4 commands because of Christ’s unchanging character
Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
I. Remember Past Heroes of the Faith Who Have Died (Heb. 13:7)
Hebrews 13:7 - Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
A. Consider the result of their life
B. Imitate their faith which persevered to the end
C. Be cautious of living leaders and heroes
II. Follow Your Current Leaders/Pastors Willingly (Heb. 13:17)
Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
A. Because they watch over your soul for your benefit
B. This verse demands meaningful church membership
C. What is the extent of obedience and submission?
1. Obedience/submission to pastors never supersedes obedience and submission to God.
2. Obedience/submission to pastors does not remove an individual’s responsibility or conscience.
3. Obedience/submission to pastors does not mean there is always agreement.
III. Do Not Be Led Astray By False Teaching (Heb. 13:9-16)
Hebrews 13:9-16 - Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
A. Don’t find strength in “foods” rather than grace (Heb. 13:9-12)
B. Bear the suffering and reproach of following Christ outside the camp (Heb. 13:12-13)
C. Seek the lasting, unshakeable city (Heb. 13:14, cf. 12:28)
D. Offer worship pleasing to God (Heb. 13:15-16)
1. Praising God with your lips (Heb. 13:15)
2. Generous acts of compassion to others (Heb. 13:16, cf. 13:1-6)
IV. Earnestly Pray For Your Pastors and Brothers and Sisters (Heb. 13:18-19)
Hebrews 13:18-19 - Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.
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