Committed to God Church of Christ at Medina May 12 th, 2013
The Nazirite Vow 1.In Numbers 6, we have a description of a special vow governed by the Law of Moses. It is the Nazirite vow. 2.Conditions of the Nazirite Vow The person could not take of the fruit of the vine. (6:1-4) The person could not cut the hair of their head. (6:5) This seems to be an outward indication of the separation that they had committed to. Samson is the most famous Nazirite, at least as associated with the hair. (Judges 16:16-17) The person had to avoid contact with a dead body. (6:6-8) 3.The duration of the Nazirite vow ranged probably from about 30 days to a lifetime. 4.Having completed the period of the vow, the Nazirite was commanded to appear before the Lord and provide offerings. (6:13-20)
Vows 1.The Nazirite vow is a specific vow mentioned in the Law of Moses, but vows in general are a part of the Holy Scriptures. 2.What is a vow? “A solemn promise.” (Webster) “…a voluntary promise to God to perform some service or do something pleasing to Him…” (Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary) 3.Examples of a Vow Jacob in Genesis 28:10-22
Characteristics of Vows 1.Voluntary or Willing “When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord…” Deuteronomy 23:21-23: “…for you have voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God…” 2.Serious Although not required, a vow was very serious in the eyes of God when it was taken. It was so serious that it was a sin for a man to break his vow. Deuteronomy 23:21-23: “If you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.” Consider also: Numbers 30:2, Psalm 50:14, Psalm 76:11, Psalm 116: Timely God expected the Nazirite to fulfill the time they had committed to, and not to delay. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Examples of Vows Marriage 1.Voluntary or Willing In our society, a person is not forced into a marriage relationship. Since it is entered voluntarily, a person should be careful to pick the right mate. 2.Serious The marriage relationship between a man and a woman. Breaking it is a sin before God. (Matthew 19:3-9) 3.Timely The marriage commitment is a lifelong commitment. (Romans 7:1-3)
Examples of Vows Christian 1.Voluntary or Willing God does not force anyone to obey Him. However, we cannot enjoy any of the spiritual blessings of God without obedience. Matthew 7:13-14 John 1: Serious A Christian commits to God verbally (Luke 12:8-9, Romans 10:8-10), and also through obedient acts like baptism. Once committed, the relationship with God needs to be taken very seriously. Hebrews 10:32-39, Hebrews 12:12-13, Psalm 119:2, Matthew 6:24 3.Timely Our commitment requires immediate and constant attention. (2 Corinthians 6:2, Matthew 8:21) Our commitment is for life. (Revelation 2:10)
Examples of Vows As a Christian, we have committed to… 1.…worship God. This is part of the original vow that we made. God is worthy of our worship (Hebrews 11:6, John 3:16). We must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and in accordance with will of God (Colossians 3:17). Worship is required, but it is also a privilege! Remember, we are committed to worshipping Him!! 2.…serve God. Serving God means that we leave this world behind. We are not separated from it. 1 John 2:15 Colossians 3:1-2 Galatians 2:20 Philippians 3:13-14