A Legacy of Perservering Love

Introduction

Context

We know from previous chapters that the Hebrew Christians were struggling with their faith. Some were walking away from the faith. Some stopped taking action, they started to back track and seek the comfortable life in hiding.

Some were falling back to their old ways, and hiding behind the works based salvation. If I do good according to my own standards, I will be okay with God.

Some were simply distracted by the things the world offers. They were attracted by seductive desires of the world, like money, fame, power and prosperity.

Ultimately, the author of Hebrews was speaking to believers who were:

dull of hearing, stubborn, immature. Heb. 5:11 .

Lacking attention to Christ, and drifting away. Heb. 2:1 .

People with an evil unbelieving heart, a heart that is disobedient to God. Heb. 3:7-12.

Many of these people in the audience were sluggish, lazy, and undisciplined. Heb. 6:12.

The author reminds the audience, who claim to be believers in Christ, that Jesus is:

superior to all things, including angels and creation. Heb. 1.

he is superior to all prophets, high priest, and sacrificial animals that came before him. Heb. 7; Heb. 4; Heb. 3.

He is the superior mediator between God and man.

He is the faithful, trustworthy savior of the world and in him we find eternal life and eternal rest. Heb. 9.

The author exhorts the audience to ACTION!

In Hebrews 11 the author gives us all the examples of men and women who acted out their faith in God. Because true Faith leads to action.

In Hebrews 12 we also saw that Jesus is the perfecter of our faith.

Last week we saw how the blood of Jesus speaks forgiveness, love, redemption, hope, and joy. Jesus’ blood speaks louder than anything else. It screams his love and forgiveness.

Christ is the firm foundation! He is the founder of this eternal and unshakable kingdom.

Because of Christ’s supremacy and superiority. Because of the new covenant he has established. The better covenant. Because of his love and forgiveness.

WE MUST ACT AND LIVE OUT IN SUCH A WAY THAT REFLECTS CHRIST.

Hebrews 10:19–25 ESV

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

What is Family?

Hebrews 13:1–6 ESV

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?”

The previous chapters have been screaming God’s love for you. And finally the author starts to direct his attention towards the behavior of the Hebrew believers.

When someone visits you, you don’t quickly find ways to get rid of them. “Here they come again”.

When you love someone, and they’re suffering, you don’t find ways to avoid them. “Not My problem” Mentality.

When you love someone, you’re faithful to them and commit to your vows. The sacred relationship of marriage is special and instituted by God. “You Work it Out”.

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“Just as I have loved you”

Jesus has stepped down from his throne!

He has come down to submit to the limitations of a body.

He endured suffering, hunger, thirst, tears, stress, depression, loss, and every dark emotion imaginable to man. He ultimately suffered undeserved punishment and death on the cross.

Jesus also walked in righteousness to be an example to us, but also because he loved us.

1 John 4:7–8 ESV

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.