Christian Duties Series

Christian Duties

Hebrews Chapter 13

Scripture Reading Heb 13:1-3

Introduction:

1. Throughout the book of Hebrews we learned that a Christian is justified by faith.

2. Hebrews has shown us that we ought to put our faith in Jesus because his is better then anything else.

3. Outline of Hebrews.

a. Jesus is a better spokesman. 1:1-4:13

b. Jesus is a better priest. 4:14-10:31

c. Jesus is a better way. 10:32-13:17

d. Conclusion. 13:18-25

4. Let us now consider this final chapter from the book of Hebrews.

I. Social Duties. (1-6)

When Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes moved to Washington, D.C., to take up his duties as chief justice, he transferred his membership to a church in the area. Now, it was the custom in that church for all new members to be called to the front of the sanctuary at the close of the worship service. The first to be called was Ah Sing, a Chinese laundryman who had moved to the capital from the West coast. He took his place at the far side of the church. As the dozen or so other people were called forward they stood at the opposite side of the church, leaving Ah Sing standing alone. But when Chief Justice Hughes was called, he took his place beside the Chinese laundryman. When the minister had welcomed the group in the church’s fellowship he turned to the congregation and said, "I do not want the congregation to miss this remarkable illustration of the fact that at the cross of Jesus Christ the ground is level."

a. Duty to our brethren. (1-3)

Hebrews 13:1-3 KJV

(1) Let brotherly love continue. (2) Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (3) Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

1. The readers are now encouraged to continue loving their brothers and sisters in Christ.

a) Brotherly love is not always an easy thing.

1 John 3:16-24 KJV

(16) Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

(17) But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

(18) My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

(19) And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

(20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

(21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

(22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

(23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

(24) And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

b) The words “let…continue” suggest that perhaps there is danger of the love of this band of disciples is being severed.

c) During times of persecution the church’s love for one another may slacken due to a fear of getting involved and thereby suffering also.

2. These readers are not only to continue hospitality to their local brethren but also to the brethren all over.

a) It seems that perhaps the fear of strangers, due to persecution, had stopped these brethren from opening up their homes.

b) Perhaps they were divided over doctrine (as the text clearly shows) and this stopped them from practicing hospitality.

2 John 1:10-11 KJV

(10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

(11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

c) Perhaps they were not opening their homes to Gentile Christians.

3. God has always been pleased when his people show hospitality and it seems here that men like Abraham, Lot, and Gideon actually entertained angels by doing so.

Frightened by the clamor of thunder in the night, a little child cried out. Holding her securely in his arms, her father explained that she needn’t fear. God would take care of her because He loved her greatly.

"I know God will take care of me and love me," she replied. "But right now, Daddy, I want someone with skin on to love me." We are to be God’s love, with skin on!