February 5, 2023
Evening Service

Tonight we will complete our study of the letter sent to the Hebrews.  It has been packed full of deep, spiritual truths that we could have spent several months on if we chose to.  We chose to complete a chapter each week and give a quick overview of the high points not going into great depth.  That has been difficult over the last few weeks as starting at chapter 9, we could have probably written several sermons out of each chapter.  Tonight is no different.  The final chapter in this letter is packed full of truth and we could go as deep as time allowed.  Let’s get started as the writer brings us a feast here tonight to try to digest.

Hebrews 13:1-3Let brotherly love continue.  (2)  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.  (3)  Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

            We spoke of this in this morning’s message.  Love defines us and dictates all that we do.  The writer encourages us to continue down that path and tries to expand our vision into areas we may not generally consider.  He brings to our mind to not forget to “entertain strangers and to remember those in prison.”  We can find it easy to be there for those we know and love, but here we are being commanded to extend our view to those we don’t know.  This may stretch us personally, but here we are being called to minister to those outside of the church building.  Notice that by doing this we may be entertaining angels! (verse 2)   Notice how Jesus commanded us to approach this type of ministry.

 

Mat 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  (36)  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'  (37)  "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  (38)  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  (39)  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'  (40)  And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

            We cannot say we love God, whom we have not seen and not love the people He has put around us.  (I Jn. 4:20) The writer now touches on marriage.

 

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

            Here is another verse that we could make into a sermon series in fact.  Marriage is an honorable state and sexual relations inside of marriage are pure and holy before God.

 

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU."  (6)  So we may boldly say: "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR. WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?"

 

            The writer is shooting us one truth right after another.  He quotes OT scripture here reminding us of the promise God has given us.  “I will never leave you nor forsake you!”  Here again we know the logistics of this promise now because we have been taught about the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.  Where we are, He is there with us.  As David wrote this referring to Jesus as our Good Shepherd.

 

Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

            This closeness and comfort can be ours as we deepen our faith and hold tightly to the promises of our Lord.  “If God is for us, who can be against me?” (Romans 8:31) What comfort it bring to know our Lord is always there with us especially in the times we need Him most!

 

Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

            We are to show special reverence to our spiritual leaders.  That sermon was preached this morning with tears, not with words.

 

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

            The world and our culture is always changing and not always for the better.  Our Lord however does not change nor ever will.

 

Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

            Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and so is His Word, it does not change.  His truth is the truth that lasts.

 

Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

            All we need to follow Jesus has been given to us.  There is no new revelation going to come from God to us.  Be careful for in the end the deception will be great and even some of us could be deceived.  Stick closely to the Word and use it as a filter to sort out the truth from lies.

 

Hebrews 13:10-15 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.  (11)  For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.  (12)  Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.  (13)  Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.  (14)  For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.  (15)  Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

            Remember this letter is addressing the Jewish Christians who have grown up following strictly the OT laws including sacrifices upon the altar.  The write is driving home the point that the time has now come to leave the old ways and go “outside the camp” to be found faithful.  Jesus died outside the Temple, though He was the Perfect Lamb sacrifice, bearing the reproach of death by crucifixion.  We are being called to follow His example and to offer ourselves to die spiritually with Him.  Notice again verse 15 (reread).  Our words, songs, and prayers should all be our continual sacrifice of praise to our God.  Use your word to build, not to tear down.

 

Hebrews 13:16-19 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.  (17)  Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.  (18)  Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.  (19)  But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

            He finishes up here with a flurry of commands that we could drill into much deeper if time allowed.  Be full of good works, obey those in authority, and be submissive to them.  Make it easy for you to be led as you show a desire to do the right thing the right way!

 

Hebrews 13:20-25 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (21) make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  (22)  And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.  (23)  Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.  (24)  Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.  (25)  Grace be with you all. Amen.

            The writer here closes with a prayer that our Lord would make us “complete in every good work to do His will, working in your what is well pleasing in His sight.”  Again this is done through the power of the Holy Spirit within us molding us and changing us into the image of the One we are following.  Colossians told us that “We are complete in Him” lacking nothing. (Col 2:10) Let “whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Col 3:17) 

            I encourage you to return to Hebrews in your own Bible study read through prayerfully and allow the Spirit to open your understanding to the depth that is within this letter.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting us with Your Word.  Grant to us a desire to read, understand, and apply all that You tell us in these pages.