How can we "go to Him outside the camp" in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: Why “Outside the Camp” Matters Today • In Israel’s wilderness life, anything unclean—especially the burned remains of sin offerings—was taken “outside the camp” (Leviticus 4:12). • “Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. So let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore” (Hebrews 13:12-13). • The cross stood beyond Jerusalem’s walls. To follow the crucified Lord, we must step outside society’s approval and religious formalism, choosing Him over comfort. What Going Outside Looks Like in Daily Life 1. Publicly identify with Jesus even when it costs. ‑ Speak His name with humility and joy in classrooms, offices, and online spaces. ‑ Refuse to downplay biblical truth to fit cultural expectations (Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:32-33). 2. Distance yourself from sin’s camp. ‑ Guard the mind: filter entertainment, conversations, and ambitions (Romans 12:2). ‑ Say no to habits and relationships that pull you back inside the old camp’s gates (2 Corinthians 6:17). 3. Embrace the reproach that comes with obedience. ‑ Expect criticism, exclusion, or labeling and count it honor: “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed” (1 Peter 4:14). ‑ Respond with gentleness, not retaliation (1 Peter 3:15-16). 4. Serve the forgotten, mirroring Christ’s path to Golgotha. ‑ Visit prisoners, care for the poor, comfort the lonely; these places often lie “outside” society’s mainstream (Matthew 25:35-40). ‑ Give time and resources sacrificially, trusting God to supply (Philippians 4:19). 5. Cultivate fellowship that revolves around Christ, not popularity. ‑ Share life with brothers and sisters who spur you to holiness, even if the group is small (Hebrews 10:24-25). ‑ Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly—remembering His body broken “outside” for us (1 Corinthians 11:26). Anchoring Truths That Free Us to Step Out • We already have a better altar: “We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat” (Hebrews 13:10). Jesus is enough. • Our real city is coming: “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Eternal security loosens our grip on present approval. • His grace strengthens hearts, not ritual foods (Hebrews 13:9). Dependence on Christ’s finished work fuels courage. • The Spirit dwells within, guiding us daily (Romans 8:11). We are never alone outside the camp. Quick Self-Check List for the Week - Did I choose silence when I could have named Jesus? - Did I refuse a compromise that would have dishonored Him? - Did I move toward someone overlooked or hurting? - Did I rejoice, not grumble, when misunderstood for my faith? - Did I lean on the Word and prayer more than on human applause? Encouragement from Fellow “Outsiders” • Moses “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:26). • Paul wrote from prison: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12). • Early believers “rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Living It Out Together Stand, speak, serve, and suffer with Jesus. The camp offers comfort; outside the gate waits fellowship with the risen Lord, the privilege of bearing His name, and the promise of a city that lasts forever. |
    |