i p ledge a llegiance deuteronomy 23:21-23. i p ledge a llegiance the pledge was first written for...

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892

for Columbus Day.


for Columbus Day. It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.


for Columbus Day. It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892. It read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic

for which it stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice of for all.”




The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy.




The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy. She wrote it for a one-time recitation on Columbus Day

1892.




The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy. She wrote it for a one-time recitation on Columbus Day

1892. But, it became quite popular, became a Columbus Day

tradition, & then began to be used in classrooms throughout the country.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major

revisions.


revisions. In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American

Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”




In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”





We have each repeated that pledge countless times.





We have each repeated that pledge countless times. We likely don’t even pause to contemplate the words’

meaning.






meaning. But, there are some pledges we dare not take lightly.






meaning. But, there are some pledges we dare not take lightly. This morning, we want to explore what Moses taught

about pledges & apply that teaching to today.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

OLD TESTAMENT PLEDGESDeuteronomy 23:21-23

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

THE PURPOSE OF THIS LAW IS TWO-FOLD.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE One: This commandment points to the speed with

which these vows were to be fulfilled.


which these vows were to be fulfilled. It does little good to pledge but never get around to

fulfilling it.



fulfilling it. God has no interest in delay.




We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard.




We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13, ESV).




We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: (Heb 3:13).

We cannot delay, for each day may be our last.




We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: (Heb 3:13).

We cannot delay, for each day may be our last: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (Js 4:14, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Second: This commandment points out that these

pledges are absolutely voluntary.


pledges are absolutely voluntary. The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any

pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”




KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).




KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23). The Hebrew term “a freewill offering” is often used in the Old

Testament for a freewill offering.




KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23). The Hebrew term “a freewill offering” is often used in the Old

Testament for a freewill offering. However, the term is also used for any act of service to God

that is completely voluntary.




KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).

Regardless of the precise translation, the meaning is abundantly clear: This is a vow you have voluntarily made to God.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears

my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV).


my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV). Jesus isn’t going to force us to open the door, but he

stands there & knocks.



stands there & knocks. Granted, there are blessings for opening the door & dire

consequences for refusing to do so.



stands there & knocks. Granted, there are blessings for opening the door & dire

consequences for refusing to do so. But, the decision is fully ours.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

EACH OF US HAS A VOLUNTARY DECISION TO MAKE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

EACH OF US HAS A VOLUNTARY DECISION TO MAKE.Shall we serve God?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

OUR PLEDGEBaptism

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn

vow to follow Jesus.


vow to follow Jesus. “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not

as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV).




The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate.




The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate. KJV: “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”




The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate. KJV: “the answer of a good conscience toward God.” NIV: “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Which translation is correct?


Does Peter envisions converts asking for a good conscience, answering from a good conscience, or pledging to serve God from a good conscience?



The KJV translates the term most literally.



The KJV translates the term most literally. The term Peter uses here does mean “answer.”



The KJV translates the term most literally. The term Peter uses here does mean “answer.” But, it really seems that both the KJV & NIV get it correct.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE In Peter’s day, the word he uses meant far more than

simply answering a question.


simply answering a question. This is the only occurrence of the term in the New

Testament.



Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.




In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally.




In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally. There was a back-and-forth exchange about the terms of the

contract.





contract. When individuals answered questions & thus entered into the

contract, this was the term that was used.





contract. When individuals answered questions & thus entered into the

contract, this was the term that was used. The term implies an agreement to carry out the terms

of a contract.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE The imagery of 1 Peter 3:21, then, is where a convert

formally pledges to follow God.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE The imagery of 1 Peter 3:21, then, is where a convert

formally pledges to follow God. He makes such a pledge from a “good conscience.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

A NEGATIVE PLEDGETo put away sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3, ESV). “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision

made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Shortly after the days of the apostles, converts made a

verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin.


verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin. Hippolytus (writing about AD 215): Converts would

declare, “I renounce you Satan, all your service, and all your works.”




Tertullian (AD 160-220): “When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”




Tertullian (AD 160-220): “When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”

Whether or not we verbalize it, we make a vow at baptism to “disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE We must make such a pledge, for we come to Christ so

full of sin.


full of sin. “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you

once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph 2:1-3, ESV).


full of sin. Eph 2:1-3. Jesus “freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5, ESV).


full of sin. Eph 2:1-3. Jesus “freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5, ESV).

Therefore, we dare not live in sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Of course, we cannot live above sin.


If we claim to be without sin, “we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8, ESV).


If we claim to be without sin, “we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8, ESV).

God’s grace is just as great toward a Christian who sins as it is toward a non-Christian (Acts 8:18-24).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE But, we dare not use our human frailties as an excuse

for sin.


for sin. “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under

grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV).



grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV). If we persist in sin after baptism, there only remains an

expectation of judgment.



grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV). If we persist in sin after baptism, there only remains an

expectation of judgment: “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Heb 10:26-27, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE “We have recently been converted and because of our

conversion we want to try to help. We won’t ever need these again. Can you use them for something?”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

HAVE YOU MADE THAT PLEDGE?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

HAVE YOU MADE THAT PLEDGE?Are you living up to your pledge?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

A POSITIVE PLEDGEWe pledge to follow Jesus.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).


them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV). The idea of a “disciple” is one who learns from someone

whom he is following.



whom he is following. Jesus saw Simon & Andrew casting nets into the sea “and

he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV).




he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV). The Greek term doesn’t mean that Simon & Andrew followed

Jesus on the seashore.




he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV). The Greek term doesn’t mean that Simon & Andrew followed

Jesus on the seashore. The term means “be a disciple.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Jesus often encouraged his hearers to learn from him.


“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29, ESV).



After washing the disciples feet, Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15, ESV).



After washing the disciples feet, Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15, ESV).

As Jesus’ baptized disciples, therefore, we must go to his teachings & example to know how to live.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE In being baptized, we are raised to live like Jesus.


“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4, ESV).


“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4, ESV).

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

DO WE CONTINUE TO WEAR THAT GARMENT?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Our pledge to the Lord in baptism is a solemn &

serious pledge.


serious pledge. The Lord has no desire that we turn back to sin.



“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62, ESV).



“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62, ESV).

“My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is

serious, serious business.


serious, serious business. Heb 10:26-31.


serious, serious business. Heb 10:26-31. “If, after they have escaped the defilement of the world

through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pt 2:20-21, ESV).


serious, serious business. Heb 10:26-31. 2 Pt 2:20-21.

It’s better, says Peter, never to become a Christians than to turn back from it.




I’m convinced that’s because a more fearful judgment awaits the fallen Christian.




I’m convinced that’s because a more fearful judgment awaits the fallen Christian: “That servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating” (Lk 12:47-48, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE While that pledge is serious, the God in heaven stands

ready to help us with our lives.


ready to help us with our lives. “Because [Jesus] himself has suffered when tempted, he

is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18, ESV).


ready to help us with our lives. “Because [Jesus] himself has suffered when tempted, he

is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18, ESV).

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:15-16, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

WE DO NOT WALK THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ALONE!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

WE DO NOT WALK THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ALONE!Jesus stands ready to help us—if we’ll let him!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Maybe you have turned “back from the holy

commandment.”


commandment.” Granted, that is a serious predicament.


commandment.” Granted, that is a serious predicament. But, God, full of

grace, stands ready to forgive.


commandment.” Granted, that is a serious predicament. But, God, full of

grace, stands ready to forgive. Peter says to Simon the sorcerer, “Repent, therefore, of

this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

DO YOU NEED TO REPENT & PRAY TO THE LORD THIS MORNING?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THE PLEDGE OF BAPTISM THIS MORNING?

i p ledge a llegiance deuteronomy 23:21-23. i p ledge a llegiance the pledge was first written for...

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