem of their work as we]l as their character, and impelling to every effort to facilitate their labours, and secure them such honourable and sufficient maintenance as will free them from all anxiety about worldly matters, and enable them to give themselves with undivided heart to their work. Inducing also care to maintain a good understanding between the pastor and the flock, and preserve the former from annoyance and needless interruption.

3. Diligence and fidelity in their work. The contrast between the style in which men holding office in the Church transact their own business, and that in which they transact the business of God's house, is often very striking and discreditable.

4. The capacity for leading and stimulating their fellow-worshippers. There is often in a congregation much latent ability, and willingness too, to serve the Church by gift or labour, which need only to be called forth. One man with the power to call them forth may totally change for the better the condition of affairs.

5. Withal, indisposition to magnify their office unduly, or go beyond its bounds (see Romans 12:3 seq. ) . Finally, ministers and congregations enjoying the services of such officers have much reason for thankfulness and praise.