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This devotional examines the biblical principles for disannulling vows as outlined in Numbers 30, emphasizing the role of spiritual authority within the family structure. It explains that a father or husband may cancel a vow made by a daughter or wife if they were unaware of it at the time it was made, provided the cancellation occurs upon hearing of it. The teaching uses a pastoral illustration of a wife whose unrealistic vow to read the Bible for an hour daily was disannulled by her husband, allowing her to maintain a sustainable spiritual discipline. The message extends to the broader importance of integrity, urging parents and leaders to be careful with their words and to teach children the seriousness of keeping promises to avoid causing emotional harm and spiritual confusion.

This devotional explores the theological gravity of making vows to God, emphasizing that divine expectations for human faithfulness are absolute. Using the narrative of Jephthah in Judges 11 as a central case study, the message illustrates the severe consequences of making hasty or foolish promises, particularly when those vows are fulfilled by God. The discussion highlights the tension between human impulsiveness and divine consistency, noting that while God always keeps His word, He expects believers to honor their sacred commitments. Practical advice is offered to limit the number of vows made and to maintain records of promises to avoid spiritual or personal conflict. The tone is instructional and cautionary, urging listeners to reflect on unfulfilled promises that may be hindering their current circumstances.

What do a crowd at Jerusalem's Water Gate, an Englishman shivering in a prison cell near Brussels, and the apostle Paul in chains have in common? In this teaching we open Nehemiah 8 and 2 Timothy 2 to see that God gave His Word to be understood, and we trace what it cost to put the Bible into the language of ordinary people, from John Wycliffe's burned bones to William Tyndale's plowboy vow. You'll hear Tyndale's only surviving letter, written from his cell, asking for a warmer coat, a lamp, and "above all" his Hebrew Bible, set beside Paul's own request for his cloak and his parchments. Come hear why the people of Nehemiah's day went home rejoicing "because they had understood," and why that same joy is waiting for you every time you open your Bible.

This devotional emphasizes the theological gravity of making vows to God, asserting that such promises are binding and must be fulfilled promptly to avoid sin. Drawing from Deuteronomy, Matthew, and Ecclesiastes, the message warns against the folly of delaying or breaking vows, highlighting that God takes offense when believers treat their commitments lightly. A personal testimony illustrates the consequences of neglecting a daily Bible reading vow, leading to a period of intensified devotion to make amends. The teaching extends this principle to marriage vows, describing them as solemn, lifelong commitments that stand until death. The overall tone is convicting and instructional, urging listeners to consider the seriousness of their words before making promises to the Lord.

This sermon examines Psalm 7 as a model for responding to false accusations by turning to God rather than engaging in self-defense. The speaker highlights David's declaration of faith, emphasizing that the Lord is the only ultimate refuge for the soul when reputation is under attack. The study explores the theological depth of David's self-imprecation, where he vows to accept judgment if he is guilty, thereby proving his innocence before a righteous God. Additionally, the sermon addresses the common misconception that God is bound by human free will, asserting instead that believers are invited to ask God to intervene in their circumstances. The tone is pastoral and instructional, encouraging listeners to trust in God's justice and to rely on His character during times of deep personal distress.

This recording is from the 30th session of our current Adult Sunday School class on the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, taught by Dan Skiff, on Oct. 11, 2026, on the 23rd chapter of the book, on the topic of "Lawful Oaths and Vows." For more information on Eastford Baptist Church, visit www.eastfordbaptist.com. View full sermons, live services, and more on our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/EastfordBaptistChurch Stream and download our sermons (audio and video versions) on Sermon Audio! https://www.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/eastfordbaptist/ Visit us on our socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastfordbaptistchurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastfordbaptistchurch

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words. For at the window of my house I have looked out through my lattice, and I have seen among the simple, I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near her corner, taking the road to her house in the twilight, in the evening, at the time of night and darkness. And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him, "I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my vows; so now I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly, and I have found you. I have spread my couch with coverings, colored linens from Egyptian linen; I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; let us delight ourselves with love. For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey; he took a bag of money with him; at full moon he will come home." With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an ....

The King, Not the Thing Our Commitments, Our Families, and Our Representation of Jesus Numbers 30–31 | Romans 12:1–2 | Ephesians 4–6 This message emphasizes that the circumstances we encounter are not meant to govern who we become; rather, the Lord uses those circumstances to transform us as we entrust ourselves to Him. It's not the thing that's changing us, but the King who is renewing us through the thing. Drawing from Numbers 30, the teaching examines the seriousness of our vows, commitments, and responsibilities before God. The Lord warns against rash promises and calls His people to live with integrity, wisdom, and faithful dependence upon Him. The instructions concerning fathers, daughters, husbands, and wives reveal the importance of accountability within the family and point us toward the greater picture of Jesus and His church. As our Head, Christ sacrificially loves, nourishes, cherishes, and continually intercedes for His redeemed people. Therefore, our marriages, homes, and relationships ought to faithfully reflect His character rather than the selfish patterns of this world. The message also revisits Balaam, whose counsel led Israel into compromise when he could not successfully curse those whom God had blessed. His example warns believers that the enemy often seeks to accomplish through compromise what he cannot accomplish through direct opposition. This is why we must remain attentive to God's Word and refuse to allow the world's thinking to govern our decisions, relationships, and responsibilities. Romans 12 provides the foundation for this transformed life. While the world is shaped by its experiences, pressures, and patterns without acknowledging G

This sermon explores Psalm 61 as a model for the believer's journey from desperate prayer to confident praise, highlighting God's role as a protective shelter and strong tower.

God never asks us "How are you feeling?" because He already knows. In spite of how I feel, He expects me to act according to His commandments and promises, and He expects me to keep my commitments and vows.

Title: To Vow, or Not to Vow, that Is the Question Scripture: Numbers 30:1-16 Speaker: Dr. Victor B. Borden Date: October 4, 2026

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