Paul, writing to Timothy, uses his authority as an Apostle of Christ Jesus to confront the false doctrine of some of the leaders in the Ephesian church. The false doctrine seems to center on the Law (and the WORKS of man) versus the “Glorious Gospel” (and the GRACE of God). The church must constantly guard itself from false teaching by asking/studying “What does the Bible say?”

On Paul’s second missionary journey he started a church in Ephesus. Paul later appointed Timothy his “true son in the faith” to be the leader of this new church. Paul wrote 1 Timothy to Timothy around 61 AD to deal with many issues in the church of Ephesus. False teachers are the main cause for the letter. The letter also deals with church leadership, discipline, money and the roles of men and women. The gospel should produce holiness in the lives of believers. There should be no separation between belief and behavior. Thus, those who profess faith but show no progress in godliness should question their spiritual health. The key verse to the whole letter may be 1 Timothy 3:14-15.

The author of Hebrews has spent 13 chapters (42 messages) painting a picture of the superiority of Jesus Christ to everything and everyone. These closing verses are a powerfully worded blessing to the church showing again that Jesus is worthy of Glory for ever and ever. Amen.

As our author closes the book of Hebrews he lists basic Christian principles that should govern our Christian journey. In a commentary on Hebrews by Ray Stedman he uses this outline to organize Hebrews 13:

Separation - Hebrews 13:1-9

Sacrifice - Hebrews 13:10-16

Submission - Hebrews 13:17

Supplication - Hebrews 13:18-19

Today we will concentrate our attention and time to number 3 & 4.

“In the Christian way, the one vital thing is not speed or distance attained, but direction.” A. W. Tozer

It takes great strength to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, to love strangers, to love those who suffer, to keep your marriage vows when the going gets tough, to turn away from the promises of money. So how do we do it? How do we stay the course? Hebrews 13:7-16 tells us to cultivate a heart strengthened by grace.

As we conclude our study of Hebrews, notice the last chapter is instructional. Most of Hebrews (chapters 1-11) has been doctrinal. Jesus is superior to the angels, Moses, the High Priest, the Old Covenant, the sacrifices, the Tabernacle etc…It’s pure theology! That’s how God intended the Bible to be written (i.e. Romans 1-11—doctrine…Romans 12—behavior). Knowing what we believe will motivate us to behave differently. It’s doctrine then duty. Hebrews 13:1-6 begins the instruction. It begins with going back to the basics.

“In his song, ‘1999,’ the late superstar Prince sang, ‘Life is just a party and parties weren’t meant to last.’ As we know, Prince’s party didn’t last. He died of a drug overdose in 2016 at age 57. On December 31, 2018 millions of people partied as the old year drew to a close. The beginning of a new year is certainly worth celebrating, but it’s also a time to remind ourselves that life isn’t a party - it’s a calling and commission from God. The brevity of life only reinforces the need for each day to be dedicated to knowing and doing the will of God” from Dr. David Jeremiah. How can we make 2019 a year of knowing and doing the will of God? Matthew 6:33 shows us how.

We’ve heard the message of Christmas…

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

We’ve heard the purpose of the message of Christmas…

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

Today we will look at the response to the message…

(Luke 2:15-21)