“My Supreme Spiritual Service Part 2” Hebrews 13:7-19 March 25, 2012 Hebrews Series #34b

Review vs. 1-6 “My Sanctifying Social Service”  Remember the first five commands? They are:  Harmony (vs. 1),  Hospitality (vs. 2),  Helpfulness (vs. 3),  Holiness (vs. 4),  Happiness (vs. 5, 6).

Today let’s continue to examine our supreme spiritual service  Yes, let us obey the five practical commands as we grow in a knowledge of God’s Word.  But the commands continue!  And they move us toward our SUPREME SPIRITUAL SERVICE.  Well Christian, we do want to please God, don’t we?  We must lay aside selfishness and pride and determine to PLEASE HIM.  That is our “supreme spiritual service”.  Today we discover unmistakable ways to please Him.

Christian, PLEASE GOD! ???What pleases Him???

I. Steadfastness in Doctrine Pleases Him.  7 ¶ Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.  8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

I. Steadfastness in Doctrine (vs 7-9)  Examples of Steadfastness (vs. 7,8)  Past Christian Leaders. (vs. 7)  Jesus Christ. (vs. 8)  Here is our doctrinal anchor.  Here is our example of steadfastness or leadership.  Exodus from Steadfastness. (vs. 9a)  There is an incorrect teaching in mind- readers and writer know!  “diverse”-many colored  “strange”- foreign to the gospel  Extras Affecting Steadfastness. (vs. 9b)  Grace- grow in grace- start with it and continue in it.  Meats- there was something in foods that believers thought was spiritually beneficial- external dietary regulations. Legalisms (I Tim. 4:1-5; Acts 10:15; Rom. 14:17)

 We are strengthened by grace.  Standards and traditions may be wonderful.  They prevent. They protect. They identify or label.  But they do not strengthen or grow me.  I must build on the Word of Grace. I can only grow and mature through grace. Acts 20:32  I know some disagree because of the emotional nature of the topic, but think it through.  Study the influence of the Word of Grace and the influence of standards and rules. Both are necessary.  They are not apples and apples, I repeat, they are both needed or necessary.  We find our strength and growth in and through the Word of Grace.

II. Separation unto Christ Pleases Him.  10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.  11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.  12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.  13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.  14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.

II. Separation unto Christ (vs 10-14)  The Illustration. (vs. 10, 11)  O.T. Day of Atonement (or Cross?)  The Illumination. (vs. 12)  Jesus Christ- took our reproach  The Instruction. (vs. 13)  Follow Him outside the camp.  To remain in the CAMP- Judaism is to be separated from Christ.  To go out would be to share His rejection.  The Investigation. (or Inquiry) (vs. 14)  We seek…

 People look for earthly security  but the best and “latest” security is only modified insecurity.  Pursue what is, in fact, lasting.  Investigate  search after the abiding city  not a fleeting, or crumbling earthly city.  Security is NOT found in education, entertainment, pleasure, financial security, superficial relationships, status, popular philosophies, etc.

III. Sacrifice for God Pleases Him.  15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.  16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

III. Sacrifice for God. (vs )  Sacrifices of Word- “Anthems”  (Lev. 7:13-15)  (Rom. 12:1)- Another spiritual sacrifice idea. Continually- not at set times… (I Thess. 5:18)  We no longer need any continuation of Jewish sacrifice in the light of Christ’s sacrifice.  The Fruit of our lips (Hosea 14:2) “The CALVES of our Lips”  God is not interested in calves on an altar of stone but that which is on the altar of our lips  Sacrifices of Deed- “Actions”  Serving- “to do good”  a general term  Sharing- “to communicate”  a specific term  If there is a MATERIAL sacrifice- this is it!  *With such- God is well-pleased.

Focus On These Three Sacrifices  Thanksgiving or Praise  Doing good  Sharing

IV. Submission to Church Leaders Pleases Him.  17 ¶ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so (watch) with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

IV. Submission to Church Leaders (vs )  The Responsibilities  Ours (the sheep)  Obey- assenting to another person’s direction  Submit- involves yielding my contrary opinions in favor of someone else’s.  Theirs (the shepherds)  Watch- literally- they keep themselves awake- imagery of staying up nights- for your souls- your spiritual lives (see 10:39)  Give account  A stewardship  An awesome responsibility.

 The Possibilities  Their Joy or Grief- “groanings”  Those who are:  Spiritually sluggish  Rebellious  Lacking vital vision  Growing enamored by doctrinal innovations  Causing much heartache  Our Profit or Loss  Unprofitable- a deliberate “understatement”

So…  Trust Them.  Consult With Them.  Care for Them.  Pray for Them.  Consider What They Say (obey, submit)  Treat Them Like Somewhat Normal People  Carefully Practice Christ’s Matthew 18 Policy.  Act Humbly, Gratefully, Genuinely In Regard to Them and the Sheep They Care For.  The Other Side of the Coin  I Peter 5 – God’s instruction for pastors