Study through Obadiah, For the Violence against thy brother

This evening we will close out our walk through Obadiah. I am afraid we are only getting a glimpse into these books. Also we must remember we are not simply interpreting these books for what they say but we are trying to take these books and through the interpretation and other portions of scripture make application. We want to see how we can take these books and get modern day help from these wonderful books. Before we go into the book of Jonah I want you to read one verse with me. 

Obadiah 1:10 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob sham shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever. 

It interests me that the sin that condemns Edom is not idolatry or drunkenness but rather the way they treated Israel. If there was ever a nation that was familiar with the promise of God to Abraham it should have been Edom. God looks at them and says, you have mistreated your brother and for that you will be judged. Now we could look at how they did this and why they did this but I want us to consider our Christianity in this light tonight. In the Bible we read terms like brother, sister, household of God, and household of Faith. It shows us the descriptive terms used for the family of God. Now we know that Israel was and is the Nation of God. God is not done with Israel. According to the New Testament those who followed God faithfully and had faith in God, were placed into the family of God. We are told that we are brought into the family of God by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. 

Ephesians 2:11-13 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

The most interesting part of the family of God is how we are actually said to be brought into this family. We know that we are said to be brought into this family in three different ways. 

1. First, through Birth. This birth is made mention of in John 3:6-8 and I Peter 1:23
2. Second, through our marriage. This marriage is made mention of in 2 Corinthians 11:2, and Ephesians 5:25-27. 
3. Thirdly, through our adoption. This adoption is made mention of in Romans 8:15-23, Galatians 4:4 and Ephesians 1:5. 

I think it would be work taking a look at these and examining these three ways we are brought into this family. 

First we are told we are brought in through birth. Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night proclaiming the great signs and miracles he is doing and because of this he must be from God. However, Christ stops a religious man and makes him understand that he needs to be born again. We are told that this birth is not a physical birth but rather a birth of Water and of the Spirit. Some have said that this means you had to have a physical birth and a spiritual birth. I am convinced because of I Peter and John 3 that this means the word has a part in our birth.  and the Spirit has a part in our birth. 

I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

The Bible is clear that faith comes by the hearing of the word. That word is made apparent by the Spirit and we are birthed through the Spirit. You must be born again. Now there are three truths about this birth. 

• First, this birth is distinct. Paul would write in 2 Corinthians 5 that any man that is in Christ is a new creature, a new brand, a new creation. Something different than what he was. When you were born there was a distinct proof that you were born. No man or woman can stand here today and say, I do not know if I was really born or not. If you are here today then there was a birth that took place one day. Just as you have distinct proof that you were born one day, there should be distinct proof that you are born again. There is a difference from the old man. 
• Secondly, this birth is defining. Again we have to see this new creation. It is a creation based upon the Son, based upon the father. We are told in Romans that we are to be conformed to the image of his son. We are told that we are to be transformed. Your birth consisted of the mixture of your mother and father. This means that this birth defined who you would be. It defines your eye color and your hair color. It defines your height, and body type. It defined your particular abilities to an extent, and your personality. In the same sense because you are born of the Spirit, you are a spiritual being and you are not to be carnal but rather spiritual. Having the characteristics of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
• Thirdly, this birth is dividing. I was born into a particular family. I was given a last name. I was brought to a particular home. That meant that my name was not to be the name of another house. That meant I did not belong to another family. I was born into the family of God, that means I am to be separate from them. I am not to be like the world. I am not to be in love with the world, and I am not to be longing for the world. I am to come out from among them. 

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Secondly, we are told we are brought into this family by marriage. 

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In these verses the church is presented as the bride of Christ. Now we are also told of the marriage supper of the lamb and that those who are called to that marriage are given robes of righteousness. I am convinced that in the Old Testament we can find proof that Israel is referred to as the Wife of God. I am equally convinced that the Church is the Bride of Christ. We must understand that this marriage is in accordance with the word or God and according to Jewish ritual. The Jewish marriage was different from that of the gentiles around them. 

• First, the Marriage would have been arranged between the fathers, not the bride and groom. 
• Secondly, the Father of the groom would pay the father of the bride a “bride price” or a “mohar”. This was essentially purchasing the bride for the groom. 
• Thirdly, there was a marriage contract that was drawn up between the two families and the groom and bride would sign this contract. This was the betrothal process and meant that these two were married legally but had not yet consummated the marriage. The groom would go home and prepare a chamber for the bride in the father’s house. He would not be able to return to get his bride until his father designated it was time. 
• Fourthly, when he would arrive there would be a trumpet call to announce that he had arrived to fetch his bride. Once this takes place the bride would be cleansed and made ready for the marriage supper. 

Now this is a beautiful picture of what has taken place for us. We know that while we were sinners God commendeth his love or sent his love toward us. He before the foundation of the world laid the plan for man’s salvation. The price he paid was the price of his son, and in doing this he purchased us. The Bible tells us that we are bought with a price. The new covenant was made and we were betrothed to his son. This covenant is legally binding and we are simply awaiting for the father to send the son with the sound of the trumpet and our glorification to be made ready for the marriage supper of the lamb. 

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Thirdly, we are brought into this family through adoption. In truth there is not much in the Old Testament that deals with adoption. In the law if a man died his brother was to assume the responsibility to be head of his brother’s house. If any child was born it was to continue in his brother’s name not his. However, during the time of Paul’s writings we can find the truths of Adoption. 

Romans 8:15-23 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Now the Romans were familiar with the legal process of adoption. There are a few truths that you should take note of about this adoption. 

• First, this meant that the child was desired and the relationship was to be permanent. Under Roman law you could legally disown your natural born child. You could place them up for adoption or abandon them due to any particular reason. However, to be adopted meant that the individual was desirous to have you and legally they could never disown you. It was a permanent legal contract. 
• Secondly, it meant that any debt or baggage that you had as a child had disappeared as your history was erased and your new life began with your new name. 
• Thirdly, it meant that as a son you immediately had joint possession of anything the father owned. You did not have to wait until the father died, it already belonged to you. 

Now in our spiritual adoption it is just this way. The contract is legally permanent. You cannot ever be disowned by your father. Secondly, it means that all of your sin is erased and your new name entitles you to a new life. Thirdly, everything that the father has already belongs to you. 

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Now that we know how we are brought into this family, I want us to talk about this family for a minute. We know some truths about this family. 

• First, this family is one of different attributes. We are told in Revelation that those that stand in heaven are from every kindred, and tongue. We are told by Paul that Jew and Gentiles alike can take part of this family. Your racial background cannot exclude you from this family. Your economical background cannot exclude you from this family. Your educational background cannot exclude you from this family. Every individual has an opportunity to come into this family. 
• Secondly, this family is one of deep storehouses. The Bible is clear that our father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He fed the Israelites in the wilderness. He fed Elijah by the brook. He met the needs of all who have come and has never failed one time. We are not guaranteed our wants, but we are promised that our God can meet all our needs. 
• Thirdly, this family is one of disproportionate receptions. This is a quick but important thing to take note of. All of us who are part of this family, even combined, have nothing to offer the Father, Son or Holy Ghost that will compare to what he has given us. I could spend my whole life and never reach what he may have to offer me. 

Now there is much to be said for our responsibilities in this family. We are told to:

• Love one another, I Thessalonians 4:9
• Pray for one another, James 5:16
• Forbear one another, Ephesians 4:2,32
• Be kind one to another, Romans 12:10
• Serve one another, Galatians 5:13
• Edify and Admonish one another, Colossians 3:16, I Thessalonians 5:11
• Comfort one another, I Thessalonians 4:18
• Provoke one another, Hebrews 10:24
• Bear one another’s burden, Galatians 6:2
• Care for one another, Galatians 6:10

However, I think there is a particular issue that I want us to see in application to the book of Obadiah. 

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Each of us right now knows an individual who has sat on a church pew and no longer sits there. Each of them knows someone who was actively involved in their church but no longer makes an appearance. Each of us knows someone who has fallen into sin. I am afraid that much like Edom we have no problem loving, and praying for, and caring for those individuals who are right, sitting in church, and trying to do what they are supposed to do. Yet, we will blacklist, and ignore those individuals who fall out and fall into sin. If God was willing to punish a wicked Edom for violence against Israel, do you not think he looks poorly upon us who are saved as part of the family abandoning our fallen brother? There are three reasons why we may want to reconsider ourselves at this time. 

First, we should restore our fallen brother because he was overtaken. Paul did not say he is an awful person and should be destroyed. Rather he says he was overtaken, it is as if he tried to run from this sin and this fault, yet it overcame him. I am going to discuss this on Sunday but there is something in each of our lives that has the potential to destroy us. There is a sin and a weight that constantly holds us back. I want you to know he is your brother, he is not a demon, and he is not the enemy. He is an individual who was overtaken. 

Secondly, we should restore the fallen brother because you have the available resources. You who are spiritual is what it says. You who are spiritual indicates that you are an individual who has not been overtaken. According to the previous chapter there are two types of individuals, those who feed the spirit and those who feed the flesh. Those who walk in the spirit will refrain from the carnality that the other involves himself in. Should the world be the one to help your brother. Should the world be the one to extend the hand or should it be the one who is spiritual. 

Thirdly, we should restore the fallen brother because one day you may need grace yourself. I do not accept the carnal idea of karma. However, I do know that you reap what you sow. I am not perfect and God willing I will one day finish this race with joy and not shame. I will finish knowing that I served him faithfully. However, there may come a day when I stumble and fall, and I may need someone to extend a hand to me. 

If Edom would receive judgment because of their violence against their brother, I think we should consider our lives and our family, and our brothers and sisters.