Set Apart to the Lord
This morning we continued our study of Luke 1 with 16 men in attendance. We are notorious for having a thorough study and a lot of discussion. This morning was no different. We covered part of two verses (14-15), but we really let the Lord show us the meaning of His Word. That is what counts. We are not there just to cover verses, but to apply the meaning.
This part of the chapter begins to describe the birth of John, the Baptist. It tells us of the joy surrounding his birth, but it also shows us how special he was. From the description he must have been a "Nazarite" from his birth. Therefore, he did not drink wine or strong drink. He did not shave his head, and he kept himself clean according to the law of Moses. (Numbers 6:3ff) Also, it is very significant that he was "filled" with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. He was definitely an unusual person, who was totally consecrated to the Lord. That is what the word "Nazarite" means. It means "separated" or "unpruned." This is a reference to how a totally consecrated person is different from the people of the world. They are set apart for God's service.
We came to the conclusion that the reason they did not drink any alcohol was to be different from the world and to not allow anything to dull their senses to God. Also, since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we should not do anything to harm our bodies. Then, I told the men that the word "saint" means the same thing as Nazarite. It means to be set apart. Therefore, we ought to be totally different from the world. We should not want alcohol or anything to dull our senses or have any power over us. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit all of the time. (Ephesians 5:18) Can you imagine how the folks around us would take notice if all Christians were set apart and filled with the Spirit like this? I think that is what the Lord wants, because we are supposed to become like Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 16-18 and Matthew 18:1-20.
This part of the chapter begins to describe the birth of John, the Baptist. It tells us of the joy surrounding his birth, but it also shows us how special he was. From the description he must have been a "Nazarite" from his birth. Therefore, he did not drink wine or strong drink. He did not shave his head, and he kept himself clean according to the law of Moses. (Numbers 6:3ff) Also, it is very significant that he was "filled" with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. He was definitely an unusual person, who was totally consecrated to the Lord. That is what the word "Nazarite" means. It means "separated" or "unpruned." This is a reference to how a totally consecrated person is different from the people of the world. They are set apart for God's service.
We came to the conclusion that the reason they did not drink any alcohol was to be different from the world and to not allow anything to dull their senses to God. Also, since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we should not do anything to harm our bodies. Then, I told the men that the word "saint" means the same thing as Nazarite. It means to be set apart. Therefore, we ought to be totally different from the world. We should not want alcohol or anything to dull our senses or have any power over us. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit all of the time. (Ephesians 5:18) Can you imagine how the folks around us would take notice if all Christians were set apart and filled with the Spirit like this? I think that is what the Lord wants, because we are supposed to become like Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 16-18 and Matthew 18:1-20.