Without the Camp

By Pastor David Reagan

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INTRODUCTION: The phrase without the camp (v.11, 13) refers to the time Israel wandered in the wilderness. To go without the camp meant to step outside the boundaries of the camp of Israel. In the Old Testament, going without the camp was almost always a negative thing. In Hebrews, we see the type fulfilled through grace.

Old Testament Usage:

1.                 A place of defilement (Numbers 5:2-4); those having touched a dead body

2.                 A place of isolation (Leviticus 13:46); the unclean leper

3.                 A place of judgment (Leviticus 24:13-15); where someone was stoned

4.                 A place of refuse (Deuteronomy 23:12-14); where the toilets were

Application: How We Go Without the Camp:

          Note: the camp refers to the majority; to Christianity as a whole

1.                 Go going further with Christ than the masses have gone (Titus 2:14)

a.     In personal separation

b.    In holy zeal

2.                 By taking an unpopular stand for the cause of Christ (Romans 12:2; Luke 6:22)

a.     By standing for something: like the King James Bible or holiness

b.    By standing against something: like Promise Keepers or the Passion

3.                 By separating from the camp to draw nearer to God (2Corinthians 2:17)

a.     By refusing to conform

b.    By refusing to comply with group politics

c.     By refusing to let others choose your friends

New Testament: Without the Camp in the Day of Grace (Hebrews 13:8-16)

1.                 A Place of Favor (v.9-10; Philippians 1:28-30)

a.     Established with grace (v.9)

b.    Given by privilege (v.10)

2.                 A Place of Fire (v.11; 1Peter 1:6-7)

3.                 A Place of Forgiveness (v.12)

a.     Jesus suffered without the gate

b.    Jesus shed his own blood

c.     Jesus sanctified the people

4.                 A Place of Fellowship (v.13; Philippians 3:10)

a.     We go unto Him

b.    We bear His reproach

5.                 A Place of Faith (v.14; Hebrews 11:8-10)

6.                 A Place of Fruit (v.15)

a.     The sacrifice of giving praise to God

b.    The fruit of giving thanks to His name

7.                 A Place of Fulfillment (v.16)

a.     Finding our purpose in service

b.    Living our lives to please God (Colossians 1:10)

CONCLUSION:

Is God calling you to step outside the camp?

          For salvation?

          For service or surrender?

          To stand for the truth of God?

Do you need to glory in the privilege of being called without the camp?

Would you say today, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus?

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