How We Should Live (Hebrews 12:28-13:6)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
26 November 2023
It is one thing to profess faith; it is another matter to live that faith. The writer of Hebrews is exhorting his Jewish readers to live out their faith. They must not revert to Old Testament animal sacrifices. Something better has come...Jesus, the lamb of God, offered up for our sins!
Jesus has reconciled us to our Creator. We must live as new people. How are we to live?
Essentially, as the writer teaches in chapter 12:28... with grace, reverence and godly fear.
Begin by having brotherly love. This was required of the Hebrew Christians. It is required of Gentile Christians. In the church we are brothers and sisters. Jesus called his disciples brothers (Heb 2:11). He loved them to the end (John 13:1). Show brotherly love not for one season but for all seasons.
Show hospitality. In Old Testament days travellers were dependent on the hospitality of residents of villages and towns. People showed hospitality even to strangers.
Abraham did this. His guests turned out to be angels. Show hospitality even to strangers, but do not throw away discernment and common sense.
Show compassion to suffering prisoners. The writer speaks of mistreated Christians. Be aware of your persecuted brethren. Support the societies which highlight the plight of the suffering church.
Live with godly morality. Jesus upheld the marriage institution. Marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled. But fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
Trust in the Lord for all your needs. The Lord will never forsake his people. This was the observation of David (Psalm 37:25).
Jesus lived a simple life. He had no house, no money, very little clothes. But he was never abandoned. He taught we should seek God's kingdom first and all needs will be given to us (Matt 6).
These are just a few pointers as to how believers are to live.
Christians, let us live out our faith in a practical visible way. There are many things that would weigh us down. Be free from such weights and look to Jesus who for the joy set before him endured his cross. He is our Master. We are his disciples. Imitate him.