The Great Shepherd of the Sheep
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THE GREAT SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP
THE GREAT SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP
HEBREWS 13:15-21
AIM
INTRODUCTION
A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Hebrews 1
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
We will never face any circumstance in life where praise to God would be considered inappropriate.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm
David helps us to realize how important praise is to the Lord. Praising the Lord was considered much more important than sacrifices and burnt offerings.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:1
God’s people were encouraged then, as well as now, to do good to others and share the things with which He has blessed us.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Believers are exhorted to obey our church leaders and be submissive to them. Leaders should be very serious about the Lord’s work, especially those who are responsible for keeping watch over the souls of the Lord’s people. Leaders should be doing their work with joy rather than constantly groaning about how bad things are. Leaders who are negative and groaning do great harm to God’s people. Sometimes it is the leaders fault for failing to fully understand the great responsibility on his shoulders, and, to be fair, it is sometimes the fault of the church due to being extremely difficult to work with and constantly hammering their leaders over petty things.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
The author of Hebrews requested prayers for himself. Take a moment ant think about the work he had completed. I doubt if most of us can really grasp how tremendous the task of being open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leadership while He inspired the words to be written for the book of Hebrews. The author was now asking for prayers so he and those who were with him could have a clear conscience. They needed the prayers of the people and the help of God to live honorable lives.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Apparently, some circumstances had hindered the writer of Hebrews from being reunited with the Hebrews. He was assured their prayers could and would make a difference in his situation. Every Christian should believe God hears and answers our prayers.
Holman New Testament Commentary: Hebrews & James D. Prayer for One Another (vv. 18–21)
We must bring into intercession the conviction that God can use our prayers to effect changes when, humanly speaking, change seems impossible.
BLESSING
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:
God is identified as the God of peace. We know He has made peace with humanity through the cross. The resurrection is the most valid proof of God’s acceptance of the atoning death of Jesus for the sins of the world.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
FINAL REMARKS
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.
25 Grace be with all of you.
CONCLUSION
Prepared for First Baptist Church Oakdale - October 22, 2017