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It seems as though some of the esteemed leaders within Judaism were not only continuing to require strict observance to the ceremonial laws found in the Old Covenant, but that they were teaching strange doctrines far beyond these ceremonial rituals. These Judaizers were not merely requiring the continuation of priestly/animal sacrifices but teaching that by eating the meat of these sacrifices, grace would be “infused” through food, rather than “imputed” through faith.

In Hebrews 13:5, we are commanded to resist the love of money and to be content with what we have. And the motive immediately provided for obeying this commandment is the unconditional love of Christ towards his elect. In other words, it is foolish to give our hearts to that which can be so easily lost. Rather, let your heart be satisfied with what you cannot lose. Christ can never be lost because Christ has promised never to lose us - “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

It's worth noting that this commandment to be content should not be interpreted as a blanket condemnation of all ambition. There is such a thing as “selfish ambition” which must be resisted by the Christian, but there is also such a thing as “righteous ambition” that seeks to glorify Christ and further benefit his people. One particular example of “righteous ambition,” not only permissible but actually commanded in Scripture, is the “righteous ambition” of diligently seeking to free yourself from slavery, in all its various forms.

In Hebrews 13:1, we are not merely commanded to continue in a “universal love” for all people, but in a “brotherly love” for our fellow believers. The same principle of Hebrews 13:1 is continued in Hebrews 13:2-3, and further fleshed out through practical examples. First, we are commanded to “not neglect show[ing] hospitality to strangers.” Hospitality is literally defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. However, the obligation to “strangers” referenced in Hebrews 13:2 must not be understood as a blatant contradiction to what was just commanded in the prior verse, namely, “brotherly love.”

34 “The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”Matthew 25:34-40 ESV

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

Jesus does not lower the bar for Christians in the New Covenant. If anything, the bar has been raised exponentially. There are far greater promises for those who have faith in Christ, but terrible warnings for unbelief. Sadly, the American Church today has no shortage of false converts. There are many who “profess” Christ, but do not “possess” Christ. And the threat of judgment for these individuals is terrifying.

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Hebrews 12:15-16

This sermon was preached at Covenant Bible Church on the Lord's Day, January 22nd, 2023.

“A lame member of the body of Christ, the church... a weak believer; one that is ready to halt, either through the corruption of nature, or through the weakness of grace, or through want of light and judgment, and through instability and inconstancy; lest such a one should, through the irregular walk and conversation of others, be stumbled and offended, and go out of the way, and leave the paths of righteousness and truth. God takes care of, and has a regard to such, and he would have others also. The fallen believer be restored, the weak brother be confirmed, the halting professor be strengthened, and everyone be built up and established upon the most holy faith, and in the pure ways of the Gospel.” -John Gill

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.” -Hebrews 12:5 ESV

“By which is meant, not vindictive punishment; this would not be speaking to them, nor dealing with them as children, and would be contrary to the love of God towards them; besides, chastisement in this sense has been [laid] upon Christ for them, and it would be unjust to lay it on them again.” -John Gill

Just as the Israelites were encompassed with the pillar of cloud in the wilderness, New Testament saints are also surrounded by a “cloud.” Only, this cloud which surrounds us is “a cloud of witnesses” - the Old Testament saints whose faith and patience were just mentioned in the preceding chapter. Remember, some of these Old Testament saints experienced immense victory, while others experienced crushing defeat. In either case, they all bore noble testimony to God and received commendation from God for their faith. And these Old Testament saints now serve as witnesses for, or against us, as we seek to live by faith. They are compared to a "great” cloud because they encompass us on every side, and are many in number.

It is not as though Old Testament saints received only victory, while New Testament saints receive only persecution. Virtually all Old Testament saints experienced some measure of victory, but with much defeat. And all New Testament saints experience some measure of defeat, but with an ever progressing amount of victory throughout the Gospel Age.

The birth of Jesus and the death of Jesus can never be truly separated. The incarnation was God setting the stage for the crucifixion. The manger exists as the prelude to the cross. And the cross exists as the path to the throne. Jesus was born so that at the proper time he could die. And Jesus died so that he might reign.