How can we "go to Him outside the camp" in our lives? Looking at the Context “11 For the bodies of animals whose blood is brought into the Most Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to sanctify the people by His own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore. 14 For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” What “Outside the Camp” Means • Under the Law, sin offerings were taken to a clean place outside Israel’s camp (Leviticus 4:12). • The camp symbolized accepted, established religious life; outside was the place of refuse, rejection, and reproach. • Jesus’ crucifixion outside Jerusalem fulfilled this pattern (John 19:17). • Believers are now called to leave the safety of cultural approval and identify openly with the crucified Savior. Why Stepping Out Matters • Affirms allegiance to Christ rather than to any earthly system. • Demonstrates willingness to share His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). • Shows confidence in the “city that is to come,” not the passing order of this world (Hebrews 13:14). Practical Ways to Go to Him Outside the Camp • Open confession of faith even when it costs reputation or opportunity (Romans 10:9). • Refusal to compromise biblical truth for social acceptance (Acts 5:29). • Choosing purity and integrity when the crowd normalizes sin (1 Peter 1:14–16). • Serving the overlooked and marginalized, mirroring the Lord’s identification with outsiders (Luke 14:13–14). • Actively separating from entertainment or practices that dishonor Christ, replacing them with what builds up (Philippians 4:8). • Bearing ridicule or ostracism for holding to scriptural convictions on marriage, life, or morality (2 Timothy 3:12). • Engaging in missions, evangelism, and acts of mercy that draw criticism or opposition (Matthew 28:19–20). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Matthew 16:24 “If anyone desires to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” • Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” • John 15:18, 20 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first… If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” • 1 Peter 4:14 – 16 “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed… let him glorify God in having that name.” • 2 Timothy 4:5 “As for you, be sober-minded, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Promises for Those Who Step Outside • Hebrews 12:2 “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” Shared suffering leads to shared joy. • Mark 10:29–30 Assurance of a present, multiplied family and eternal life. • 2 Timothy 2:12 “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” • Revelation 3:21 “To the one who overcomes I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne.” A Closing Invitation The path outside the camp is the path of authentic discipleship. Jesus stands there, welcoming those who value His approval above all else. Step forward, bear His name without shame, and rest in the lasting city He has prepared. |
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