“ The Immutable Message of

Jesuspt 1 ”

Hebrews 13:7-14,17

Last minute details…•We talked about this being a catch-all chapter last week•It seems that the author is now hurriedly throwing in several last-minute, non-negotiable instructions to the Hebrew reader (and us) before quickly finishing the letter•Last week we looked at moral directions, this week, one last set of instructions on Faith

“7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 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 holy place by the

“high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.”

Hebrews 13:7-14, NASB

A. Follow the Leader•Vv 7,17

“7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”“17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

Hebrews 13:7,17, NASB

A. Follow the Leader•Vv 7,17, there are several portions of scripture that are uncomfortable to teach, this is one of the most uncomfortable•These two verses in chapter 13 are such for me, because of the standard that is required of me as your pastor– if I'm not very careful, it can sound arrogant•James 3

“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue

is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.”

James 3:1-5, NASB

A. Follow the Leader•If not careful here, it sounds as if I’m demanding your respect, or demanding you follow my every whim•The thing that makes me able to teach this is twofold– first because I have the perspective of having been a ‘church member’ before I was a preacher•Secondly is 1 Corinthians 11:1

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB

A. Follow the Leader•It sounds almost crazy arrogant, for Paul to write this at first glance•But in reality, the Corinthian Believers needed a physical example to follow•Paul stayed with them the longest of any of his church plants•He knew he wasn’t perfect, and that they had been with him long enough to see those imperfections,

A. Follow the Leader•How God dealt with him and kept him in line, and they were able to follow•Therefore, he didn’t hesitate to tell them to follow his example to them•So– for the next few moments– pretend I’m a guest preacher and I’ll barrel through this tough stuff!•Here goes…

A. Follow the Leader•Obey what your pastor speaks from the pulpit as he teaches the Word of God– but at the same time your pastor must live according to what he teaches•Did you notice the words “conduct” in v7 and “as those who must give account” in v17? •For everything your pastor does, he is accountable to God– The Lord holds him to a higher standard than you, because he is your pastor and teacher (James 3:1) • If you see that his conduct in words and/or deed is right and godly, respect him and obey him, because he is trying to imitate the Lord Jesus Christ

B. Jesus, Eternal God•Vs 8-14,

“8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 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 holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own

“blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.”

Hebrews 13:8-14, NASB

B. Jesus, Eternal God•Vs 8-14, this is today’s $4 seminary word, “immutable”•God cannot learn, grow, change, or evolve, because He is Omniscient•He cannot become less, more, different at all because of His immutability•He cannot change with time, because His the Alpha and the Omega– before and after all!

B. Jesus, Eternal God•A wise man once said, “If it’s true, it’s not new; if it’s new, it’s not true.” •King Solomon echoed this truth in the Book of Ecclesiastes:•Ecclesiastes 1:9 “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.”•There are no knew theologies or revelations that are not already in the Bible

B. Jesus, Eternal God•The entire Bible is about Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again from the dead and sat on the right side of the Father in heaven•No foods, religious achievements, or any of our merits would ever be able to earn our way to heaven• It is only by God’s grace through Jesus Christ– never forget it, anyone who says otherwise is wrong, a heretic!

B. Jesus, Eternal God•Remember this…

“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB

B. Jesus, Eternal God•The Jews at the time of this letter were proud of their city and its Temple-- which was destroyed a few years later•But these Hebrews would come to understand that their temple cannot be destroyed!•This had to happen, I think, for them to recognize no altars needed anymore•No more need for sacrifice

Take Home!1. God gave you Leaders

that love you and sacrifice for you on a daily basis– follow their example and leadership

2. Know that I love you. I will continue to sacrifice for you as long as God allows me to be here with you