A New Normal

Introduction

1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV 1900) — 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians 7:23 (KJV 1900) — 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

I believe reflection is a key tool for the Christian to take steps forward in their life for the Lord. Even though the Holy Spirit “abides” faithfully in the believer, there must by (through walking with God) an abiding in the Lord.

What we will examine this evening is the calling to a particular way of setting apart our hearts and lives to the Lord and the motivation that consistently leads us to do so.

We will also witness that while on that journey, God provides a divine protection to each and every believer.

1) The People’s New Direction (vv1-16)

A. They are heading to a new land

Lets talk about the land for a moment:

Notice verse 5: “When the Lord shall bring thee into the land...”

There is a two fold nature to this land:

A place of milk and honey

A place of giant opposition / temptation / battles

Lets think about our lives for a moment:

God has a perfect will for every single on of His children!

Romans 12:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Now, there are multiple things found near where God’s will takes you and/or on the journey to where God’s will will take you.

First - blessings, joy, peace, completeness, community, strength, growth...

Second - obstacles, temptation, difficulty, discomfort...

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV 1900) — 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

B. They are living with a new surrender

Let’s remember back when they were in Egypt...

Ever since Joseph and the Pharaoh who loved him died, they had been denied any form of worship to God.

All of who there were and what they had was given to the leaders and land of idolatry.

Their thinking and passions were driven to become like that of the Egyptian people.

Now, they are a people of a NEW LAND (aka, a new life)

(vv2, 12-16)Now, in light of that, God is commanding them to set apart their first born children as well as first born of beast to Him.

Why would there be a desire for a NEW SURRENDER?

Notice verses 3, 8, 9, 14, 16

We should follow the example of giving God our first and best.

God should never receive you leftovers!

This may come with discomfort and seemingly inconvenience.

God predestined discomfort and inconvenience when He sent His Son to redeem a people for himself.

2) God’s Divine Protection (vv17-22)

A. God knows the BEST WAY

What would constitute the BEST WAY in our minds?

The quickest route #1

(v17, 18) The quickest route is not always the best route for God honoring growth and worship.

Deuteronomy 8:2 (KJV 1900) — 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Illustration: Henry has a growth toy that helps him advance his motor skills. No benefit to skip to the most advanced. We control what he interacts with.

God will always make His path a PLAIN PATH.

Psalm 27:11 (KJV 1900) — 11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, And lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Proverbs 15:19 (KJV 1900) — 19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: But the way of the righteous is made plain.

God’s path may exceed your comprehension, but it cannot be perfected upon.

Isaiah 55:9 (KJV 1900) — 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 18:30 (KJV 1900) — 30 As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

B. God promises protection on His path (vv20-22)

God leads them to the edge of the “wilderness”

A place uncharted and untested!

Even though you have no ability to skip ahead and test those areas, God has already been there!!!

Deuteronomy 1:30 (KJV 1900) — 30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

Don’t we believe that God is the one who directs our steps???

Proverbs 16:9 (KJV 1900) — 9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.

Psalm 37:23 (KJV 1900) — 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.

Conclusion

If you are a believer in Christ live in light of these truths:

Never stop following God’s plan of glorifying Him for His grace.

Your NEW LIFE will bring to you blessings.

Your NEW LIFE will be aquatinted with obstacles, burdens and even temptation.....

However, God’s path for you is anointed with God’s protection.