JEREMIAH CHAPTER 35

THE RECHABITES

Their Biblical Standards Brought Blessing from God even in a Judgement Generation


1. The blessing on the Rechabites.
     A. Strong enough to overcome temptation. (Jer. 35:2-6)
     B. Blessing on the children. (Jer. 35:18-19)

2. The blessing of the Nazarites. (Not Nazarenes)
     *Abstaining from certain things. Had to overcome outward disapproval by spiritual strength.
          Num. 6:1-8 Shaved head at end of vow. Num. 6:18
     A. Not all were completely committed. Samson. Judges 13:5-7, 16:17
     B. Went even to refusing grapes. - John the Baptist was one. Luke 1:15
     C. Even Paul advocated it. Acts 21:21-26
     D. Paul did it himself. Acts 18:18

3. The blessings for today.
     * The benefits of not drinking alcoholic beverages: Today's beverages have a higher
          alcohol content.
     A. No temptation to drink too much.
     B. No activation of any addiction to drink.
     C. No temptation to others around you.
          *Especially important when you have kids.
     D. It becomes an effective testimony. It raises the curiousity of others - they ask questions.
     E. Strong drink is for medication purposes only.
          - For those about to die. Pro. 31:6
          - Wine for Timothy's stomach problem. 1 Tim. 5:23
     F. You avoid foolish decisions, and false visions.
          Is. 28:7, Is. 56:12, Gen. 9:21-24, Gen. 19:33-35, Lev. 10:9