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Committed to God. Church of Christ at Medina May 12 th , 2013. The Nazirite Vow. In Numbers 6, we have a description of a special vow governed by the Law of Moses. It is the Nazirite vow. Conditions of the Nazirite Vow The person could not take of the fruit of the vine. (6:1-4)
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Committed to God Church of Christ at Medina May 12th, 2013
The Nazirite Vow • In Numbers 6, we have a description of a special vow governed by the Law of Moses. It is the Nazirite vow. • 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) • The duration of the Nazirite vow ranged probably from about 30 days to a lifetime. • Having completed the period of the vow, the Nazirite was commanded to appear before the Lord and provide offerings. (6:13-20)
Vows • The Nazirite vow is a specific vow mentioned in the Law of Moses, but vows in general are a part of the Holy Scriptures. • 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) • Examples of a Vow • Jacob in Genesis 28:10-22
Characteristics of Vows • 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…” • 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 116:12-14 • 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 • 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. • Serious • The marriage relationship between a man and a woman . Breaking it is a sin before God. (Matthew 19:3-9) • Timely • The marriage commitment is a lifelong commitment. (Romans 7:1-3)
Examples of Vows Christian • 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 1:12-13 • 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 • 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… • …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!! • …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