Near to the Heart of God A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 34 Hebrews 13:7 – 9 Give Me That Old Time Religion 1

Introduction My parents and grandmother in Taiwan Review: Persist in practicing brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1-6). Relation of Hebrews 13:7-9 to 13:1-6 Overview of verses 7-9: Imitate your leaders’ faith (13:7). Jesus Christ remains the same (13:8). Don’t be carried away with new and novel teaching, which departs from grace (13:9).

Imitate your faithful (but departed) leaders (Hebrews 13:7) Contextual connection: Elders qualifications and the commands of Hebrews 13:1-6 Worthy leaders proclaim the Word. Worthy leaders finish well (in adversity). “Leaders” is plural, not singular. The leaders’ work is in the past. Remember Spoke Outcome But the participle (leaders) is present. Conclusion

Jesus Christ is the same forever – He will not change (Hebrews 13:8) The “time and eternity factor” (compare Genesis 20:10-11; 1 Kings 20:28) The name “Jesus Christ” Yesterday, today, and forever The eternal aspects of His ministry Atonement Priestly mediator Coming King His person and ministry will not change. Thus the message/doctrine does not change.

Don’t be carried away by strange teachings (Hebrews 13:9) Why all this emphasis on food? Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10-11 Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 8:8 Colossians 2:16, 21-23 1 Timothy 4:3ff. Strange teaching comes in many sizes and shapes (“all sorts of”). Christians can get carried away with false teaching. The new and the novel is unnecessary if neither the Savior nor the gospel has changed.

Conclusion Leadership Our changeless Savior The new and the novel Foods vs. grace Copyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 34 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study of the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for May 3, 2009. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.