Lesson 2 17 February, Thou Art an Holy People

Transcription

1 Lesson 2 17 February, 2019 Thou Art an Holy People Lesson Scope: Deuteronomy Chapters 12 to 16 References in brackets refer to Deuteronomy 12 to 16 unless otherwise specified. Lesson Focus Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty is the cry of the beasts in Revelation 4:8. John s vision coincides with Isaiah s vision of the Almighty God in Isaiah 6. Our holy God cannot tolerate the presence of sin. He is a jealous God. He will not share His honour with another. Be ye holy; for I am holy is a direct command of God, reiterated by Peter. Separation from sin, the world, and its worship practices is imperative for the children of God. He alone has the right to set the standard for pure, unadulterated worship. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar [set apart, special] people (1 Peter 2:9). If there is anything God hates worse than blatant disobedience, it is a mixture of truth and untruth. Jesus told the church of Laodicea He wished they were cold or hot. Because of their lukewarmnes, He said, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Perhaps it is because of the hardness that deception brings that He hates it so much. God is holy. Sin separates us from Him. Pure religion can only be attained by those who have been cleansed by the blood of Christ. They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Pure religion reaches beyond the mind. It reaches into the heart and produces action. Many substitutes for pure religion seem right to men, but the end is death. Pitching our tent toward Sodom will not produce pure religion in us or in our children. Worshiping the creature more than the Creator will bring impurity into our worship. Today many people believe that they are going to heaven. While it is not our responsibility to judge anyone, we must be keenly aware that not all of our neighbours and acquaintances are going to reach heaven. We must take heed to ourselves lest we fall, and must make every effort to make our calling and election sure.

2 God has defined the standards of right worship and conduct. As God s people live by these laws, they will remain His treasured people. Lesson Aim: To identify principles that govern pure religion. Theme Verse: James 1:27. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the World. Lesson Text Ye Shall Overthrow Their Altars Deuteronomy 12:2-3 2 (KJV) Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: 3 And ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Deuteronomy 12: (KJV) Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God. 29 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; 30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 1 (KJV) If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 13:6 6 (KJV) If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other

3 gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Deuteronomy 13:8 8 (KJV) Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: Thou Shalt Truly Tithe Deuteronomy 14:2 2 (KJV) For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deuteronomy 14: (KJV) Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 23 And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. Deuteronomy 14:29 29 (KJV) And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest. Thou Shalt Make a Release Deuteronomy 15:1 1 (KJV) At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. Deuteronomy 15:7 7 (KJV) If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: Deuteronomy 15:15 15 (KJV) And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day. Questions for Study Ye Shall Overthrow Their Altars 1. Why is it so important to utterly destroy idolatry? 2. What is suggested by these words: overthrow, break, burn, hew, and destroy? 3. What will happen if we accept the idea that there are many ways to reach heaven?

4 4. What are some dangers of studying the gods of this world? 5. How should we relate to family members who rebel against the teaching of their parents and church leaders? Thou Shalt Truly Tithe 6. What does God want from us in a true tithe? 7. Who are we to share our bounty with (14:29)? Thou Shalt Make a Release 8. What should be our attitude toward the poor? 9. What do we need to remember? Analysing the Passage Man is born with the desire to worship something. The high mountains, the green [trees] (groves), pillars, and graven images (12:2-3) are man s ideas for worship. These places often included acts of immorality associated with their worship. God chose the place to worship Him (1225). He specifically rejected planting groves of trees (16:21) or making graven images (16:22) to worship Him (12:4). He is a holy God, and acceptable worship to Him must be holy in nature as well. The first commandment was thou shalt have no other gods before me. The second was to make no graven images. The second served as a hedge to protect the first. This lesson focuses on the second one. First, they were to destroy every item associated with idolatry (12:2-3, 28, 30). Second, they were to preserve worship as God had designed it (13: 1-3, 6, 8). The year of release (15:1) was the sabbatical year when volunteer crops grew for the poor to harvest. Even the land was to rest. On this year any loan that had been given to the poor was to be forgiven and not to be reinstated. At all times, the people were to give liberally to their poor brethren (15:7-8) and not charge them usury (interest) on anything borrowed (23: 19). Principles and Applications Ye Shall Overthrow Their Altars 1. Pure religion is free from even a trace of idolatry (12:2-3). To be washed in the blood of the Lamb is to be cleansed from all sin. Pure religion neither needs nor uses the world s methods of worship. Skits, drama, musical instruments, special singing, and other forms of enter-

5 tainment are not needed to stimulate the spirit of worship. Simply having a devotional or engaging in prayer does not sanctify an occasion. 2. Careful listening to God s words is an important element of pure religion (12:28). Are we prepared to listen to what God says, or do we attempt to brush aside His warnings? Careful listening is more than simply hearing or even memorizing. It is an understanding that translates into actions. 3. Doing that which is good and right is an integral part of pure religion (12:28). Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17). We must live up to the knowledge God has given us. To be perfect, or pure, we avoid partiality and do good to all. 4. Safeguards must be put in place to protect from evil influences (12:30). Attending Christian schools, avoiding entertainment and amusement facilities, limiting social activities with the general public, and having a written church discipline are all safeguards to protect us. We should not spend a lot of time studying the worship practices of cults or other false religions. I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil (Romans 16:19). 5. Loving the Lord with all the heart and soul is an earmark of pure religion (13.3). Having a single eye will keep us from lusting after the leeks and garlic of Egypt (the world) and will help us to be satisfied with water from the Rock (Jesus Christ) and manna from heaven (God s Word). We are satisfied with simple worship patterns and humble preaching. 6. Pure religion involves a relationship with God that supersedes earthly ties (13:6, 8). If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26). If we love anything more than God, our religion is not pure. Thou Shalt Truly Tithe 7. God s people have a high calling to live up to (14:22). New Testament Christians are compared to a city on a hill, a light in the world, and salt that influences society. We are earthen vessels filled with the precious message of reconciliation that the world so desperately needs. 8. Giving of our natural means for the Lord s work and brotherhood needs is part of pure religion (14:22-23, 29). Let every one of you lay

6 by him in store, as God hath prospered him (1 Corinthians 16:2). While the New Testament does not command the use of the tithe, it may imply even greater giving for many of us. When God blesses us, we need to remember that it is His gift to us. Freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8). Thou Shalt Make a Release 9. Brotherhood assistance is an essential part of pure religion (15:1, 7, 15). Bear ye one another s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). God s Word teaches us to share with our brethren and then reach out to others around us. A selfish person misses out on the joy of giving and may even lose his salvation. To live in luxury while our brother is in need is not pure religion. 10. Remembering our redemption is a vital part of keeping pure religion alive (15:15). Israel observed the Passover annually as a reminder of their deliverance. Today we have the Communion service as a reminder of our redemption. Remembering our great deliverance motivates us to holy living. Important Teachings 1. Pure religion is free from even a trace of idolatry (12:2-3). 2. Careful listening to God s words is an important element of pure religion (12:28). 3. Doing that which is good and right is an integral part of pure religion (12:28). 4. Safeguards must be put in place to protect from evil influences (12:30). 5. Loving the Lord with all the heart and soul is an earmark of pure religion (1323). 6. Pure religion involves a relationship with God that supersedes earthly ties (13:6, 8). 7. God s people have a high calling to live up to (1412). 8. Giving of our natural means for the Lord s work and brotherhood needs is part of pure religion (14:22-23, 29). 9. Brotherhood assistance is an essential part of pure religion (15:1, 7, 15). 10. Remembering our redemption is a vital part of keeping pure religion alive (15:15)

7 Answers to Questions 1. Why is it so important to utterly destroy idolatry? Idolatry must be destroyed to keep us from temptation. If we hide things, it is likely that we will get them out to use again. The man who is addicted to hunting may need to sell his rifle. People who are overcome by immorality will need to burn the books, pictures, and list of phone numbers that will continue to entice them to sin. Keeping the idols of this world within easy reach is a recipe for disaster. 2. What is suggested by these words: overthrow, break, burn, hew, and destroy? They suggest diligence in the task. Do not leave one stone unturned. Get rid of every trace of idol worship. How much fire can a man take into his bosom and not be burned? How much leaven does it take to leaven a lump of dough? Seed that is 98 percent pure may still be contaminated with 2 percent weed seeds, and woe to the farmer who plants it. Keep thyself pure. 3. What will happen if we accept the idea that there are many ways to reach heaven? First, we will lose our enthusiasm for evangelism. Then we will begin to incorporate other worship methods. It is amazing how quickly the position on divorce and remarriage is tested or how soon instrumental music is incorporated into worship. We must always be keenly aware that not all who say, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of the Father in heaven will enter in. 4. What are some dangers of studying the gods of this world? If we study the counterfeit long enough, we will likely be deceived. We should be able to identify the counterfeit by possessing a keen knowledge of the genuine. One danger of satisfying our curiosity about new technology (a worldly idol) is that our children may be entranced with it. The same can be said about associating closely with those who hold similar beliefs but have decidedly different applications. It is better to be simple concerning evil and wise about good. 5. How should we relate to family members who rebel against the teaching of their parents and church leaders? We should relate to them in a redemptive manner. If we respond to them as we always have, they will soon be comfortable in their sin. If we respond harshly in anger, we may drive them away forever.

8 Whatever response we use should keep clearly before them that neither we nor God are pleased with their life choices. Simply being in our presence should make them feel uncomfortable. Excommunication seems extreme to some people, but it is a redemptive act to show sinners where we understand their relationship with God to be. It is hard, but we must value our and their relationship with God greater than our relationship with our children or even our spouse. 6. What does God want from us in a true tithe? God loveth a cheerful giver. He wants the best we have to offer, not the leftovers. He wants us to give willingly, not grudgingly. While a tenth may be a guide to help us be sure we are not giving too little, many of us can give more than a tenth and still have plenty for ourselves. If we think that giving a tenth is good enough and the rest is for our benefit, we have not learned true tithing. While we are not suggesting that we must put all our money in the offering basket, we are suggesting that God expects us to put everything on the altar of sacrifice, our time, our abilities, our possessions, our bodies, and even at times our families. This is only our reasonable service to Him. Christ gave His life for us; what could we honourably withhold from Him? 7. Who are we to share our bounty with (14:29)? We share with our church leaders. The stranger who asks for help and the widow and fatherless should receive of our bounty. We give as the Lord has prospered us, not because we must, but because we want to. 8. What should be our attitude toward the poor? We are our brother s keeper. Anything that is within our power we ought to be willing to give. We do not look down upon others as poor managers or inferior people. We show compassion for them in their difficulties. We should see sharing as a blessing we would not want to miss. When another shares with you do not belittle or refuse the gift that he would give you because he needs it more than you do. You will deprive him of his joy. 9. What do we need to remember? We must remember that everything we have is only by the grace of God. We do not possess one thing that has not been given us by God. Freely ye have received, freely give. Whether it is material possessions or the gift of salvation, we are unworthy of any of God s great blessings to us. No one should be beneath our dignity for us to willingly

9 stoop and help him or her. If we feel someone is, we are thinking too highly of ourselves. Most importantly, we must remember our redemption. Summarizing the Lesson Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation (Psalm 24:3-5). Research Guide 1. In a Bible dictionary (possibly New Unger s or Zondervan) look up the following subjects: alms, graven image, grove, high place, pillar, tithe. 2. Read Matthew 21: Think about applications of Jesus cleansing the temple to pure religion today. The church must excommunicate the sinner. We must cleanse our hearts, or our religion will not be pure.