Remaining Faithful (Hebrews 13:9-25, Psalm 23:1-6)
Rev. William L. Barron, March 6, 2022Part of the Morning Worship at North Greenville Church series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Hebrews concludes with a warning against strange teachings. We need warnings because we are not as mature as we need to be. We are all able to be dissuaded. Diverse in this passage is the same word used to describe something with many colors, such as Joseph's coat. Novel things often grab our imagination. Some Christian denominations are built around strange, alien or foreign doctrines; doctrines that are different than those taught in the Word. The reformers in the 16th Century challenged Rome, "Show us in the Scriptures where they support your doctrines!" Paul warned the Galatian church to beware of false doctrines "alloyed" with the Truth. Luke warned in Acts 17 of Athenians and foreigners who focused on nothing but new things. We must adhere to the Word as adequate and complete, providing us with all that we need. The author then addresses the sacrifice of Jesus outside the camp (Jerusalem), comparing His sacrifice to that of the animal sacrifices on the Day of Atonement. Jesus' sacrifice replaces the Old Testament sacrificial system. Our worship is a sacrifice of praise, pleasing to God; encompassing all of our corporate and individual worship. This kind of worship is not natural for people, living in depravity and rejection of God. James and Hosea warn us of the unrighteous use of our tongues. Calves as sacrifices in Hosea are analogous to our lips. In this service, we are to obey our leaders, who are responsible for us and will give an account to God for their service. We are to serve with joy as we hold our leaders up in prayer. The writer then presents a joyful benediction praising the great shepherd who brings grace into our lives by His death and sacrifice. He did this for joy and for glory.
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Hebrews 13:9–25 (Listen)
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
(ESV)
Psalm 23 (Listen)
A Psalm of David.
23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
(ESV)