Summary: In a culture that often equates leadership with power, prestige, and self-promotion, Nehemiah gives us a radically different picture, one rooted in sacrificial love, the fear of God, and radical generosity. This sermon unpacks four characteristics of a servant leader and points us ultimately to Jesus, the greater Nehemiah, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. 5 Conversation Starters: 1. What comes to your mind when you think of leadership: power and position, or service and sacrifice? Follow-up: How does Jesus’ model of servant leadership challenge or change the way we think about leadership at home, school, or work? 2. Why do you think it’s so easy to use our influence for personal gain instead of the good of others? Follow-up: Can you think of a time when someone chose to serve you instead of taking advantage of a situation? How did that impact you? 3. Nehemiah didn’t take what he was entitled to as governor. Why would someone willingly give up their rights for others? Follow-up: What’s one small way we could choose to sacrifice something this week for the good of someone else? 4. What does it mean to “grow in the fear of God,” and how did that shape Nehemiah’s choices? Follow-up: Are there ways we can cultivate that same kind of reverence and dependence on God in our family? 5. Nehemiah lived from God’s commendation, not for it. How is that different from trying to earn God’s approval? Follow-up: How would our attitudes change if we truly believed God already sees and delights in our quiet acts of faithfulness?