EXACTNESS OF GOD

Intro.
1. Disrespect for authority is prevalent in our nation.
   a. This is seen in our schools, homes, and societies. Two officers of the
          law last week were shot in the carrying out of their
          responsibility.  There is no end of examples that could be stated
          where a lack of authority is seen.
   b. This is seen in religion.
      (1). Some say we have no law.
      (2). Some admit that God has a law, but that it does not have to be
           fully obeyed.
      (3). Jesus taught that God does have laws & they must be obeyed:
               MT. 7:21-27.
2. Although God's laws have been different at different times in his dealings
           with man, he has always demanded exact obedience.

I. God's Exactness is seen in the Old Testament

   A. Noah's instructions show that God expects exact obedience.
      1. God specified how the ark was to be built  Gen.6:14-16
      2. Noah did as God commanded  Gen.6:22
           NOTICE: God not only told him to make it of wood - but GOPHER wood
      3. Those in the ark were saved because of Noah's exact obedience.

   B. Nadab and Abihu found out about God's exactness.
      1. NOTICE God's instructions about the alter of incense.  Ex.30:1-8
          NOTICE the exacting details but especially that strange fire was
                not to be offered on the alter.  Ex.30:9
      2. Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the alter.  Lev. 10:1.
      3. God took their lives  Lev.10:2

   C. The death of a man named Uzzah shows that God is exacting.
      1. God had told the people how to carry the ark of the covenant.
         a. Staves and rings were to be on the ark for carrying. Ex.25:10-15.
         b. Sons of Kohath were to carry it, but not touch. (Num.4:15).
         c. They were to carry it on their shoulders. (Num.7:9)
      2. Uzzah did not do exactly as God said.  II Sam.6:1-7

   D. Jeroboam also neglected the exactness of God.   I Kings 12:26-31.
      1. God's people were to worship in a selected place: Temple
      2. God's people were to worship Him in a specific way which had
           nothing to do with Golden Calves!
      3. Levites were to be priests.
            NOTE: Jeroboam changed each of these three things:
                  (1) A different place of worship; Dan and Bethel.
                  (2) Different sacrifices.  Different days.
                  (3) Different priesthood.
      4. The Northern kingdom was carried into Assyrian Captivity, never to
             return.

II. We also read of God's Exactness in the New Testament.
    A. Matt.26:26-29  Contents of L.S. = fruit of vine & unleavened bread.
           Suppose we put ice cream and cake on the table. The Lord did not
               tell us to eat; He told us what to eat.

    B. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.   Type of music God wants used in worship to
       Him.
          (1) Isn't it strange that if the early disciples used mechanical
              instruments in their worship that we would read of it somewhere
              in the Divine Record. The Israelites were familiar with
              instruments used in worship to God, because David had
              introduced them many years before this.

III. God demands exactness of People today.  II Jn.9
     A. We are to be exact in obedience to the gospel plan of salvation.
           (1) Lord what would you have me do? Not what do I wish to do.
     B. We are to be exact in our lifes as Christians
             Rom.12:1,2; II Pet.1:5-8.

Concl.
1. When it comes to God's instructions, we have no margin to play with.
2. Do you respect God's exactness?
3. We hear of polls that have a margin of 4 to 5% error. Not so with God's
   word.  There is just no margin for error.
4. You see, if I change one part of God's Revelation, you can change another
   part of it;  the next person yet a third part of it, and so on it would
   go.
5. Does the Lord expect us to be exact with His Word? Indeed He does.
6. Have I, Have you done what God asks of you?

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