10.3. BE FOLLOWERS (Hebrews 13:7-14)

Hebrews 13:7 "Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct." (NKJV)

Possibly the word "spoken" refers to leaders no longer present, but who had left behind them an impressive demonstration of faith, that could be safely followed, and would refer to foundational leaders who had established them in the faith, the thrust being that they were not to deviate from the reliable example of those leaders. What a privilege it is to have consistent and faithful leaders as standards for our emulation.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (KJV)

The leaders of the previous verse had a settled persuasion and message, the changelessness of Christ. This is the solid basis by which teaching and conduct can be tested, and our own love and loyalty should stand. The unchanging Christ is the ground of our assurance today.

Hebrews 13:9 "Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them." (NKJV)

Our acceptance and approval by God is by grace. Spirituality is not enhanced by ritual, or ceremonial food. The old Mosaic order was done away with at the cross. It is not to be revived. Strange teaching of faith - plus some form of abstinence from eating or dieting is to be rejected. We should be on the alert and instruct others about such useless practices. (Colossians 2:23; 1 Timothy 4:4-5 ). Major on strengthening your spiritual life and that of others by the sufficiency of the saving and enabling grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9 ).

Hebrews 13:10 "We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle." (KJV)

Though the priests had no right to eat of the sin offering (Hebrews 13:11 ) we do have the right to nourish ourselves on the life of our great sin offering, Jesus (John 6:53-54 ). Our nourishment is derived by direct relationship with Jesus.

Hebrews 13:13 "Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach." (KJV)

Jesus suffered outside the camp (Hebrews 13:12 ), willingly bearing disgrace as our sin-bearer. For us the camp may be a religious or even Christian group that has perverted the faith, either by deliberate distortion of the truth - or by gross misconduct. Our commitment to Jesus must be decisive, even though its cost is the reproach of others. In these days when multi-faith is popular and practised, we may be disgraced and evil spoken of because of turning unequivocally to Christ (Matthew 5:11,44; John 15:20; Romans 12:14 ). We have nothing to lose by commitment to living outside the city, but everything to gain.

Hebrews 13:14 "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." (KJV)

It does not mean we are doomed to poverty. Abraham looked for the city and was rich (Hebrews 11:10 ). Nor does it mean lack of success in secular society. Ours is not a physical retreat from the world, rather it is a heart commitment to the Lord. We are still in the world, but by our devotion to the Lord we are not of it (John 17:14-16 ). Neither for the crucified is it difficult to be outside the camp of the world - being dead to its influencing power or persuasion. The camp of the world is crucified to us, and we are alive to the Lord, and committed to Him, the unchanging Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14 ). Living unto Him we not only have victory now (Galatians 5:16 ) but forever we will share His glory (Romans 8:17 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What is the ground and guarantee of your assurance (Hebrews 13:8 )?

2. Do you think that spirituality is enhanced by ritual (Hebrews 13:9 NIV)?

3. How is your spiritual nourishment derived (Hebrews 13:10 )?

4. What does it mean to you to go forth to Christ, outside the camp (Hebrews 13:13 )?