Week 3 | Cupbearer to the King

Strengthening:

Call to Rise:

Nehemiah was Cupbearer to the King. As a mother, when I hear the word “cupbearer,” I’m inclined to think of moments when my fussy toddlers could be comforted by nothing except their sippy cups, and the parent who could produce the prize first would be the hero of the day. Nehemiah’s role was quite different.

In the ancient world a Cupbearer was an officer of high rank within the king’s court. As the Jewish Virtual Library explains, “since he was close to the person of the king, who feared intrigue and the possibility of poisoned food, the Cupbearer was required to be a man of irreproachable loyalty capable of winning the king’s complete confidence.” In addition to certifying the safety of Artaxerxes’ wine, John Westervelt clarifies that “Nehemiah was a confidant and counselor to the king.” Nehemiah was a man of integrity, and thus, influence. If we hope to influence our nation for Jesus, we would do well to demonstrate a similar level of integrity.

What is integrity?

A person has integrity when their actions match the values they hold and profess.

God demonstrates perfect integrity. He doesn’t lie (Titus 1:2). He does what He says He’ll do (Numbers 23:19). He keeps His promises (Hebrews 10:23). He doesn’t change his character (Hebrews 13:8) or virtues (2 Timothy 2:13). He is both perfectly righteous and absolutely just (Deuteronomy 32:4).

What does the Bible say about integrity?

Since integrity is part of the character of God, the Bible has a lot to say about it. Here’s a snapshot of the benefits and effects of Biblical integrity.

Regarding Slander

What is Slander?

Few things are more painful and debilitating for a person of integrity than slander. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, slander is “a false and malicious statement or report about someone.” As we move further into our study, we’ll learn that this exact weapon was used by the enemy against Nehemiah. Whenever God’s people begin to advance the Kingdom of light into the territory of darkness, the enemy feels threatened (as he should). One of the first weapons he will use against the righteous is slander, because if he can undermine our integrity (trust), he can undermine our influence (relationships). He is the father of lies, and so slander is his native tongue (John 8:44).

In fact, the Greek word translated as “slanderers” in Titus 2:3 is diabolos; the same word that diabolical is derived from in English. Author Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth explains that “this word—diabolos—appears 38 times in the New Testament. And in all but four of those occurrences, it’s used to refer to Satan… This connection between slander and Satan shouldn’t surprise us. The first time we meet him in Scripture, he is slandering God’s nature and character to Eve in the garden of Eden. ‘You will not surely die’ for eating fruit from the forbidden tree, he told her (Genesis 3:4).”

How Does Satan Use Slander?

Satan slanders God to humans. He sows doubt as to whether God can be trusted. He accuses the Lord and twists His words. Have you ever heard the darkness whisper something ilke “If God is real, why hasn’t He done anything about it?”

Satan also slanders humans to God. DeMoss Wolgemuth says “he famously did it in the early chapters of Job, declaring that righteous man’s behavior to be the easy response of an easy life. ‘Stretch out your hand and touch all that he has,’ Satan said to God, ‘and [Job] will curse you to your face’ (Job 1:11).”

And finally, he entices humans – even Christians – to slander each other.

How Should We Respond to Slander?

Thankfully, God has not left us defenseless when it comes to slander. The Bible gives us guidance on what to do when the accuser is on the prowl.

1| Trust God to Defend Your Honor. However you respond, make sure you are responding out of the fear of the Lord and not fear of people. Instead of panicking, we can trust the Lord to defend us. Pastor Gavin Ortlund says “After all, it’s in the context of being ‘maligned’ that Jesus says, ‘Have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known’ (Matt. 10:26).”

2| Pray for truth to be exposed and exalted. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. (Proverbs 10:9 ESV)

3| Speak Truth. You don’t need to argue or plead your case. You are empowered to declare truth, which is an absolute defense against lies. The truth is mighty and powerful, while lies are simply biding their time before they crumble. Speak truth in gentleness and not in bitterness. This is precisely what Nehemiah did when confronted with slander, and it is what Paul recommends in 2 Timothy 2:23-26:

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

This gentle rebuttal is best done in person whenever possible.

4| Continue in Integrity. It all comes back to consistency between what you practice and what you profess. Your godly integrity is a testimony before Heaven and earth, a defense purchased steadily over time by faithfully investing in righteous words and actions. God honors that investment, and has vowed to protect it.

Rejoice And Be Glad

Biblical integrity invites the blessing, favor and protection of God. As you commit to establishing the Kingdom of God in your sphere of influence, don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of slander. Even more importantly, don’t forget that the One who never breaks a promise has promised to deliver you.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11–12 (ESV)

Prayer:

Father, you know my intentions and actions. Please empower me to be a person of integrity. I lift my values and priorities up to you and ask that You convict me of any that are not consistent with Your holy scriptures and character. Teach me Your ways. Please make my heart fertile soil for the seeds of Your word, so that all I learn about and from you will take root and result in a harvest of righteous thoughts and actions. Thank you that when I walk in integrity I will be delivered. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. God, I ask that your American Church would be filled with people marked by Biblical integrity.

Build Assignments:

Fast, pray and repent.
Contact all of your County leaders (often called County Commissioners).
- Let them know you are praying for them.
- Ask any questions you may have.