This sermon explores how self-interest can undermine a community, drawing lessons from ancient Israel. It challenges us to recognize how our own self-serving tendencies can damage our church family, and how God, through leaders like Nehemiah and ultimately Jesus, mercifully confronts these issues to restore unity and authentic worship. 5 Conversation Starters: 1. The sermon talks about how even small acts of self-interest can create a "wake" that damages the community, like a boat's wake in the water. Can you think of a time when you saw someone's self-interest (or even your own) have a negative ripple effect, even if it wasn't immediately obvious? Follow-up: How did that experience make you feel, and what did you learn from it about being mindful of our actions? 2. The sermon mentions "performative holiness" or "virtue signaling" as a subtle form of self-interest. Have you ever noticed yourself or others acting a certain way just to appear spiritual or "good" on the outside, without truly living it out internally? Follow-up: Why do you think it's so easy to fall into that trap, and how can we, by grace, cultivate genuine spiritual growth instead of just outward appearances? 3. Nehemiah was "very angry" when he saw the injustice but then "took counsel with himself" so his anger wouldn't turn into sin. When you feel angry about something, what's your typical first reaction, and what are some healthy ways we can process that anger so it doesn't lead to sinful actions? Follow-up: What’s the difference between responding rationally and reacting emotionally to sin and injustice? 4. The sermon discusses how a "cold love" and a lack of fear of God can lead to exploiting others or withholding good. Can you think of a time when you had the opportunity to help someone but held back, maybe because it was inconvenient or you felt they didn't "deserve" it? Follow-up: What does the sermon teach us about the true nature of love and how it should motivate us to care for our neighbors, especially those in need? 5. Pastor Joshua pointed out that every sin Jesus confronts, He carried, all the way to the cross. How does Jesus’ pattern of confronting sin (with the rich young ruler, the woman at the well, the paralytic, etc.) challenge or encourage you? Follow-up: How does the cross assure us that confrontation from Christ is never condemnation, but always mercy?