Hebrews #40: an exposition of Hebrews 13:4-6. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 1, 2015.
Intro:
It seems a bit out of place. I realize that the writer is coming to the end of his letter and he wants to get a few last things in but how does this fit in with “survival” truth? The Hebrew church is fighting for its existence. Hard-pressed they are on the verge of collapse. Why this word about marriage? Why say anything about marital relations in that context? It would seem love of money would be down the list of concerns. Are there not more pressing matters? It is because the writer understood that while persecution by Rome and rejection of their families served the undermine the church the real danger is that which comes from within. With personal moral failure comes a theological shift. Once you’ve fallen spiritually you adjust your theology so that your failure is not as bad as you thought. Once theological truth is compromised the integrity of the church is weakened and collapse is inevitable. So what we find in verses 4-6 in the 13th chapter of Hebrews are not “throw away” truths. These are not minor or insignificant matters. This is not a random list of rules for Christian behavior. This is about how we are to live as the people of God. This is how we demonstrate our love for Christ and our obedience to His commands. These things are essential to our well being as believers and our survival as the Church. Our text this morning is found in Hebrews chapter 13 beginning with verse 4.
Text: Hebrews 13:4-6
The consistent message of the writer to this struggling congregation is, “You will survive.”
Though surrounded by pagan ritual and awash in a secular culture, you will make it.
It appeared the whole world was going in the opposite direction.
It seemed it was the little church against the world.
The message was trust God and move forward.
Look to Christ and continue the race.
A better world awaits you.
The writer address church ethics in 13:1-3.
Choose to love one another unconditionally – “Let brotherly love continue.”
Show hospitality to strangers.
Care for those who are imprisoned and are mistreated for the Gospel.
Now, in this text, he turns to personal ethics.
As we work through these verses we find that…
Thesis: Loving Christ and living for His glory demands we think biblically about core issues such as marriage, money and mindset.
Let me point out 3 things.
- Loving Christ and living for His glory demands a high view of marriage and a commitment to sexual purity. (13:4)
- Loving Christ and living for His glory demands that we rigorously guard against covetousness while learning the secret of contentment. (13:5)
- Loving Christ and living for His glory demands we rest in God’s gracious care and abundant provision. (13:6)