We should live like the Rechabites.  The Rechabites obeyed, kept and did the commandments of their patriarch, Jonadab the son of Rechab, Jer 35:18-19.

Jonadab gave his descendants three negative commandments in Jer 35:6-7.  Ye shall drink no wine.  Neither shall ye build house.  Nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard.  The reason is that he knew Israel would be invaded by a foreign enemy.  By not being tied down to homes, fields, and vineyards, they could move away from the attack or go into captivity to save their lives.  Thus, they lived like strangers in Judah.

When they refused to drink the wine that Jeremiah offered them, Jer 35:1-6, they were a testimony to the inhabitants of Judah. Certainly, if the Rechabites willingly obeyed the commandments of Jonadab, a man, how much more should the men of Judah have obeyed the commandments of God Almighty.

The Rechabites are also a testimony to us.  The three negative commandments that Jonadab gave them are like three negative commandments that God has given us in the New Testament.  Our negative commandments are tied to positive commands that we must obey.

Be Filled With The Spirit, Eph 5:18.

Our negative commandment is, “Be not drunk with wine”.  The command to the Rechabites was, “Ye shall drink no wine”.  They were given the command so that they would remain sober and vigilant and ready to move at a moment’s notice.

We are given this command so the we won’t be under the influence of the alcohol but rather under the influence of the Spirit of God.  Thus our positive command is, “Be filled with the Spirit”.

We should be continually led by the Spirit, Rom 8:14.  We must walk in the Spirit, Gal 5:16.  We must witness in the power of the Spirit, Acts 1:8.  The filling of the Spirit should make it evident to others that we are different than the world.

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven, Matt 6:19-21.

Our negative commandment is “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth”.  The command to the Rechabites was, “Neither shall ye build house”.  They were to live like strangers in the land and not be tied down to a home they would have to defend.

We are likewise strangers in the earth, 1 Pet 2:11.  And we aren’t to be tied down to earthy treasures that we have to defend from thieves, pests, and the elements.  The early church followed this explicitly, Acts 4:34-37.

Our positive command is, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven”.  Invest in eternity.  Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.  Your heart follows your treasure.  The more you invest in heaven, the more your affections will be above.  Conversely, the more you invest in earthly things, the more your affections will be worldly.

Seek First The Kingdom of God, Matt 6:31-34.

Our negative command is “take not thought saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink”?  The command to the Rechabites was “nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard”.  You sow seed and plant vineyards to get something to eat and something to drink.

Our positive command is “seek ye first the kingdom of God”.  You may be thinking, “If we invest above how will we eat below”?  The answer is simple.  As long as the birds are still flying, we will always have something to eat, Matt 6:26.  It’s as if God is saying, “You take care of my business and I’ll take care of yours”.

Conclusion: Don’t drink wine, be filled with the Spirit.  Without God you can do nothing.  Don’t build houses, Lay up treasures in heaven.  Invest in eternal things.  Don’t sow seed, and plant vineyards, Seek first the kingdom of God.  Sow the seed of the word of God.