Exhortations - Hebrews 13

“EXHORTATIONS”

Hebrews 13

Introduction:         There are two exhortations in this chapter which follow the pattern, “Let us therefore…”

I.          “Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp...”

A.    The argument is based upon the instructions in the Law regarding the offering of the sin offerings and the preparation for the water of purification.

1.     Read Exodus 29:14

2.     Read Leviticus 6:30

3.     Read Numbers 19:1-10

4.     These passages all teach the fact that the bodies of the animals which were used as sin offerings were to be kept separated from the people, and were to be disposed by burning the bodies outside the camp.

B.     The fulfillment of the type, Christ, suffered outside the gate.

1.     He was separated from the people.

2.     His blood was the means of atonement (Isa. 53).

3.     Hence, the reproach fell upon him (2 Cor. 5:21).

C.     The exhortation is to bear his reproach.

1.     Hebrews 11:26 Moses bore the reproach of Christ rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

2.     1 Pet. 4:14 - We are to be happy if we suffer reproach for his name’s sake.

3.     To the Hebrews, “going forth without the camp” meant leaving the Jewish institutions behind them.

4.     To us, it means leaving behind us the approval of the world, whether of friends or foe.

II.        “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God...”

A.     Christ is our great and perfect sacrifice.

1.     All that he did was to please the Father (John 14:314; 6:38; 17:14; 19:30).

2.     All that he did was acceptable to the Father (Isa. 53:11; Rom. 1:14).

B.     By him, we can also be pleasing to the Father.

1.     His blood cleanses us.

2.     Our offering of praise is then acceptable to God.

3.     However, man’s “sacrifice of praise” is acceptable only when offered through Him (i.e. “in his name, by his authority”).