"STRANGE FIRE"
Intro: The tabernacle has been completed, the congregation of Israel had gathered
for the opening ceremonies, As Moses and Aaron came out of the tabernacle,
fire from the Lord consumed the sacrifices upon the altar & the people seeing
this fell upon their faces and worshipped God. It was at this point Nadab &
Abihu offered their strange fire.
I. WHY WAS GOD SO SEVERE IN JUDGMENT?
A. God was forming, a special nation.
1. Through this nation He intended to reach the world for God loved
the world.
2. This nation to have a special relationship to Him.
3. The consciousness of this relationship was to be maintained by the
priesthood.
4. It was important that the priest be holy instruments of God.
a. A corrupted priesthood would mean a corrupted nation.
b. A corrupted nation would mean a corrupted witness to the world.
II. WHAT WAS THE STRANGE FIRE?
A. Chapter 16 contains instructions for High Priest on the day of Atonement.
1. The beginning of the chanter He warns of carefulness referring to
Nadab & Abihu.
2. He tells that Aaron is to take burning coals from off the altar before
the Lord.
3. Where Nadab & Abihu got their fire we know not.
a. They were doing a right thing in a wrong way.
b. Here we see God's opinion of the age old philosophy, that the
end justifies the means.
B. There is a strong indication in the story that Nadab & Abihu had been drinking
prior to their error vs. 9.
1. God wants our minds to be clear when we serve Him and under no other
influence but His.
2. He does not want false stimulation for service.
3. These men were acting under own initiative & not under control of God.
a. How wrong it is to serve God under false stimulation.
1. Offering fire of fleshly enthusiasm.
2. Some so-called ministers motivated by money.
C. An indication that they were seeking glory, vs. 3.
1. How important it is that God receives the glory from our service.
a. "Let your light so shine."
b. "That no flesh should glory in His sight."
III. HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO US TODAY?
A. We must be a true witness of God in the world.
1. In our methods.
a. If we think we can improve on God's methods.
2. We must never touch God's work under a false stimulant.
a. Or Worse yet stimulate others with false stimulant.
1. "For the love of Christ constrains me."
2. It must be the fire of His Spirit burning in me.
3. We must do all things for the glory of God.
a. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross..."
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Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.