Sabbath School Class Week 20

Sabbath School Class Week 20

Well this week we start the last chapter of Hebrews.  This week the author is wrapping it all up.  He has given his strongest argument for Christ.  He has shown us why the old way is nothing compared to what Jesus offers.  Now he has just a few words.  Much of this chapter is reminding them of doing what is right.  It is as if he is saying, "Look stick with Jesus, don't go back to all that old stuff, however there are somethings that you need to hang onto.  You don't have to offer lambs any more...but make sure you still...

Concluding Exhortations

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. ² Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. ³ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

⁴ Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”

In verse 1-3 there is an interesting theme.  First he is asking we do three things.  What are they?

1.

2. 

3.

In verse 1 what comes after "as"?

In verse 2 what comes after "for"?

In verse 3 what comes after "as if"?

Verse 1 and 3 the author is giving us a "how to". 

In verse 2 a possible benefit.

Let's talk about the how to in verse 1 and 3.  Why is it or is it important that we love one another as brothers and sisters.  What does that mean to you.  Is it important? Why?

What about in verse 3?  "As if you yourselves were suffering."  Why is this important?

If you remember earlier in this book the author pointed out how Christ has felt our pain, how he has suffered for us.  AS IF....  If we have suffered or are suffering  and are then extending help to others who are suffering there is a much deeper level of empathy than before.  It is also another way to say as Christ has done.  

Christ has suffered for us and is now helping us.  

Why marriage.  What is so important about marriage?  I mean wouldn't you think not killing each other would be mentioned before marriage?

Marriage, is a unique institution that so beautifully depicts our God.  More about that later. However, simply put a marriage without sexual immorality that honors God also speaks to His amazing miraculous love for us.  It is also an incredible way for us to show each other the unconditional acceptance of God's love for us.  

The love of money is also mentioned.  All of the above requires an attitude of humility and unselfishness.  Letting go of self and serving and loving all of those around us.  If we are loving money we are loving self.  If we are being unfaithful we are loving self.  If we don't take time to minister to those around us we are loving self.  

Let's read on:

⁶ So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”^[b]

⁷ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

 

Listening to our leaders who are always lacking in some way or another is a real challenge.  Is it even possible?  I would argue that honoring them, inspite of them, is really honoring and trusting God.  

 

This entire book has been about trusting and believing in Jesus Christ.  If we can trust and believe in Him can we not also trust that he will lead through our leaders inspite of them?

 

Challenge:

This week let us serve each other, serve those around us, honor our leaders and share the love of Jesus with each other.  Simple.... of course not!  Perhaps more challenging than believing in Jesus Christ.  Perhaps the most difficult thing we will ever do!