Love That Pleases God

Love that Pleases God | Hebrews 13:1-6 May 7, 2023 I, like many Americans, got laid off in April 2020. It wasn't until September 2020 that I was finally able to secure a full-time position comparable to what I had been previously doing. I went in knowing that soon after I began working there, I'd be overseeing two locations while my counterpart was on maternity leave. What I wasn't expecting was that she would go out on my third day on the job. Unfortunately, two days on the job was not nearly enough for me to learn the job, so I had to figure it out along the way, and with a little help. The writer of Hebrews just wrote twelve chapters on the dangers of returning to the old way of worship and living, and likely changed many lives in doing so, but now they are about to go out and live by faith, but they're likely just like I was with that new job ... I'm here, but now what? We're going to begin the final chapter of Hebrews this morning, and the writer will lead this group through some specific actions that will help them to apply everything they have just read. My prayer this morning will be that this will be just as useful to you as it would've been for them. Let's read Hebrews 13:1-6 to see what the writer has to say: 1 LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE. 2 DO NOT NEGLECT TO SHOW HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS, FOR THEREBY SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS UNAWARES. 3 REMEMBER THOSE WHO ARE IN PRISON, AS THOUGH IN PRISON WITH THEM, AND THOSE WHO ARE MISTREATED, SINCE YOU ALSO ARE IN THE BODY. 4 LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARRIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. 5 KEEP YOUR LIFE FREE FROM LOVE OF MONEY, AND BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, FOR HE HAS SAID, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." 6 SO WE CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I WILL NOT FEAR; WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?" As you can see, our passage this morning becomes very practical for us. The immediate context of this passage, I believe, is from Hebrews 12:28 which reads: 28 THEREFORE LET US BE GRATEFUL FOR RECEIVING A KINGDOM THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN, AND THUS LET US OFFER TO GOD ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP, WITH REVERENCE AND AWE. Last week, we spoke on the idea of reverence and awe, but the writer in this passage seems to focus on this idea of acceptable worship, and what that looks like in the context of the church community. A broader context likely draws the reader back to chapter 10:32-36, where we read: 32 BUT RECALL THE FORMER DAYS WHEN, AFTER YOU WERE ENLIGHTENED, YOU ENDURED A HARD STRUGGLE WITH SUFFERINGS, 33 SOMETIMES BEING PUBLICLY EXPOSED TO REPROACH AND AFFLICTION, AND SOMETIMES BEING PARTNERS WITH THOSE SO TREATED. 34 FOR YOU HAD COMPASSION ON THOSE IN PRISON, AND YOU JOYFULLY ACCEPTED THE PLUNDERING OF YOUR PROPERTY, SINCE YOU KNEW THAT YOU YOURSELVES HAD A BETTER POSSESSION AND AN ABIDING ONE. 35 THEREFORE DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE, WHICH HAS A GREAT REWARD. 36 FOR YOU HAVE NEED OF ENDURANCE, SO THAT WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD YOU MAY RECEIVE WHAT IS PROMISED. As we've seen throughout the book of Hebrews, these Christians seemed to have lived a life that mirrors these passages, but once the times became difficult, they began to revert to what they had previously known. So, now that the author has defended Christ as greater than all other ways of worship, he now provides some practical examples on how to do this. Specifically, how we are to live and love in a way that pleases God. With that background in mind, here is the main idea that I want to develop this morning: Living with love that pleases God gives us confidence. Normally, we don't preach verse by verse, but this passage is designed for that type of teaching this morning. If you look closely at the passage, you'll notice that there are five commands. So, we'll discuss two things from this text. First, let discuss ... HOW TO LOVE PLEASINGLY Verse one teaches us to ... * Let brotherly love continue (1) o When the term "brotherly love" is used in the New Testament, it is only used within the context of Christians. o As we've seen throughout the book, the writer often uses a family-like love when addressing the saints. He specifically refers to the "household of God" in Hebrews 2, 3, 10 and in chapter 12. o Just like here at Thornydale Family Church, we have a saying that "you're not just a face in the crowd, but you're part of the family." o But, if you recall, back in chapter 10, it seemed like many who were part of this family neglected to meet with one another. It's no coincidence that this was among the first action orientated commands in this closing chapter of the book of Hebrews. o One of the reoccurring themes in this book is the idea of the perseverance of the saints. So, what is interesting is this idea of "continue" at the end of verse 1 is the same idea of persevering. It implies, then, that some were continuing to show love to their brothers and sisters, or at a minimum, they did at one point. o Paul addresses this in Romans 12:10, 10 LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH BROTHERLY AFFECTION. OUTDO ONE ANOTHER IN SHOWING HONOR. * Isn't this a neat picture? Loving one another so much that you want to love the other person more than they love you. o You don't see that so frequently today, do you? As a parent and as a former leader of people in the corporate world, you see it all the time. One day, best friends, the next, mortal enemies. o This is what's so unfortunate about church disagreements and splits, as its contrary to what we read here. o Maybe you are currently dealing with conflict with another Christian. This passage is clear, what's honoring to God is that we are live in unity and peace with one another, especially within the family of God. o If you haven't reconciled with someone you've had a disagreement with, then reach out to them today, discuss, forgive, and let brotherly love continue. o Verse two teaches us that we are to ... * Show hospitality (2) o This verse can be a bit tricky, but once again, we have a responsibility to look at the context to determine exactly what he means. o Since the writer is addressing Christians, the stranger here is likely a Christian as well. So, who are these strangers? * We cannot be certain, but we know that traveling ministers were common during the early church age. * According to church history, caring for and hosting visitors was a virtuous thing because travel was difficult, and often times dangerous. o While it may not be directly related, it could also refer to those who were sojourners. I love the command reminder from God in Exodus 22 that the people of Israel were also sojourners, and therefore they were to be kind to sojourners also. o Think about it, generally you don't just let anyone in your home. Often it is someone that we know, or an acquaintance of some sort. The writer is saying, "get out of your comfort zone, as true hospitality is caring for anyone, in the name of Christ, who is in need." o Don't worry, I'm not ignoring the whole "ENTERTAINED ANGELS" part of the passage. I think there are a few things to consider. * First, all throughout the Scriptures we see people dealing with an angel - or in some cases, God Himself - without their immediate knowledge. Genesis 18-19 is one example, and another from Judges 13. But, possibly, my favorite example of this is from Christ Himself in Matthew 25:36-40 where Christ says: 35 FOR I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU GAVE ME FOOD, I WAS THIRSTY AND YOU GAVE ME DRINK, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME, 36 I WAS NAKED AND YOU CLOTHED ME, I WAS SICK AND YOU VISITED ME, I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO ME.' 37 THEN THE RIGHTEOUS WILL ANSWER HIM, SAYING, 'LORD, WHEN DID WE SEE YOU HUNGRY AND FEED YOU, OR THIRSTY AND GIVE YOU DRINK? 38 AND WHEN DID WE SEE YOU A STRANGER AND WELCOME YOU, OR NAKED AND CLOTHE YOU? 39 AND WHEN DID WE SEE YOU SICK OR IN PRISON AND VISIT YOU?' 40 AND THE KING WILL ANSWER THEM, 'TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS, YOU DID IT TO ME.' * You see, we never know who the Lord sends into our lives, and for what purpose. What we must do is what would please the Lord. * Showing hospitality, care or benevolence to strangers may be a test from the Lord. * Without getting into a lot of detail, the elders have dealt with this very thing. Someone was in need, we felt moved and compelled to help. Why? Because he was a brother of Christ in need, and we were able to meet that need, and we believed that it was what the Lord wanted us to do. o So, how can you show this type of care and hospitality to a brother? o Similarly, verse 3 reminds us ... * Remember those in need (3) o The writer mentions two group here: * The prisoner, and * The mistreated o Earlier, we read that passage from chapter 10, and it's possible that this is the group that he's addressing. o It's also possible that he is simply addressing those who have been imprisoned, in general. o Many churches have prison ministries, to give hope to those who may not have hope. To introduce them to Jesus, Who is the only One who could wholly pay their debts. But, more than likely, the writer is addressing those who were detained for their faith. o He's saying, "don't forget about them since they're not physically among you" * He adds, be alongside them. Provide for their needs as much as possible. o The writer here groups this group of prisoners with the mistreated. Once again, the context of the book and this grouping leads me to believe that he's addressing those who were being persecuted for their faith. o He is reminding them that they should not be doing this alone (see Hebrews 10:24-25), and that Christians should support one another under all circumstances. o I spoke to a brother last week, and he's been dealing with some health issues. I was relieved to hear that he has family coming soon to stay with him. There's just something comforting and encouraging about having trusted people around you in your time of need. o Can you be that person for someone else? o Next, verse four says we are to ... * Honor marriage (4) o This one seems almost out of place. o One commentator, however, stated that "the home is the first place where Christian love should be practiced" o The Apostle Paul said that Christian marriage is a picture of Christ and His church. o This command is short and sweet: honor marriage. * That term "honor" refers to something that is of very high value, like gems or stones. It's to be protected and cared for. o The writer here specifically addresses "the marriage bed," with two examples: * The sexual immoral - those who engage in sexual conduct outside of marriage. * And, the adulterous - those who is unfaithful to their spouse. * Just to be clear, this church stands on the scriptures that marriage is between a man and a woman. o There are also other ways that one can dishonor their spouses, here are a few examples: * Neglect * Verbal or physical abuse * Being dishonest with one another * Not listening to one another's needs * Of course, there are many more, but I hope you see the point here. o The culture - for years - has tried to tear apart marriage. The writer reminds us that marriage is to be honored among all. Which means we should be championing biblical marriage. o Peter reminds the husbands that we are to live with our wives in an understanding way. o Listen to your spouse. Watch your spouse. Are we dishonoring our own marriages through what we say, how we say it, and even through body language that's sometimes louder than our words. o Finally, the writer says in verse five ... * Do not covet, be content (5) o There are two primary commands in this verse, first is to free yourself from the love of money (do not covet), and the next is to be content with what you have. o These are opposites of one another. o Jesus Himself said you cannot serve two masters. When one has a love for money, they pursue that money, by any means possible. Which means they neglect everything else around them. o Think about the implications of covetousness. When you want more than what you've been given, then you're effectively telling God that He's not doing enough. o Which means, we must put Christ ahead of all. Just like what we've been talking about for so many weeks in this sermon series. We've covered the first part of our main idea this morning, which was: living with love that pleases God gives us confidence. Now, let's discuss ... THE CONFIDENCE OF LOVE THAT PLEASES GOD ... as we close our time this morning. The first thing the writer reminds us of in the latter part of verse five is that ... * God will never leave you nor forsake you (5) o This is one of those places in the bible where the English is not sufficient. o This phrasing has been described as "very emphatic" ... in other words, there is so much emphasis on the phrase in the original language. o Famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon noted that there are five negatives in this phrase, so it literally reads: "I will not, not leave thee; I will never, no never, forsake thee." o Kenneth Wuest, a Greek scholar paraphrased it: "I will not cease to sustain and uphold you. I will not, I will not, I will not let you down" o This verse is a rough quotation from several Old Testament passages, which really implies that it is a running theme throughout the Scriptures. o Think about this promise. We've said it 100 times, the Christian life is not without issue, but we have the next best thing. We get to go through these issues with God by our side. o That's the confidence that we should have as we navigate through trials and difficulties. o So, you have ask yourself. Do I trust the Lord? Do I trust that He's by my side? Do I trust that He knows what He is doing? o Take the next step by faith, knowing this promise, that He will never forsake you. o Next, and finally, we're reminded that ... * God is our helper, so we have nothing to fear (6) o The writer here quotes from Psalm 118, the "His steadfast love endures forever" chapter. o Fear is one of those things that can overtake one's life. And when that happens to the Christian, their focus comes off the Lord and onto the circumstances around them. You see, when we forget the promises of God, we are unable to let brotherly love continue, we're unable to be hospitable, we're unable to care for the mistreated, we're unable to honor our marriage, and often times, we begin to worry about other things, like money or our circumstances. But the promises of the Lord, that He won't forsake us, and we no longer have to fear will help us to love in a way that pleases God. Are you ready to love like that? Let's pray. 2