The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part II

Living By Faith

Last time, we began looking at “The Cloud and Pillar of Fire” (Exodus 13:21-22).” In the biblical study of Old Testament types and patterns, we find that the cloud and fire represent the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 10:1-13 indicates that Israel’s wilderness experience is a complete picture of our Christian life. That means that the appearance of the cloud and fire at the very moment Israel left Egypt is significant. It demonstrates that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an event that occurs at the instant we are saved. Then, some time later, after salvation, we are led by the Holy Spirit to water baptism.

Today we want to focus in on the ministry of the Holy Spirit as revealed in Exodus. There are three services disclosed:

I.) God goes before us to lead us (Exodus 13:21a):

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;

One of the principal ministries of the Holy Spirit in the lives of born again believers is to provide us with direction in life. For many Christians this is a real mystery. How does He guide us? For some, it is nothing more than a feeling, whim, or hunch. For others it is more mystical—sort of like waving hands over a crystal ball. Still others see it as just a big unknown where God gave us our heads and expects us to use them to figure out our own way. This should not be, because God plainly says that He will guide us (Psalm 32:8). So, how does this work?

Scripture: John 3:5

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Notice that a man must be born of both water and Spirit. Water and Spirit work together in the process of salvation. The question here is whether this water is merely H2O or something more. Once again, typology comes into play.

Scripture: Psalm 119:9

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

Water represents the Word of God. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again of both the Word of God (I Peter 1:23) and the Holy Spirit to be saved. One without the other does not work.

Scripture: John 7:38-39

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Notice that while water represents the Word, flowing water pictures the Holy Spirit. Do you see the connection? Water which stands still is dead and lifeless; whereas, flowing water is alive. This principle is taught in survival courses.

When possible, we should use iodine tablets or some filtration device to purify drinking water in the field. But when no means of purification are available, the safest water to drink is found in the rapids. The flowing action acts as a natural cleanser, inserting oxygen and washing away impurities.

The lesson is this: God, the Holy Spirit, works in union with the written Word to bring it alive to us. Instead of mere words on paper, the Bible becomes a living book, able to speak to our need - whether that be doctrine, conviction, exhortation, or direction (II Timothy 3:16-17). God uses His Word to lead us the way (Psalm 119:105).

II.) God lights our path and comforts us (Exodus 13:21b):

...and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

The second ministry of the Holy Spirit is that of giving light in the night. The New Testament refers to the Holy Spirit as the Comforter (John 16:7). In those dark nights of life when we fearful human beings quake, tremble, and cower, the Spirit lights our path with the Scriptures to comfort and show the way.

Many are the times that I have experienced that sudden remembrance of a verse at just the right moment to provide peace in the midst of turmoil. One strange incident should suffice to demonstrate this.

Years ago at a crisis point in my life when God was beginning to take over the reins of my heart, I had a very unusual experience. I am not quite sure what to think of it, but will simply share it to make my point.

I was fast asleep in the night season, when I seemed to abruptly awake with an intense fear that I have never known before or since. In the instant of my apparent wakefulness with my eyes seemingly open, the room looked to be filled with demonic forms and shadows that I somehow perceived to be wrestling for my soul.

Then just as suddenly as I awoke, the thought popped into my head, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5).” This was accompanied by such peace and calm that I am reminded of Christ stilling the winds and sea (Luke 8:24).

All of this took but a moment and to this day, I do not know what to make of it. Was it a mere nightmare or was it a glimpse of the spiritual conflict that goes on unseen around us (Ephesians 6:12)? I do not know. One thing is sure—God’s Word calmed the howling winds of fear so fast and so completely that I lay for a time in a state of wonder and amazement.

If there is a lesson in all of this (and I believe there is), it is that experiences can often be very unsettling to us, but the Word of God is sure and steadfast (I Peter 1:25). Many today look for experiences, when they ought to look at their Bibles.

The Spirit knows just how to bring Scripture to bear at just the right moment in our lives. The Greek word for comforter is parakletos which literally means "called to one’s side". It implies the capability of giving aid. That is what the Holy Spirit does.

When we think of the desert, we often think of blazing heat from the scorching sun, but night time is just the opposite. It can get very cold. The extreme is so great that even 80 degrees seems cold. God knew just how to care for His people. He provided the cloud by day to shade them, and the fire by night to light and warm them.

III.) God never leaves nor forsakes us (Exodus 13:22):

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

The third ministry of the Holy Sprit is that of being our constant companion. Those words of consolation in Hebrews 13:5 calmed my fearful heart. They ought to encourage each of us who know Christ as Savior, because our text says that He did not take away the cloud.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The Holy Spirit is the earnest, or down payment, of our inheritance. Think of that! When we grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30), it is like trying to throw away our inheritance. How foolish! Fortunately, we cannot succeed, because He is also the almighty God who seals us until the day of redemption.

In ancient times, a letter was sealed by placing a drop of hot wax over the opening and imprinting it with an ornate seal. This security was not perfect. Occasionally, someone would manage to break it by counterfeiting or stealing the seal. But suppose that instead of wax, the seal consisted of an omnipotent bond that could never be broken. Such is the Holy Spirit. We are signed, sealed, and waiting to be delivered (II Corinthians 1:10). The Spirit is all of the assurance we need. He has promised that He will never leave nor forsake us.

The real question is “how often do we forsake Him?” How often do we grieve or quench (I Thessalonians 5:19) Him? We forsake Him, but He never does us. He seals us to the day of redemption and that day is fast drawing nigh (Luke 21:28).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the ministry of the cloud and pillar of fire to Israel was the same as the Holy Spirit’s ministry to us. He led them, comforted them, and abode with them through thick or thin. Even when they failed miserably and utterly, He was still there. He does the same for us—only better. For them He hovered over the camp. For us, He indwells our bodies. They become His temple.

The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part I

Living By Faith

In our last message, we learned that God deliberately led Israel from slavery in Egypt to a barren desert. At a place called Succoth (Exodus 13:20), there was a fork in the road (Exodus 13:17-18). The left way was well-watered and had plenty of food. It was an easy paved route to the Promised Land. But God led Israel the right way for a reason. They were not prepared for war. So he took them to boot camp.

We live in a culture of “ease”. We do not like nor want anything that involves discomfort, sacrifice, or trouble. Unfortunately, this plague afflicts the 21st century church and to some extent may actually be a product of the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel proclaimed by false teachers who have crept into the church. They promote this line of thinking and encourage the hedonistic philosophy of the world that comfort is the ultimate goal of life.

In reality, nothing ever achieves its potential without some struggle. The least happy are those born with a silver spoon, or those who find life so easy that there is no challenge. Such individuals waste away in boredom, unable to find purpose or meaning to their existence.

On the other hand, when we must work and toil to achieve a goal, there is a deep seated satisfaction at attainment. This satisfaction then translates to happiness. The struggle is necessary to that end.

Some fear that too much struggle will lead to failure and discouragement at our effort. They say that this will irreparably harm our self–esteem. We will be branded or will brand ourselves as incompetent losers. Therefore, we should never try ourselves beyond what some test assures us that we can do.

This fatalistic philosophy dooms us to mediocrity and fails to account for the growth that occurs through struggle. Little Johnny’s IQ may seem to be inadequate in grade school for him to become a doctor. Should we then discourage his desire or should we encourage him to work harder? Through hard work he may sufficiently develop his mind for the rigors of med school, but he will never know without trying. Even if he fails in that goal, there is no doubt he will be far more capable for whatever he does do.

Studies have shown that birds that are helped from the egg are far more prone to disease and are far weaker than those that must struggle to exit the eggshell.

God fully understands this principle and takes us to the wilderness to allow our struggles to fully develop us. This is the direction that He led Israel and it is the course He wants to lead us. The real question is “How did He lead them, and how will He lead us?”

I.) God’s Leading:

Scripture: Exodus 13:21-22

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

God led Israel via a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Typology is the study of biblical types, or pictures. The Old Testament is filled with activities and occurrences which picture some aspect of Christ, His ministry, or the Christian life. There are also pictures which represent the Holy Spirit, such as the cloud and pillar of fire (See Acts 2:2-3). The service provided is the same. What the cloud and fire did for Israel, the Holy Spirit does for us today. One aspect of that ministry is His leading.

Before we move on and look at this ministry, though, we want to point out an important truth revealed in the wilderness. The cloud and pillar of fire first appeared at the very moment that Israel left Egypt. This is not chance, but inspiration (II Timothy 3:16).

II.) Two Baptisms:

Scripture: I Corinthians 10:1-2

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

Notice that there are two baptisms in this verse. First, there is the baptism in the cloud. Secondly, there is that in the sea. The former pictures the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the latter pictures water baptism, or what we refer to as believer’s baptism.

Many people are confused about both. Some think that being baptized in water is a means of salvation. Others believe that the Holy Spirit is some “second blessing” kind of experience, where we are supposed to receive Him after salvation and become sinless. The Wilderness clarifies these issues. We have already established that Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt is a picture of our salvation experience. Now notice that as soon as they leave, they immediately receive the cloud and fire. This agrees with the New Testament.

III.) Old and New Agree:

Scripture: Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Our text, speaking of and to Christians, says that we are not in the flesh but in the Spirit. It adds, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We are not saved without the Holy Spirit. If we are saved, we have Him. We receive Him instantaneously at our new birth.

IV.) Holy Spirit Baptism:

Scripture: I Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

This verse is addressed to believers (I Corinthians 1:2). It says that we are all baptized into one body by the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the Spirit. It occurs at the very moment of salvation, when the Holy Spirit comes to indwell and seal us (Ephesians 1:13-14). At the same time, we become part of the body of Christ—baptized into Him.

V.) Baptism vs. Filling:

Part of the difficulty here stems from a muddling of baptism with filling. There is a difference between the two. We are baptized into Christ at the moment of salvation. We receive the Spirit then. He indwells us and assures us of our eternal destiny with an unbreakable seal. The command after salvation is not “be baptized with the Spirit” but “be filled.”

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

In Ephesians chapter one, we trust in Christ after hearing the gospel. We receive the Spirit, who becomes the down payment on our inheritance in Christ. Then in chapter five we are told to “be filled.” These are two separate and distinct occurrences. Spirit baptism makes us part of the body. Filling has to do with our walk (Ephesians 4:1, 17: 5:1-2, 8, 15). We are to walk like we belong to Christ and are under the influence of the Holy Spirit, instead of being under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating influence of this world.

VI.) Spirit vs. Water:

At the moment of salvation from Egypt, Israel was baptized in the cloud and fire. Days later, they were baptized in the sea, which pictures water baptism. Again, this agrees with the New Testament. We are baptized into the body of Christ as the instant of salvation. Later as our first feeble step of faith, we go through the waters of baptism as believers already born again. Water baptism expresses our wish to obey Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19-20) and tells the world of our desire to identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).

If water baptism was the means of salvation, the Red Sea would have to be moved miles inland. The Jews would step from slavery to beachfront condos.

VII.) Instant vs. Second:

By the same token, if Holy Spirit baptism was a “second blessing” or sanctification experience, the cloud and fire would not occur for days, weeks, months, and perhaps years. The Red Sea would occur first. Based upon Israel’s experience, the cloud and fire would never appear, because they never became sinless, and neither do we.

Scripture: Compare I John 1:8 and John 17:17

If we say we are sinless, then we cannot be sanctified. Why? Because the truth is not in us, and it is the truth which sanctifies.

Conclusion:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost (II Timothy 3:16). There are no mistakes. All Scripture must be considered within the context of the whole (II Peter 1:20). I Corinthians 10:1-13 indicates that the Wilderness is a complete type or pattern of our Christian experience.

Thus there is agreement between the old and new. Holy Spirit baptism occurs at the very moment of salvation.

Next time: The Cloud and Pillar of Fire: Part II

What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to Israel and to us? Next time, we will look at three ministries.

The Fork in the Road

Living By Faith

Several weeks ago, we observed the Passover Feast found in Exodus 12 and pointed out ten observations that picture our salvation experience. The tenth and final plague, which occurred in connection with the feast, resulted in Israel’s deliverance. The slaves were free at last! Prior to our new birth experience we were dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). We were enslaved by this world system. But the day of our salvation marks the day of our emancipation from slavery (Romans 6:18). Christ, the Passover Lamb, died to save and set us free from the power of sin.

Scripture: Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

The very same day of the paschal (Passover) service, God brought Israel out of the land of the Pharaohs, and so He delivers us. In Christ, we are no longer bound to keep up with the Joneses. Life is not just a big rat race or mid-life crisis waiting to happen. Instead, we are on a journey that should take us to the promised land—that is, if we do not repeat the catastrophe of Israel.

Contrary to many hymn-writers, Beulah land is not heaven, but spiritual maturity. John Bunyan recognized this in his famous book, Pilgrim’s Progress. He said that it is the place of peace and rest near the end of life’s journey. It need not take that long though. In just two years, Israel was at the threshold of the promised land. We should be too. Victorious and spiritual living is for here and now. But to achieve the goal, we must set out in the right direction.

Scripture: Exodus 13:17-18

17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: 18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

Three Truths:

I) God Led Them:

First, we must understand that God led them. This is one of the most important facts in our study. God led Israel. Twice our text says as much. In verse 17, it says that He did not lead them one way. Verse 18 says that He instead led them another.

The songwriter knew exactly what he was saying when he penned, “some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood; God leads His dear children along.” I am not a deist. I do not believe that the Bible is merely a moral rulebook, nor that God set the world in motion and left it to run by itself.

Rather, I am a Christian. I believe that God is real and that he takes an active, personal interest in the affairs of men (Hebrews 11:6). I believe that He wants to lead, guide, and direct us (Psalm 32:8). Christ shed His precious blood (I Peter 1:17-18) to free us from bondage to this world, but we must follow His leading. He wants to lead us out, but many Christians want to stay put. We love the things of this world, but God says, “Set your affection on things above (Colossians 3:2).”
Colossians 3 is a very interesting chapter. It begins and ends with eternity. In between, it tells us to mortify our members upon earth (vs.5), and do everything as to the Lord (vs.17 and 23), including being in submission to those in authority over us (vs.18-22). That is not easy to do. The only thing that allows us to do that is a strong belief in the blessed hope of Christ’s return.

Scripture: Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

We serve the Lord Christ, and our inheritance is in eternity. We must put off the old man and put on the new. We must lay aside the world’s way of thinking and acting, because verse 25 warns, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

To be able to accomplish this living for the hereafter, we must live by faith. The Bible says so four times (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38). To sacrifice this world, we must trust the promises of God’s Word. We must unequivocally believe in the goodness of God. We must rest in the love that He demonstrated on the cross. Hebrews records that Moses did so.

Scripture: Hebrews 11:24-26

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

He placed his life by faith in God’s hand, and God led him. If we do the same, He will lead us, too.

II) The Fork in the Road:

Immediately upon leaving Egypt, Israel encountered a fork in the road. Exodus 13:20 calls the name of this place,Succoth. Most people read right over this without even noticing the fork, but it is crucial to our understanding.

Verse 17 says, “God led them not through the land of the Philistines. Verse 18 adds, “But God led the people about through the way of the wilderness.” So, there was a fork in the road.

To the left ran a well-marked path that followed the Mediterranean Sea coast through the land of Philistia straight to Canaan, the Promised Land. This path was well-watered with oases. Thus it became the trade route.

Even as far back as Moses' time, it was a paved highway with rest stops in villages and plenty of food available. Bible scholars indicate that it would only have taken Israel eight to ten days to reach Canaan via this route.

By contrast, the road to the right ended abruptly. Much of the trail was unfamiliar, even to Moses. It led directly into a bleak, desert environment with little food or water available. Besides that, it would take Israel nearly two years to get to the threshold of the Promised Land. Furthermore, they would be totally dependent upon God for everything.

Which path would you choose? Most of us would take the easy one. Yet God chose to lead Israel the right way. Unfortunately, this is where many Christians fail, and the journey has barely begun.

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; 10:38

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

We have been indoctrinated by the world and by false teachers of the world who have crept into the church, that we should have it easy. Work has become a four letter word in our culture. The goal has become: Strike it rich and bathe in luxury and ease.

We have forgotten that Christ has called us to be soldiers in His army. There is a boot camp that we must endure to be equipped for battle, and there is a war to be fought. There will be plenty of time for ease after the victory is won. Christ is preparing a mansion for us right now (John 14:2-3), and we will be there soon enough. In the meantime, we need to take up our cross and get ready for battle.

III) God’s Reason:

We do not like the idea of grief and trouble, but God has a reason for taking us down the right fork. He took Israel the roundabout way because verse 17 says that they were not ready for war.

Scripture: Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

I like this verse. This is so like God. He does not dwell on our failures. He focuses on what we can be. We may be His army, but without training we are more like a giant mob than a disciplined fighting unit. We are not ready for war, particularly not with spirit beings of immense power. Yet God wants us to be ready and able.

The Jews were slaves all their lives. They knew nothing of war. The fighting was done by the Egyptians. They were the trained soldiers; the Israelites were merely civilians.

Illustration: I hated every minute that I spent in the Marine Corps. There was not a day in boot camp that I was not in pain. I hated everything about it. For years, I was mad at God over it. I could not understand why He allowed me to be there. Gradually, I comprehended.

He wanted me to know what it is to be a soldier.

Scripture: II Timothy 2:3-4

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

These words were written to a young pastor by an old soldier in God’s army. There is no doubt in my mind that I could not have done the things that I have done in the service of the Lord without that Marine Corps training. What I went through in boot camp is nothing compared to some of the things I have faced in my walk with the Lord. What boot camp taught me is that this is what you have to do to be a soldier and to fight the fight.

Very few churches today sing that great old Christian hymn that begins with the words, “Onward Christian soldiers…” Very few sing it and even fewer do it. Most of our national problems lie right there. Too many Christians are civilians, when there is a war to be fought—not the war on terror, but the war against our adversary the devil and his fallen angels. If we fail to go through God’s boot camp, we will be ill-equipped to deal with the ruthless terrorists of his satanic army. Remember, there are giants in the Promised Land.

Conclusion:

There is a fork in the road of life for every believer. The left fork is apparently easier, but the right fork is the right way! God never leads His children the wrong way. He always leads the right way. The songwriter said it very well:

In shady green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along,
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Some through the water,
Some through the flood,
Some through the fire,
But all through the blood.

Some through great sorrow,
But God gives a song,
In the night season
And all the day long.

~G. A. Young~

Next time: The Cloud and Pillar of Fire

Liberty

Living By Faith

We have been talking about Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt as a picture of our salvation experience. Today, as we celebrate Independence weekend, we want to take a moment to talk about liberty.

On this day 232 years ago, the Continental Congress of the thirteen colonies voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the first two, of fifty-six men, signed the Declaration of Independence. Four days later, on the eighth, members of Congress read the document from the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Afterwards, the Liberty Bell was rung.

Many people do not know that there was an inscription around the top of that bell. It was taken from Leviticus 25:10 and said, “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.” It is appropriate that our nation should begin in such a fashion—for it is the sounding forth of God’s Word that has given us our liberty.

I.) The Basis for Liberty:

Scripture: Psalm 119:45

And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.

The Psalmist knew and understood that it is the moral precepts found in God’s Word that grant us liberty. That is why the American experience is unique in all the world. The French have spoken eloquently about freedom, but have never attained it. To this day, they do not enjoy the liberty that we have, even though ours is in decline. It is impossible for a secular nation to have our freedom. It took Christianity to implement what the French theorized.

What most people do not know is that the first shot in the struggle for freedom was fired exactly thirty-five years prior to the ringing of the Liberty Bell. On July 8, 1741, a rather grim looking figure ascended the many steps leading to the raised pulpit in the sanctuary of a Congregational church in Enfield, Massachusetts. Arriving at the Sacred Desk, he calmly laid out his handwritten sermon notes. Hunched over to see in the dim light, he began to read them in a dry monotone without any inflexion of voice or gestures with his arms. Observe his text:

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:35

To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

The message was delivered to religious people who knew the moral precepts of the Bible. They were well taught in both the public arena and in the church; however, they forgot the God of those precepts.

Jonathan Edwards went on to point out to his congregation that apart from Christ we are but “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Dangling over the pit of hell, God says, “their foot shall slide in due time.” The effect upon the Spirit-prepared crowd was astounding. People began to cry out for mercy and to genuinely repent of their sins. This sparked a revival that swept through all of the colonies and caused men to seek the Lord at a time when the formative thoughts of our still-future nation were afoot. In the history books, this revival is referred to as “The Great Awakening.”

I would be derelict in my duty if I did not point out that the people who agonized over their souls in that gathering were far more Christian than most in our churches today, but they knew that they were lost. In a short period of time, many confessed that they were sinners and took up their cross to follow Christ. Would to God we could convince the lost Christians of our day to repent and turn to Christ! There would be a great change in our national life. In those days, even unbelievers defended the moral precepts of God. Today, so-called Christians cannot even agree on morality.

The Psalmist knew that our liberty depends on God’s law.

Scripture: Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Observe that we are not to avenge ourselves on another and are not to bear grudges. In another place, Scripture says that we are to forgive one another even as God for Christ’s sake forgives us. Jesus Christ already died to pay for our sins that are far worse than anything that anyone can do to us.

We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourself. What does that have to do with our liberty? Would such love enslave, tyrannize, brutalize, rob, steal, cheat, or do harm to another? I don’t think so! What is the essence of liberty? Is it not the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence? For that to occur we must love our neighbor as ourself. We must practice the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This another way of saying what we just said. It is also a summation of the precepts of God.

Observe the last phrase which says, “I am the LORD.” The word LORD refers to God’s eternal nature. In other words, He never changes and neither do His moral rules. They rest in His character and are the same for everyone, because He is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35). We are equally responsible before God.

II.) The Responsibility of Liberty:

Scripture: Galatians 5:13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

With liberty comes responsibility. What will we do with our freedom? Will we use it as an occasion for the flesh? There are those who advocate anarchy. They want to do away with all restraints of law placed upon men. They base their belief on the idea that man is completely and inherently good. This is not what the Bible teaches. God insists that man is inherently evil (Romans 3:10). God has therefore ordained human government and civil law to restrain the sin nature of man.

Scripture: Romans 13:1-8

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Observe that God enjoins us to place ourselves voluntarily under the authority that He places over us. We may say as many have that we are free spirits and do not have to obey. But God says that we are rebels against His law and will receive judgment. Our liberty should not be used as an occasion for rebellion but rather as an occasion for loving one another.

What is the responsibility of liberty? Galatians says that it is to “by love serve one another.” If we do not practice this, our liberty will soon end.

III.) The Failure of Liberty:

Scripture: II Peter 2:1-2; 19

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Notice that false teachers had crept into the church even at the time of Peter. The problem was so pronounced that Peter saw fit to address it and warn that many of the saints will follow these deceivers. He continued along this same line through the chapter to verse nineteen. Notice what he said: “They promise liberty..”

How do they do that? What do these false teachers say? They start by undermining the moral rules and precepts of the Bible. They say that the Bible may contain God’s Word, but it also has a lot of falsehoods and errors. They say that some things cannot be taken literally, such as the Virgin Birth, the resurrection of the dead, or the deity of Christ. They say that Bible is an evolutionary work in progress. In other words, it is still changing today. Other common themes are that what Paul said about women was sexist and should be ignored; we have learned through modern science that homosexuality is not really a sin, etc. They say that as we evolve, our knowledge grows and some things in the Bible have to be discarded.

In the end, the Bible says, “They themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” Their sinful lives bear witness to the truth.

They think they are free, but are slaves to their own appetites. In turn, they seek to justify themselves by bringing others into the same bondage. They are merely little pawns on the chessboard of life moved here and there at the whim of their master the devil. As they become more dominant in the religious life of America, our freedom becomes less and less.

But liberty will prevail!

IV.) The Triumph of Liberty:

Scripture: Romans 8:18-22

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

When sin entered into the world, all of creation was brought into captivity and enslaved by the sting of death. As men rejected the precepts of God, they fell more and more into slavery to sin. Then Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon that sparked a revival. Men and women turned to God at the critical moment in history when our country was founded. The United States Constitution became a social contract between God and men for a system of government designed to ensure freedom for all men.

The degree to which we have followed the precepts of God is the degree to which we have been successful. Now as men turn more and more from those godly values, our freedom lies in peril. Bondage to sin seems inevitable along with our loss of freedom.

But victory is on the way! All of creation waits for one moment when the sons of God are revealed in a great and mighty way. When this corruption puts on immortality, then death will be swallowed up in victory (I Corinthians 15:53-57). Jesus Christ will rule and reign and we will be free indeed!

Conclusion:

True freedom comes when Jesus Christ reigns. That is true both here and now, and also hereafter. If Jesus Christ is the Lord of our life, we can know real liberty. Christ died to set us free from the power of sin. With Him as our Lord we can have forgiveness for our sins and victory over them as well. If you are reading this and do not know Christ, I urge you to ask yourself what your sin has done for you. God the Son died for you to pay the penalty for your sins. Won’t you let him take charge today?

Next time: The Fork in the Road