11/16/2025 Midtown Church Sacramento

“Restoration Through Justice”
Dr. Efrem Smith

Main Text:
Nehemiah 5:1–12

Other Texts:
Nehemiah 5:13–16
Isaiah 58:6–12
Revelation 7:9–17

Biblical Background:

• Babylonian forces under King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.
• They left behind the poorer classes. Now the people are exiles under the rule of King Artaxerxes in Persia.
• Rebuilding and restoration took place in the midst of a famine.
• Challenging economic times don’t impact everyone equally.
• Some, unfortunately, were taking advantage of others’ despair.

Big Questions of the Series:

• Will you accept God’s mission for your life?
• Will you join God’s mission for the city?

The Disparities of the City Call For:

1.A Great Outcry

(Nehemiah 5:1–5)

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2. A Righteous Anger

(Nehemiah 5:6–9)

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3. A Godly Generosity

(Nehemiah 5:10–13; Isaiah 58:6–12)

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Final Thought:

A Missional Way of Urban Living

(Nehemiah 5:14–16; Revelation 7:9–17)

Loving God, loving your neighbor, and committing to justice and righteousness.