Hebrews 13:07-17 Stability in Our Service to God – audio

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Text: Hebrews 13:7-17

Introduction

1. Throughout his epistle, the author has exhorted his readers to faithfulness

a. With a warning not to drift away – Hebrews 2:1

b. With a promise of becoming partakers of Christ – Hebrews 3:14

c. With exhortations to be diligent – Hebrews 4:11; 6:11-12

d. With a reminder of God’s faithfulness – Hebrews 10:23

e. With a promise of great reward – Hebrews 10:35-36

2. As the epistle’s end, we find some final exhortations that encourage such faithfulness

a. They are throughout – Hebrews 13:7-17

b. They are given in view of the danger of “various and strange doctrines” – Hebrews 13:9

3. The need for such exhortations is no less today as it was then

a. There are many various and strange doctrines today

b. It is easy for us to forget the simplicity that is in Christ

Body

I. THINGS TO REMEMBER (Hebrews 13:7-14)

A. THOSE WHO FAITH IS WORTHY OF EMULATION (Hebrews 13:7)

1. In the original context of the epistle

a. The author here references those leaders who originally spoke the word of God to them

b. That included the apostles themselves – Hebrews 2:3

c. “…considering the outcome of their conduct” implies that they were dead, and that their faith served them well

2. Not only remember them, but “whose faith follow”

a. We should seek to emulate all those whose faith has set a good example – Philippians 3:17

b. Especially those whose faith sustained them to the end!

B. “JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” (Hebrews 13:8)

1. In what way is “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever”?

a. Certainly not in every respect, for He was once “in the flesh”, but not today

b. The context must determine, and the context pertains to:

1) The word of God which has been spoken – Hebrews 13:7

2) Various and strange doctrines – Hebrews 13:9

c. It is therefore the doctrine of Jesus, which is unchangeable

2. One may therefore rightly ask whenever they hear of some strange or new doctrine: “Did Jesus or His apostles teach this?” – Galatians 1:8-9

C. WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST (Hebrews 13:9-14)

1. It is apparent the author has in mind the temptation to return to the Law

a. To the dietary restrictions found in the Law

b. To the altar and tabernacle of the Old Covenant

2. But what we have in Christ includes:

a. Hearts that are strengthened by grace, not food – Hebrews 13:9

1) An allusion to the dietary restrictions of Judaism

2) While they served their purpose, they did not provide what one really needs – Colossians 3:20-23

b. An altar from which those who serve in the physical tabernacle have no right to eat – Hebrews 13:10-13

1) The “altar” is a metonymy for the sacrifice offered on it

2) Our “altar” is the sacrifice of Christ, which is of no benefit to those who hold to the Old Law – Galatians 5:4

3) As our sacrifice, had to suffer “outside the gate” to provide our sanctification, so we should be willing to serve Him “outside the camp”

c. A “city” which is yet to come – Hebrews 13:14

1) Like our father Abraham, we wait for the city “whose builder and maker is God” – Hebrews 11:9-10

2) We are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth, desiring that city which God has prepared – Hebrews 11:13-16

3) Therefore, it is not physical Jerusalem we long for, but “the holy city, New Jerusalem” – Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 2:10-11

II. THINGS TO DO (Hebrews 13:15-17)

A. OFFER TRUE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES TO GOD (Hebrews 13:15-16)

1. We may not “serve the tabernacle” of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 13:10), but we do have “sacrifices” to offer – 1 Peter 2:5

2. One is the sacrifice of praise – Hebrews 13:15

a. That includes singing and prayer, which are the fruit of our lips

b. In which we praise God as we give thanks to His name – This we are to do “continually” (i.e., with stability in our service to God)

2. Another is the sacrifice of doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16

a. With such sacrifices God is pleased

b. They are like the “sweet-smelling aroma” of incense – Philippians 4:18

B. OBEY THOSE WHO RULE OVER US (Hebrews 13:17)

1. Earlier he wrote of their previous leadership (Hebrews 13:7); now he writes of their present leadership

2. These are most likely their “elders” (also known as “bishops”, “pastors”)

a. They were given the oversight of the local congregation – Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2

b. The souls of the congregation were “entrusted” to them – 1 Peter 5:3

3. They watch over us, as those who must one day give an account – Hebrews 13:17

4. Therefore we should “obey” and “submit”

a. That their work will be one of joy, not grief

b. If we grieve them in their work, it will not be profitable for us!

Conclusion

1. Do you wish to remain steadfast in your faith, with stability in your service to God?

2. Then remember such things as:

a. Those worthy of following, and consider the outcome of their conduct

b. Jesus Christ, whose doctrine is the same yesterday, today, and forever – Hebrews 13:8

c. The blessings we have in Christ:

1) Hearts established by grace

2) An altar (the sacrifice of Jesus) to which some have no right

3) A heavenly city whose builder and maker is God

3. And be careful to do such things as:

a. Offer the spiritual sacrifices of praise and doing good to others

b. Obey those who have been entrusted to watch for our souls

4. With such “Stability In Our Service To God”, then by God’s grace we too will be “the same yesterday, today, and forever”