Citizenship

Where Is Your Home?

Hebrews 11:13–16 NKJV

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

:

(Me, We, God, You, We)

What is the theme?

Through the eyes of faith God’s people recognized that earth was not their home, and trusted that their true home is with God

As Christians, do we realize that earth is not our true home?

What is the Context and Background of what is being discussed in this passage?

When approximately was it written

How does this deal with Sin, Salvation, The Great Controversy, Christian Living?

What does this look like in us today?

Context of Hebrews:

The authorship of Hebrews is uncertain, though many speculate it was a sermon given by Paul.

Paul considered himself dead to the world, not even alive

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.14: Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of St. John and Epistle to the Hebrews Homily XXIV

for not merely did he call himself a stranger, but said that he was dead to the world, and that the world was dead to him.

Speaking about Paul

We’ve been crucified to the world ()

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.14: Saint Chrysostom: Homilies on the Gospel of St. John and Epistle to the Hebrews Homily XXIV

But we, both citizens and quite alive, busy ourselves about everything here as citizens. And what righteous men were to the world, “strangers” and “dead,” that we are to Heaven. And what they were to Heaven, alive and acting as citizens, that we are to the world.

- Now would be the perfect time for a hope building story.

(“It often feels we’re in a hopeless situation. Trying to read the bible, trying to keep praying, but still feeling like you’re getting no where. Stuck to house, bills, and everything that drowns us. I recently heard, ‘my prayers don’t go any higher than the ceiling’”

- I recently heard, ‘my prayers don’t go any higher than the ceiling’

I -

Read verse 1-2 and then give background information.

Disciples lack of faith when Jesus calms the storm.

Disciples lack of fa

Continue to see what Desire of Ages has to say on this topic.

Desire of Ages Chapter 35—“Peace, Be Still”

As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help.

Hebrews 13:13-16

Hebrews 13:13–16 NKJV

Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Vs 13

Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary (iv) About the Christian’s New Altar (13:10–16)

The decisive character of this appeal is evident in the verb let us go forth (exerchōmetha), an act which involves a definite break, which is reinforced by the words outside the camp. Such an act involves separation from the existing society of Judaism, but this has already been endured by Jesus himself. It was part of the offence of the cross that it brought with it a rejection from official Judaism. It was a stumbling-block to the Jews. And yet these Jewish readers are being invited to leave their Jewish faith and identify with Jesus. Since he is outside, his followers must follow him there.

Can we relate to this as Seventh-day Adventists?

Have we begun to “keep ourselves IN the camp”

Parallel for 13:15

See

Return to God! “Sacrifice of our lips”