Faithful Living in an Unfaithful World

Intro

Question

Prayer

Hebrews 13:1–8 NLT

1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. 2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. 4 Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. 5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Love Loudly

Hebrews 13:1-3

Perhaps you could emphasize how a genuine love for fellow believers and strangers reflects the teachings of Jesus, instills joy, and strengthens communities. In a world filled with division, practicing hospitality and empathy for those in need can be a powerful testament to Christ's love. Encouraging congregants to host others and support the persecuted mirrors Jesus' inclusive nature, providing a sense of belonging and purpose rooted in faith.

As we look at the first few versus of our passage this morning we are given once again this command to love others as though they were your brothers and sisters. To love our brothers and sisters with a deep compassion.

Proverbs 17:17 “17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

With this instruction we are to show up for one another. We are to support each other at times when most people would run away. You don’t always have to bring something to this relationship. Sometimes just being there, sitting with someone is plenty enough.

I know I have told this story before but when my kids were young and we were at the family cottage Julie was driving down the road and an older lady was walking along the side of the road. She motioned as though she needed help and so Julie pulled over and rolled down her window. Asked if she needed help and to Julie’s surprise the lady just wanted to say have a nice day and thanked her for stopping.

To this day Julie has no idea what the lady wanted or needed but perhaps just knowing that someone was willing to take time our of her travels to ask was all the lady needed. We live in a time of busyness where stopping to show love to someone else is often times too much.

Often times its this type of love that manifests itself through praying for someone or perhaps challenging us. This type of love often is displayed in three ways.

Showing up consistently for one another. I know there are some in this congregation that have lasting friendships that are displayed like this. Where you show up for each other on a regular basis. Some of these relationships have been built on years of mutual encouragement and genuine care.

Speaking truth and grace with one another. This type of relationship is built on honesty. Honesty goes two ways. Honesty has a good side and perhaps a not so good side. What I mean is you can be honest with someone and give them news or an answer that is welcomed to the person. You can also be honest with someone where the news or answer may not be so welcoming. If your relationship is solid and built on love then the hard things to hear become more easy to take.

Celebrating and Grieving together. True friendship is there to celebrate the good things in life. The milestones one might achieve, graduation from high school or college, the marriage of a son or daughter, the birth of a child or a grandchild. Its easy to celebrate with one another, however this love also needs to be shown during the times of hardship and grieving. Perhaps the loss of a job, the struggles through marriage problems or addictions to things of this world. It also is welcomed in the loss of a family member or friend.

Jesus gives us this statement among many others about this love for others

John 15:12–13 “12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus modeled this love with his disciples so that we could see and then imitate it in our relationships.

The writer doesn’t stop at the love of our brothers and sisters but he says that we are to show hospitality to strangers and to remember those in prison.

I think we need to remember the historical context in which this was written to be able to appreciate it today. In those days and times there were no trains, planes or automobiles and they certainly were no Motel 6’s where they would leave the light on. So it would not be odd to receive a knock on the door asking if someone could come in and stay with you.

The Greek translation for this verse is kindness in welcoming guests or strangers.

I don’t know how many have been watching the storms that swept through the islands of Hawaii last weekend but I read that on Maui in a 24 hour period that had recieved over 24” of rain. There were massive floods, mud slides. Roads were washed out and it stranded a lot of people, not just residents but also tourists. I saw one plea for anyone that was willing to house a persons parents who suddenly found themselves stranded with no place to stay and no way of getting off the island due to the storms.

What about us today, what would we say if someone came knocking on the door looking for some hospitality?

In the gospels we see that when Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to spread the gospel he said do not take anything with you, no food, no money. He allowed them wear sandals and the clothes on their backs and that was all. He said:

Mark 6:10–11 “10 “Wherever you go,” he said, “stay in the same house until you leave town. 11 But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.””

Guard Relationships Graciously

Hebrews 13:4-5

You could explain how honoring marriage and seeking contentment over material wealth are vital aspects of living faithfully according to Jesus' teachings. In societies obsessed with wealth, Jesus' call for contentment deepens personal peace and diverts focus from possessions, modeling prioritization of eternal values over material ones. This approach prevents idols from competing with God's rightful place and fosters healthier relationships anchored in respect and faithfulness.

Finding Confidence In Jesus

Hebrews 13:6-8

Maybe consider highlighting the assurance that comes from trusting in Jesus' unchanging nature amidst life's uncertainties, providing believers with courage and strength. As Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, His enduring presence becomes a foundation upon which faith and love are expressed. Trusting God's promises alleviates fears, reinforcing a steadfast faith that nurtures and upholds communal life while charting a faithful path in a shifting world.

Closing

Benediction

Hebrews 13:20–21 “20 Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— 21 may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”