December 9, 2012
Morning Service

Heb. 13.

 

Review:

1.     In chapter 12 the writer told us of Christ suffering; 

Notice.   Heb 12:2 KJVR  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Then the writer tells these Hebrews, and all Christians;

Heb 12:3-4 KJVR  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.  (4)  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

            The idea here being, keep on keeping on.  Even though you are being persecuted, stay with your profession of faith.  Even though you may be fighting some very touch battles, stay with your confession of faith in Christ.  IT WILL BE WORTH IT ALL ONE DAY.

            Also in chapter 12 the writer told us not to be discouraged when we are being chastised by the Lord.  He said this proves that God loves us, and we are His children.

            He closed the chapter by warning us not to refuse He Who speaks, the teachings of the Lord, for judgment is coming on this world with great calamity.

Heb 12:25-27 KJVR  See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:  (26)  Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.  (27)  And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

            Then closes with words of encouragement;

Heb 12:28 KJVR  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

 

Now let’s see what the writer has for us as we close out this letter to the Hebrews.

 

Heb 13:1-25 KJVR  Let brotherly love continue. 

• This one act is the defining factor in the Christian faith.  There is so much to be said concerning the love of God, in which we are to possess.  Just know that God is love.
• 1Jo 4:8 KJVR  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

(2)  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

• The word angel is applied in Scripture to an order of supernatural or heavenly beings whose business it is to act as God's messengers to men, and as agents who carry out His will.

(3)  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 

• Many Christians were being put in jail, and suffering terribly, and certainly we should pray for those today that are being persecuted for their faith.

(4)  Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled;  but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 

• Here is an explanation of what’s right, and wrong.
• Also, notice who is to judge!!   God will be the judge, we are to love, and pray for them.

(5)  Let your conversation ( or manner of life ) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  (6)  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

• We saw in our Wednesday night study Jesus’ teaching on these things.  Very clear, but sometimes very hard to do.

Jesus closed in Matthew with this;  Mat 28:20 KJVR  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Joh 14:23 KJVR  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

 

(7)  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 

• Paul said in 1Co 11:1 KJVR  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
• Jesus said “ye shall know them by the fruit they bear.”  Just inspectors, not judges.

(8)  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.  (9)  Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 

• What does Scripture like this tell us?  It tells me that people that teach you shouldn’t eat certain food in order to please God, is presenting a strange doctrine.  Don’t be carried away with that strange doctrine.  It certainly is true that some food is better for you than others, but it doesn’t pertain to your salvation. 
• Because our bodies are temple of the Holy Ghost we certainly should do our best to give Him a healthy place to live.   However, we are saved by grace, through faith, not of works lest any man should boast.

(10)  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.  (11)  For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.  (12)  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.  (13)  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.  (14)  For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.  (15)  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  (16)  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

• We have an altar.  The writer is telling us of the altar in the church, where the body, and blood of Christ is shared every first day of the week.
• It is not for the unbeliever, or those who serve the tabernacle, in the Jewish faith.  The writer is explaining that they have their altar in which they offer the blood of calves, and goats.
• On the churches altar the blood, and body of Christ is offered.  It is for all baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(17)  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.                       FROM THE EARLY WRITINGS OF IGNATIUS.

• See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution²³ of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper²⁴ Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it.

You see by reading the early church writings it helps us understand what the church was going through, and some of the traditions that were in place.  Never to overstep the Word of God.

(18)  Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.  (19)  But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 

• This certainly sounds like the Apostle Paul.   And the ending.

(20)  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  (21)  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  (22)  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.  (23)  Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.  (24)  Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.  (25)  Grace be with you all. Amen.