JESUS -Always the Messiah - Studies in the Book of Hebrews #7

line


Text: Hebrews 13

Good morning once again and welcome to all those who have gathered this day to celebrate with us the victory we have found in Jesus Christ. We are coming to the end of the series that we have been doing once a month on the Book of Hebrews.

When we began this series we put forth the idea that the Book of Hebrews was trying to show how Jesus really is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). In the preceding 12 chapters of this marvelous book, the writer has presented a powerful case of how Jesus Christ is superior to the Old Testament system. He then shows that because of this we all have an obligation to follow Jesus. Why?
Ch.12:22-24- we have come to Mt. Zion.

Chapters 1&2- Jesus is God's final and greatest spokesman. He has brought us a great salvation- victory over death, which we are not to neglect.

Chapters 3&4- Jesus is the apostle of our faith - he was the one sent by God to bring us to God. He will provide us with sweet rest.

Chapters 5&6- Jesus is the cause of eternal salvation. He is our forerunner and has entered on the other side of the veil.

Chapters 7&8- Jesus can save to the uttermost. He has brought in a better covenant that results in sins and iniquities being remembered no more.

Chapters 9&10- We can now draw near to God in the Holiest place of all through the flesh and blood of Jesus.

Chapters 11&12- Keep pressing on in the faith, because we have come to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Chapter 13 - Jesus has always been the Messiah and always will be.

Now, what the writer tries to do in this final chapter is basically some encouragement to these Christians to keep on doing what they need to be doing.

Vs.1-7- give honour to whom honour is due. (Romans 13:7)
  1. We are to honour our fellow Christian (vs.1) Basically, we are to let the love we have for those of like precious faith to always be. (John 13:34,35)
  2. We are to honour the stranger (vs.2). Remembering the story of Abraham in Genesis 18 & 19. We owe all men love- 2 Peter 1:7. Notice, what he is saying, our guests may be sent to us from God.
  3. We are to honour those in prison (vs.3).
    How?
    By feeling what they feel. As our High priest sympathizes with our weaknesses, so we are to do with others. Matthew 5:7
  4. We are to honour our spouses (vs.4). Marriage is an institution that God gave to mankind and is one He takes very seriously. A violation of that covenant is a violation against God - 1 Cor.6:9,10.
  5. We are to honour God (vs.5,6). Let the entire aspect of our life show that we are not set on acquiring the riches of the world.
    What is the purpose of our lives?
    We are to be content with what God has given us (Matthew 6:33), why?
    It's a matter of trusting God- He will not leave us- cease to sustain us.
  6. We are to honour those who led us (vs.7).
    We need to remember those who lived their lives in the faith of Jesus Christ. We can remember the happy end after death. (Stephen, James etc.)
Vs.8-15- have stability in your religion.
Vs.8,9- notice that Jesus has always been and will always be the same- don't get carried away with strange teachings. (Eph.4:14) Don't get caught up in a mixture of truth and untruth Romans 14:17.
Vs.10-13- we must follow Jesus outside the camp. What does this mean?
I believe it has reference to their need to leave the Old Testament system and live following Christ's system. Follow Jesus now, not Moses.
Vs.14- why?
Our hope is not on earth!
Judaism found Jerusalem a refuge, Christians find the heavenly Jerusalem their refuge.
Vs.15- conclusion- give God the sacrifice of praise - the fruit of our lips.

Vs.16,17- do good- God is pleased with this. Remember to submit to your new leaders (vs.7).
They watch for your souls.
To those who would be elders in the Lord's church, you have a grave responsibility- you must give account for all the souls under your care.

Conclusion- vs.20,21- Jesus is the great Shepherd of God's sheep.
He will lead us safely home. The Blood of the everlasting covenant- why everlasting?
It was always in the mind of God and will continue forever.
What is God doing?
He's working in us to be well pleasing in His sight.

My friends, the answer to your soul's greatest question is the blood of Jesus!
What can wash away my sins?
Nothing but the blood.
What can allow me to enter God's presence?
Nothing but the blood.
What do you need to be cleansed in this morning?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Would you like to know how to do that?
Let Jesus answer it- Mark 16:16.

Are you ready to meet your God?
Why not become ready and come forward as we stand and sing…

line

Back to lessons page.
Back to home page.