Jesus Christ, Our Unchanging Lord
Book of Hebrews Chapter 13
We have had an exciting study of this Book of Hebrews. We must remember that the theme of the Book of Hebrews is the fact that Our Lord Jesus Christ and Christianity is far superior to that of Judaism, a religion that recognizes Jehovah but not the Holy Trinity.
In fact Jesus Christ and Christianity is far superior to any religion. Christianity is not a religion, It Is Simply The TRUTH!
We have only touched on many of the important things in this great book of the Bible. This is not to say that the scriptures not covered are any less important. The main thing about God's Word is that all scripture is important to every believer!
2Ti 3:16 [All] scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
What we need to realize is that when we neglect God's Word after we know we clearly understand what He is saying, can bring chastisement of the Lord that will replace any blessing that could have come from obedience!
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, [this man shall be blessed in his deed].
We know that God loved everyone that has ever walked on the face of this Earth enough to send His Son to redeem us from "all" our sin.
This gift of His Son was Jesus Christ!
If God had such a great love then we should begin to show that love after we have met Jesus and He has saved us.
The Bible tells us:
1Jn 3:14 [We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren]. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
It is a sign of the Christian when he loves all his brothers and sister around the world, the full Body of Christ!
The love of our brothers and sisters should be noticeable in every place that the Body of Christ gathers.
But this is not all. We are still to show love to every stranger that we meet.
God had told the children of Israel this and our God never changes!
Deu 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
We all were once lost and we know that the world does not show much love and hatred is growing in all our world!
The Bible teaches us many great things that will happen in our future once we are saved but the Bible also teaches us how we should act until that time comes!
Our Text:
*****Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
First this verse does not tell us to love as brothers!
The Bible teaches us that we are to love [Because We Are Brothers]!
We are all in the same family of God!
We are, once we are saved, and we will be throughout eternity!
Our love for one another is proof to the world that we belong to Jesus:
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 [By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another].
This should be a fervent love and not something that is fake or mediocre:
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:]
We cannot allow our feelings toward one another grow cold!
***** Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: [for thereby some have entertained angels unawares].
We might think that we may never meet an angel, much less entertain them but there is proof of this in the Bible:
It happened to Abraham:
Gen 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
Gen 18:3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Gen 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
It happened to Lot:
Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Gen 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
It happened to the parents of Samson.
Jesus said in a parable, when we have entertained a stranger He will credit it just we had done this for Him.
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
This does not mean we can safely take in every stranger we meet!
It does mean we should have an attitude of hospitality to all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in all things.
We might meet some wonderful people but we may also meet an angel unaware!
The Bible would not say this if it were not true!
*****Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
As persecution of the Christian increases throughout the world, we need to be aware of those that are jailed just for their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must always keep in mind that when one of our brothers or sisters are suffering, the entire Body of Christ is suffering!
When we cannot do anything else we have our greatest weapon [which is our prayers for them]!
If God lays someone on your heart or leaves a name on your mind, He wants you to pray for them immediately!
If that someone is suffering in anyway then God may even want you to find them and fellowship with them!
There are many a Saint of God not able to attend the House of God because of their health.
I know I fail miserably in these things!
Again Jesus said:
Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
*****Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
I believe the Lord's purpose for His creation was that of a perfect marriage between one man and one woman!
I also know that marriages fail but that does not mean that God's purpose failed.
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
I believe that God intended that children be raised by this same family unit of one man and one woman.
I believe that the godly home is the center of every social structure.
I believe that when a husband and wife that are consenting to each other and close the doors to their bedroom that what happens is between them and God and He has already said that the bed is undefiled!
I also believe that any other type of sexual relationship is wrong whether it be, premarital, extra marital, homosexual, incestuous or anything else.
These are all illegal affairs that go against the Word of God!
It does not matter what the world thinks or says, God will judge this type of behavior!
Though I am single now and have been for more than 15 years, I still remember the good times of my marriage.
I also believe that since a marriage is a Biblical thing of God, it is foolish to teach sex education in our schools!
There is only one rule, abstain until a Biblical marriage.
The Bible says:
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
*****Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Someone once said that "it is harder to be a Christian when we are comfortable, "than when we are suffering".
The word "conversation" as used in this passage means: "your manner of life".
We as Christians must lead our lives without coveting the things of this world!
When we become covetous we will certainly be disappointed and become discontent with what we have in this life!
When we put the almighty dollar before the things of God, then money has become an Idol that we have placed between us and God.
There is no doubt that are many so poor in this world "that to be content in their conditions sounds like a terrible thing"!
BUT, That word "covetousness" as used in this verse is a direct reference to the "love of money"!
We as Christians are to be content with what we have. This does not mean that God will not bless us and make things better because He knows what we need:
Jesus had these words for all of us:
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: [or your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.]
God knows what we need even better than we do and He will do something about meeting our needs!
Again God tells us:
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
God has certainly blessed me much more than I deserve!
When we are covetous, we are in reality not trusting God and believing that He will provide for us!
Chapter 11 was about "faith". Our "faith" must include our trust in Our Lord God!
When we have God, we have enough!
He will never forsake His children!
Our security is not in the material things of this world!
Our security is in "the One" that made these promises to us!
Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory [by Christ Jesus].
How can we expect anything of God when we do not believe His Son!
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.
Our lesson manual teaches us to have the right attitude about the Word of God and we must also have the right attitude about ourselves and about others!
*****Heb 13:7 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.
Who are these that rule over us?
Those that have spoken to us the Word of God!
The Apostle Peter said he was one and he tells us of others:
1Pe 5:1 [The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder], and [a witness of the sufferings of Christ], and [also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:]
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
If we do not have these types of rulers in our place of worship then we need to find a better place of worship but when we do have such great examples, then we must remember them and follow in their "faith"!
It is the Shepherd who is to have the God-given authority over the flock!
A Shepherd is to be an example and not an overlord!
But that Shepherd must lead us in the ways to and of Jesus Christ!
Praise the Lord for our Pastor, Preacher Sam who is our shepherd here at Gethsemane!
In fact we are blessed in this Church to have so many that honor the Word Of God!
But we must all still "Seek The Lord" for His will in our own lives!
We cannot be loyal to Preacher Sam just because he is our Pastor but ONLY because he will lead us to Jesus Christ!
*****Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
The title of our lesson is "Our Unchanging Lord".
There is no greater truth in the Word of God!
Remember what Peter said, Our example is Jesus!
We still have this same Jesus.
We still have this same Gospel of Jesus.
We still have the same Almighty God!
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Our Lord does not ever change and He has given us His "unchanging" Word. We can depend on the "unchanging" Word of God.
God's Word has not evolved into something that means something different in our so-called modern day!
*****Heb 13:9 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.
We must examine all teaching by how it matches up to the Word of God!
We must reject all that is false!
This age we live in, is the time of God's Grace!
Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, [and to the word of his grace], which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
We must be strong in the "Grace of God" that comes through His Son Jesus Christ:
2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, [be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus].
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
What would the Apostle Paul write to us if he were alive today?
He would have this same message, because God's Word will never change!
It is not what we eat that keeps us alive as much as it is The Word of God that sustains us!
The Bible says:
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 [Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ].
We cannot be saved by a shadow!
We cannot be sustained by a shadow!
It is the truth of the Word of God that "makes" us free!
*****Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
To be a believer is to have an altar in Heaven, which is Jesus Christ.
Our Mediator, which is also Jesus Christ is there to receive our spiritual sacrifice!
All those that served the altar of the Tabernacle obeying those old dietary laws and believing that they could be saved by those animal sacrifices are not welcome to that altar that is in Heaven.
Our altar is at the "Throne of Grace" and is not based on any law but the "Law of Grace".
There is nothing wrong with gathering to have fellowship around a meal in God's House but Real Christian fellowship comes from fellowship around the Word of God!
*****Heb 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
On a normal day the Levite priests who tended the altar in the Tabernacle could eat the meat of the sacrifice.
But on the "Day of Atonement" only the blood use use in sacrifice [and the animal was taken outside the camp and burned].
*****Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Because this was a "type" of the sacrifice of Our Lord, Jesus died outside the city of Jerusalem.
Joh 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Joh 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: [for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city:] and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
His blood, in contrast to that of the animal, is the only acceptable sacrifice for all our sin!
We are to have no part with any religion that refuses Jesus and His blood sacrifice!
*****Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Those early Jewish believers had to break all ties with Judaism!
Every "Born Again" child of God must break all ties to our past sinful life.
Yes we are still sinners, but the Law of "Grace" is greater than any law of man!
We are not just going outside the city, or outside the country. [Our home is outside this universe and in Heaven itself].
That's where we will find our Savior!
*****Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
There is nothing on this Earth that should be dear to us. If you cannot tell by now just read the newspaper and watch the news.
The Christian is an outcast to this society we live in!
Even in America there is a movement that ask all Christians to leave our own nation. We are not welcome here anymore!
What are we seeking?
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
*****Heb 13:15 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.
The Christian Altar is "Spiritual"!
Our Sacrifice is our "Praise" and this should be the "fruit of our lips"!
Our Sacrifice is our "thanksgiving" to Our Holy God!
Psa 54:6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
Psa 54:7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
*****Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
We must not forget the Sacrifice of "ourselves in doing good"!
As God meets our needs, He makes us aware of the needs of others and He expects us to be a part of fulfilling the need of those others.
This is "Not" because He will not do this but it is because He gives us the opportunity to get one of His blessings.
Not just here on Earth but a reward laid up in Heaven.
Verses 17-19 are not part of our lesson today but the highlights are:
If in the place you worship you have a Pastor who preaches the truth of the Gospel of Christ, then we are to obey that Word of God.
That Pastor is held accountable by God Himself!
The greatest sin of the believer is to know the Word of God [and not obey the Word of God]!
We should pray for all the Body of Christ and especially for those that are ministering the Word of God!
****Heb 13:20 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,
Heb 13:21 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
God will bring judgment to this world but never in the Bible is He called a "God of War"!
We know that the number 5 is the number for "Grace" and exactly 5 times we can see the phrase "God of peace" in the written Word of God.
It is the "God of Peace" that brought about the "Resurrection" of the Lord Jesus Christ!
There is nothing in the entire Bible more important to the Christian Church than the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ came out of that grave on the third day!
We know that as the "Good Shepherd" Jesus Christ died for the sheep!
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But as the "Great Shepherd" we must know that Our Lord lives for the sheep!
Our Great High Priest has also become Our Great Shepherd.
When Jesus was on this Earth He worked to redeem our souls.
Now that Jesus is in Heaven, he is working to mature us to act in His Will to bring us to perfection. We cannot reach that point until He returns.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
As the Great Shepherd Jesus will return to to get His sheep.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
It is on this day that we will reach perfection!
Throughout this Book of Hebrews we have seen that the ultimate responsibility for bringing every believer to perfection rests on Jesus Christ.
It is Jesus that will present His Church to the almighty God [and He will not present Him an imperfect Church]!
Jesus will do what He promised!
Our job as believers is to forsake those things that get in His way and submit to His Word!
It is our "Faith" that will make us whole!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Amen!
Book of Hebrews Chapter 13
We have had an exciting study of this Book of Hebrews. We must remember that the theme of the Book of Hebrews is the fact that Our Lord Jesus Christ and Christianity is far superior to that of Judaism, a religion that recognizes Jehovah but not the Holy Trinity.
In fact Jesus Christ and Christianity is far superior to any religion. Christianity is not a religion, It Is Simply The TRUTH!
We have only touched on many of the important things in this great book of the Bible. This is not to say that the scriptures not covered are any less important. The main thing about God's Word is that all scripture is important to every believer!
2Ti 3:16 [All] scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
What we need to realize is that when we neglect God's Word after we know we clearly understand what He is saying, can bring chastisement of the Lord that will replace any blessing that could have come from obedience!
Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, [this man shall be blessed in his deed].
We know that God loved everyone that has ever walked on the face of this Earth enough to send His Son to redeem us from "all" our sin.
This gift of His Son was Jesus Christ!
If God had such a great love then we should begin to show that love after we have met Jesus and He has saved us.
The Bible tells us:
1Jn 3:14 [We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren]. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
It is a sign of the Christian when he loves all his brothers and sister around the world, the full Body of Christ!
The love of our brothers and sisters should be noticeable in every place that the Body of Christ gathers.
But this is not all. We are still to show love to every stranger that we meet.
God had told the children of Israel this and our God never changes!
Deu 10:19 Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
We all were once lost and we know that the world does not show much love and hatred is growing in all our world!
The Bible teaches us many great things that will happen in our future once we are saved but the Bible also teaches us how we should act until that time comes!
Our Text:
*****Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
First this verse does not tell us to love as brothers!
The Bible teaches us that we are to love [Because We Are Brothers]!
We are all in the same family of God!
We are, once we are saved, and we will be throughout eternity!
Our love for one another is proof to the world that we belong to Jesus:
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 [By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another].
This should be a fervent love and not something that is fake or mediocre:
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:]
We cannot allow our feelings toward one another grow cold!
***** Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: [for thereby some have entertained angels unawares].
We might think that we may never meet an angel, much less entertain them but there is proof of this in the Bible:
It happened to Abraham:
Gen 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
Gen 18:3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Gen 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
It happened to Lot:
Gen 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Gen 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Gen 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
It happened to the parents of Samson.
Jesus said in a parable, when we have entertained a stranger He will credit it just we had done this for Him.
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
This does not mean we can safely take in every stranger we meet!
It does mean we should have an attitude of hospitality to all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in all things.
We might meet some wonderful people but we may also meet an angel unaware!
The Bible would not say this if it were not true!
*****Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
As persecution of the Christian increases throughout the world, we need to be aware of those that are jailed just for their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We must always keep in mind that when one of our brothers or sisters are suffering, the entire Body of Christ is suffering!
When we cannot do anything else we have our greatest weapon [which is our prayers for them]!
If God lays someone on your heart or leaves a name on your mind, He wants you to pray for them immediately!
If that someone is suffering in anyway then God may even want you to find them and fellowship with them!
There are many a Saint of God not able to attend the House of God because of their health.
I know I fail miserably in these things!
Again Jesus said:
Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
*****Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
I believe the Lord's purpose for His creation was that of a perfect marriage between one man and one woman!
I also know that marriages fail but that does not mean that God's purpose failed.
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
I believe that God intended that children be raised by this same family unit of one man and one woman.
I believe that the godly home is the center of every social structure.
I believe that when a husband and wife that are consenting to each other and close the doors to their bedroom that what happens is between them and God and He has already said that the bed is undefiled!
I also believe that any other type of sexual relationship is wrong whether it be, premarital, extra marital, homosexual, incestuous or anything else.
These are all illegal affairs that go against the Word of God!
It does not matter what the world thinks or says, God will judge this type of behavior!
Though I am single now and have been for more than 15 years, I still remember the good times of my marriage.
I also believe that since a marriage is a Biblical thing of God, it is foolish to teach sex education in our schools!
There is only one rule, abstain until a Biblical marriage.
The Bible says:
Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
*****Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Someone once said that "it is harder to be a Christian when we are comfortable, "than when we are suffering".
The word "conversation" as used in this passage means: "your manner of life".
We as Christians must lead our lives without coveting the things of this world!
When we become covetous we will certainly be disappointed and become discontent with what we have in this life!
When we put the almighty dollar before the things of God, then money has become an Idol that we have placed between us and God.
There is no doubt that are many so poor in this world "that to be content in their conditions sounds like a terrible thing"!
BUT, That word "covetousness" as used in this verse is a direct reference to the "love of money"!
We as Christians are to be content with what we have. This does not mean that God will not bless us and make things better because He knows what we need:
Jesus had these words for all of us:
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: [or your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.]
God knows what we need even better than we do and He will do something about meeting our needs!
Again God tells us:
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
God has certainly blessed me much more than I deserve!
When we are covetous, we are in reality not trusting God and believing that He will provide for us!
Chapter 11 was about "faith". Our "faith" must include our trust in Our Lord God!
When we have God, we have enough!
He will never forsake His children!
Our security is not in the material things of this world!
Our security is in "the One" that made these promises to us!
Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory [by Christ Jesus].
How can we expect anything of God when we do not believe His Son!
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.
Our lesson manual teaches us to have the right attitude about the Word of God and we must also have the right attitude about ourselves and about others!
*****Heb 13:7 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.
Who are these that rule over us?
Those that have spoken to us the Word of God!
The Apostle Peter said he was one and he tells us of others:
1Pe 5:1 [The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder], and [a witness of the sufferings of Christ], and [also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:]
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
If we do not have these types of rulers in our place of worship then we need to find a better place of worship but when we do have such great examples, then we must remember them and follow in their "faith"!
It is the Shepherd who is to have the God-given authority over the flock!
A Shepherd is to be an example and not an overlord!
But that Shepherd must lead us in the ways to and of Jesus Christ!
Praise the Lord for our Pastor, Preacher Sam who is our shepherd here at Gethsemane!
In fact we are blessed in this Church to have so many that honor the Word Of God!
But we must all still "Seek The Lord" for His will in our own lives!
We cannot be loyal to Preacher Sam just because he is our Pastor but ONLY because he will lead us to Jesus Christ!
*****Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
The title of our lesson is "Our Unchanging Lord".
There is no greater truth in the Word of God!
Remember what Peter said, Our example is Jesus!
We still have this same Jesus.
We still have this same Gospel of Jesus.
We still have the same Almighty God!
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Our Lord does not ever change and He has given us His "unchanging" Word. We can depend on the "unchanging" Word of God.
God's Word has not evolved into something that means something different in our so-called modern day!
*****Heb 13:9 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.
We must examine all teaching by how it matches up to the Word of God!
We must reject all that is false!
This age we live in, is the time of God's Grace!
Act 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, [and to the word of his grace], which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
We must be strong in the "Grace of God" that comes through His Son Jesus Christ:
2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, [be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus].
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
What would the Apostle Paul write to us if he were alive today?
He would have this same message, because God's Word will never change!
It is not what we eat that keeps us alive as much as it is The Word of God that sustains us!
The Bible says:
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 [Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ].
We cannot be saved by a shadow!
We cannot be sustained by a shadow!
It is the truth of the Word of God that "makes" us free!
*****Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
To be a believer is to have an altar in Heaven, which is Jesus Christ.
Our Mediator, which is also Jesus Christ is there to receive our spiritual sacrifice!
All those that served the altar of the Tabernacle obeying those old dietary laws and believing that they could be saved by those animal sacrifices are not welcome to that altar that is in Heaven.
Our altar is at the "Throne of Grace" and is not based on any law but the "Law of Grace".
There is nothing wrong with gathering to have fellowship around a meal in God's House but Real Christian fellowship comes from fellowship around the Word of God!
*****Heb 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
On a normal day the Levite priests who tended the altar in the Tabernacle could eat the meat of the sacrifice.
But on the "Day of Atonement" only the blood use use in sacrifice [and the animal was taken outside the camp and burned].
*****Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Because this was a "type" of the sacrifice of Our Lord, Jesus died outside the city of Jerusalem.
Joh 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Joh 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: [for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city:] and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
His blood, in contrast to that of the animal, is the only acceptable sacrifice for all our sin!
We are to have no part with any religion that refuses Jesus and His blood sacrifice!
*****Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Those early Jewish believers had to break all ties with Judaism!
Every "Born Again" child of God must break all ties to our past sinful life.
Yes we are still sinners, but the Law of "Grace" is greater than any law of man!
We are not just going outside the city, or outside the country. [Our home is outside this universe and in Heaven itself].
That's where we will find our Savior!
*****Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
There is nothing on this Earth that should be dear to us. If you cannot tell by now just read the newspaper and watch the news.
The Christian is an outcast to this society we live in!
Even in America there is a movement that ask all Christians to leave our own nation. We are not welcome here anymore!
What are we seeking?
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
*****Heb 13:15 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.
The Christian Altar is "Spiritual"!
Our Sacrifice is our "Praise" and this should be the "fruit of our lips"!
Our Sacrifice is our "thanksgiving" to Our Holy God!
Psa 54:6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
Psa 54:7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
*****Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
We must not forget the Sacrifice of "ourselves in doing good"!
As God meets our needs, He makes us aware of the needs of others and He expects us to be a part of fulfilling the need of those others.
This is "Not" because He will not do this but it is because He gives us the opportunity to get one of His blessings.
Not just here on Earth but a reward laid up in Heaven.
Verses 17-19 are not part of our lesson today but the highlights are:
If in the place you worship you have a Pastor who preaches the truth of the Gospel of Christ, then we are to obey that Word of God.
That Pastor is held accountable by God Himself!
The greatest sin of the believer is to know the Word of God [and not obey the Word of God]!
We should pray for all the Body of Christ and especially for those that are ministering the Word of God!
****Heb 13:20 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,
Heb 13:21 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
God will bring judgment to this world but never in the Bible is He called a "God of War"!
We know that the number 5 is the number for "Grace" and exactly 5 times we can see the phrase "God of peace" in the written Word of God.
It is the "God of Peace" that brought about the "Resurrection" of the Lord Jesus Christ!
There is nothing in the entire Bible more important to the Christian Church than the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ came out of that grave on the third day!
We know that as the "Good Shepherd" Jesus Christ died for the sheep!
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But as the "Great Shepherd" we must know that Our Lord lives for the sheep!
Our Great High Priest has also become Our Great Shepherd.
When Jesus was on this Earth He worked to redeem our souls.
Now that Jesus is in Heaven, he is working to mature us to act in His Will to bring us to perfection. We cannot reach that point until He returns.
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
As the Great Shepherd Jesus will return to to get His sheep.
1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
It is on this day that we will reach perfection!
Throughout this Book of Hebrews we have seen that the ultimate responsibility for bringing every believer to perfection rests on Jesus Christ.
It is Jesus that will present His Church to the almighty God [and He will not present Him an imperfect Church]!
Jesus will do what He promised!
Our job as believers is to forsake those things that get in His way and submit to His Word!
It is our "Faith" that will make us whole!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
Amen!
