Today is the final lesson of the quarter and comes from Hebrews 13:7-21. The author closes his letter after having shared some of the most profound truths of the Christian faith. Think about some of the subjects we have studied this quarter: Christ being superior to angels; warnings against unbelief; a perfect rest for the people of God; Christ as our High Priest; going onto perfection; the New Covenant; the perfect sacrifice; holding fast; the life of faith; and now perfect in every good work. The heroes of the faith have been brought before us, encouraging us to stay true to the message of faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of the pressures and trials of life. The final thoughts will include the Believers' Perils (vv. 7-9), the Believers' Privileges (vv. 10-14), the Believers' Precepts (vv. 15-19), and the Believers' Prayer (vv. 20,21).
The first section is the "Believers' Perils." The writer informs the readers to remember their church leaders. These leaders have spoken the word of God to these converts. Those leaders had suffered the loss of temporal possessions, and family ties, but they had kept the faith. The writer says to look at their lives and follow their faith. This advice applies to us today. If you go to a church that you do not respect the pastor, you should consider leaving and finding a pastor you can follow. This is not an excuse to escape conviction. There is a difference between a pastor stepping on your toes because you need them stepped on, and a pastor whose life does not measure up to God's Word. The former you cling to and the latter you run from. The writer then directs the readers attention to Jesus. He has not and will not change. I am amazed that certain theological persuasions, especially Calvinists, who generally believe that God is out of the miracle business. Verse 8 tells us that Jesus Christ doesn't change so why do people think He has? The writer then warns not to be carried about by strange teachings. I always thought it a strange teaching that the things Jesus used to do, He now doesn't, e.g., heal, perform miracles, etc. A changeless Christ necessitates a changeless doctrine. While methods to proclaim the gospel can change with the times, the message itself should never change. To do so would be a strange teaching.
The second section is the "Believers' Privileges." Verses 10-14 contain several of our privileges. First, we have an altar that nonbelievers cannot eat from. The Jewish altar became obsolete at the cross of Christ. Animal sacrifices for sins have been done away with. The only forgiveness that is available to man is through the cross of Jesus Christ. We have the privilege of having our sins forgiven, something other altars can't offer. Second, Jesus suffered outside the gate on the cross to provide for our entire sanctification. Verse 13 instructs the reader that we are also to go outside the camp. What was outside the camp? Death was outside the camp. Public executions were outside the walls of the city. As a believer, we are to be crucified to the world, sin and the flesh. The writer of Hebrews is providing us one of the most important privileges of the believer: death to carnality! Have you been outside the camp? Or, are you still clinging to a prosperity gospel that makes you feel good all the time?
The third section is the "Believers' Precepts." Verses 15-19 instruct us to some of the actions believers should observe. We are to praise God continually regardless of the circumstances. We are to do good to others and to "communicate." The word "communicate" means to fellowship, share, or have in common. This means we are to care for each other as we have the means to do so. These are the types of sacrifices which God smiles on. We are to obey those that the Lord have placed over us. Obey does not mean backbiting, gossip, and complaining. If you have an issue with your pastor, then make an appointment to talk it out Biblically. Obedience also includes submission to their authority. This is not slavery but obedience to the Word's commands for believers. Finally, you are to pray for the ministry. A sanctified heart will have no issues with praise, doing good, caring for others, obedience, submission, and prayer. These are our precepts as believers.
The fourth section is the "Believers' Prayer." The book of Hebrews closes with a beautiful benediction found in verses 20,21: "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, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The sanctified heart knows the God of Peace and has been made perfect (not absolute perfection, but moral perfection) in that carnality has been removed from his or her heart. Jesus Christ is God's final word to man. Let that sink in. The final word has been spoken and there is no other. Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and others that believe in additional "words from God" are in error. We must, when possible, speak the truth in love to these groups that do not have the truth or have strayed from the truth. We are to pray the prayer contained in verses 20,21 for all believers, that they might be made perfect in their Christian walk and testimony.
The Golden Text is "To the end he may stablish your hearts unblaneable in holiness before God, even our Father." (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Holiness is required for entrance into heaven. Holiness is God's desire for His creations. Our desire should be to walk on the highway of holiness until we are called home to be with Him in glory throughout all eternity.
This ends the study for this quarter. I pray that the material has caused you to want to walk in holiness and be made perfect through the blood of Jesus Christ, our superior High Priest, forever and ever. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment