ETERNAL CHRIST

SCRIPTURE TEXT (KJV)

Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
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.
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
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.
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.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
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.
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
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.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
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.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

LESSON OUTLINE
1. Final Admonitions
2. Stability in Doctrine
3. Offer Praise

LESSON THOUGHTS

1. FINAL ADMONITIONS

Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
Heb 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
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.
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
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.
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.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Paul (or whomever is the writer of this book) often reminds me of a Mother and Father giving last minute instructions to a loved one leaving for an extended period. His love for those to whom he writes is so obvious. He covets a strong spiritual life for them: not a life free of suffering, or perfect health and/or wealth, or one without trials but an internal lasting relationship with Jesus Christ in the midst of all of life’s many problems and trials.

First of all he desires their love for one another to continue. Satan is subtle and will drive a wedge between Christians in an effort to thwart the gospel. Nothing hurts the cause of Christ more than conflict within the body.

As James writes in Jam 3:13 - 18 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

These verses ought to be memorized and placed on the walls of every church and home since these are the two places more prone to contention that anywhere else. And little wonder. It is in the home and the church where lives are effected most for the cause of Christ.

Don’t forget to entertain strangers. Hospitality is often neglected in our day. We are so busy with our own affairs and having company is often inconvenient. But I remember as a child (and in fact in our home when our children were growing up) it was normal to have “company” for dinner. Pastors, evangelists, and missionaries were common fare as were friends. We didn’t have much but what we had was often shared). Many scriptures urge this practice. (1 Peter 4:9; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Matthew 10:40-42; Luke 10:7; 11:5;)

Hospitality evinces a proper love toward mankind. It shows a feeling of brotherhood and kindness toward others. It unites society, creates new bonds of friendship and shows kindness to the stranger and the poor.

The next admonition is to remember those who suffer for the cause of Christ, especially those in bonds. Prison’s in that day were far from like our USA prisons. They were filthy and prisoners could literally starve to death if others from the outside didn’t provide food for them. Their suffering was intense as they lay on filthy floors with hands and feet in chains. The cold and dampness was another contributing factor to their misery.

Much persecution is taking place around the world in our day. Many are giving their lives for the cause of Christ and suffering intensely. It is easy to “forget” them in our busyness but if it was “us” suffering in like manner we would appreciate the prayers and encouragement of others.

But don’t forget those who are suffering mental and emotional stages in their lives. Many times we do not know the turmoil that others are going through. Be sensitive to those needs. Families are being torn to shreds as unbelievers pit themselves against believers to gain advantage. Believers are sometimes put in the position of... what is right for me in this situation. One must often take a strong stand against some unbelieving family members as they try to heap guilt trips upon the believer. This may become very puzzling to the new believer, especially, but remember the words of Jesus, Mat 10:34-37 “ Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Marriage was next on the list. Paul wanted the people to know that marriage was honorable and that the intimate relationship between a husband and wife was sanctified. So much sexual mis-information has been thrown around in our day that one sometimes has a problem keeping a right attitude toward sexuality. We as Christians must remember that God instituted marriage. It was one of His first acts after creation was completed and He blessed it.

It didn’t take long for mankind to mess with the institution. But know for sure, those who do not honor the marriage bed will be judged by God. They may get by with infidelity for awhile but judgement will come.

I’d like to add a word of caution. There are those who advocate the bringing of “pure lust” (homosexual/lesbian activities, porn, fantasy, etc) into a marriage as a way to make it more exciting. Beware of the trap. It will enhance your fleshly lust but it will not make your marriage better. In fact it will lead to the destruction of that marriage. Sexuality within a marriage may be most passionate and yes, even fun, but God never designed it to be lust driven.

The word conversation has to do with one’s lifestyle. The warning here is against covetousness (the strong desire to possess what others have or to possess lots of possessions). This is a big one in our society and the Christian needs to guard against the world’s advocation of possessing more and more and more. Many have been swallowed in debt thinking that it would bring them contentment. Not so, my friend, contentment is a condition of the heart. It allows you to be content with whatever you have. Jesus is the one who stands by us and will never leave our side regardless of the circumstances of our lives. That knowledge should bring contentment to all of us.

It is easy to become unsettled when life becomes extremely hard but if and when that happens, make the “devil pay rent” and rejoice in the Lord. He is your advocate!

And don’t forget those who watch over you. Those of us in ministry have a huge responsibility to be sure that we give good counsel that lines up with the word. We must not be soft on sin but we must be compassionate and non-judgmental in dealing with those who sin. Judgment is not saying something or someone is wrong. Judgment is assigning status (unredeemable) and conviction (they deserve...).

And then comes that classic verse... Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. I’m sure it is a comfort to you as it is to me. Our God never changes!! He doesn’t consider sin wrong today and OK tomorrow. His word never changes. His love is unconditional.

2. STABILITY IN DOCTRINE

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.
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
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.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

Some people want to water down doctrine and in the process often come up with some really strange ones. This is what the cults do. Be most careful about what you believe. Make your belief system founded upon the word of God rather than the words of someone else. Just because they thrown a few “sound good” scriptures around doesn’t make what they say right. Be sure to search the word IN IT’S CONTEXT. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you study. They will not lead you astray.

I never will forget being taken to task because I dared to heartily disagree with several tv-evangelists when they first started promoting their health/wealth ... and I hesitate to call it... gospel. Because it is NOT the gospel. It is one of those strange doctrines that has gotten many people off on a crooked path. 1Ti 6:5-12 “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Know what you believe and why you believe it and don’t let the reason you believe it be because some preacher or grandma told you so. Get into the word of God for yourself and study it. Be always open to a deeper understanding. It will solidify your belief system.

3. OFFER PRAISE

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.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Be a worshiper that is filled with praise. A grateful heart will keep you from many evils. It will do great harm to a critical spirit. It will promote joy and contentment. And God is worthy of all praise!!

SUMMARY

A lesson of this type is very hard to limit. Each verse is a sermon in itself. Do ponder each verse before the Lord and let His lessons guide you in your daily walk. Do not shrink from His conviction but follow after His guidance.

Article Source: http://christian-topics.info

Willetta is a former pastor of a small country church. She is married to her sweetheart of 55 years and spends most of her time in a wheelchair. The study of the word has always been her delight. She authors three webs... www.teachmethyways.org www.successwithkids.org www.theseedsower.org

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