Title Hebrews 13:1-10
Contents Main text: Hebrews 13:1 - 10
*** Love as a sign of Christian community (v. 1)
God is love. That God is in each of us who believe. Therefore, it is love that binds the church together. But you don't know how easily love is lost through criticism, envy, and quarrels. Often, when a baby is born, parents pour out all kinds of love. But when the child grows up to be independent and rebellious, the love of the parents is nurtured and tested. This is also true of families who believe in God. It is easy for us to love when all goes well, but when a brother disappoints and frustrates me, my love is easy to be tested and soon to cool down. God's command is to go forward toward God and love all things with the love he has shown me.
*** Love as a means of service (verses 2-3)
Home is a special place. Whether single or married, large or small, a home is also a home. But aren't we keeping our home for ourselves? Home is a place of service, a place where others can come and find emotions of warmth, love, hospitality, comfort, understanding, etc. Do I feel these things in my house? Hospitality is sometimes in places like restaurants, but true hospitality is at home. How much can I empathize with those in prison? What is my attitude toward those who are treated unfairly? It is easy to sympathize with words, but difficult to act with love. In the coming new year, it is necessary in our church to reach out to those in such a difficult situation.
*** The Necessity of Chastity (Verse 4)
Immorality is a cancerous entity that gnaws at everything in society and culture. Currently, AIDS is spreading all over the world, harming not only the guilty but also the innocent. However, although they can suffer the damage of judgment, they must be convinced that they will never be judged by God. Unfortunately, the moral breakdown is affecting the church as well, and many of the marriages of the saints are breaking up. Before you see the world, you must first look at your marriage and family. Am I pure before God? Are we trying to teach our children the Word of God and moral standards? Adultery begins in the heart.
*** The Need for Satisfaction (Verses 5-6)
Materialism is another disease that grips the world. The church has already been stained with this, and the fact that the disease keeps spreading makes me sad. Everyone is ready to jump into anything if it makes money, but am I ready to be distinguished from the people in this company, business, school, or office? All members of the church can be tempted by material things. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If I set my heart on Jesus, I will be able to find true satisfaction and joy in the care he has promised to be with me always. Do you want to be cured of the disease of materialism?
*** Leader's Grace (vv. 7-10)
Looking back, I can remember the person who led me to the Lord. Faithful brothers and sisters taught me the Word and were always happy to answer any advice I needed. Now some of you are quite old, some of you are far away. But have I ever thanked and encouraged them, even by letter or phone? By now, I may have risen to the position of a leader. How carefully am I preparing and teaching the Word? Is my life setting an example, like our leaders? Today there is a flood of strange and unbiblical teachings. Only steady study and application of the Word can protect me from false teaching.