Hebrews 13:1-6

Let brotherly love continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.  Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

There can be a danger to only looking at the eternal promises of God, because we can easily become blind to our responsibilities in the here and now.  We are not called to simply survive on this earth and endure the sufferings we face.  The Lord is at work and always on mission and calls us to live lives on earth that are engaged with His mission.  The sufferings and hardships we face living on an earth that is hostile to God’s will, cannot cause us to live in a “bunker mentality.”  We are called to impact the world in which we live, not just protect ourselves from it.  This is best done as a body of believers working together and not in isolation from one another or the world in which we live. 

OPEN OUR HOMES TO STRANGERS: Hospitality is a vital part of the Christian walk.  Our homes are to be places of refreshment and ministry.  In the face of persecution and in times of advancement of the Gospel through itinerate ministers of the Gospel, hospitality is fundamental.  When our brothers and sisters in Christ lose their homes or jobs and need shelter or food, we must stand ready to help, serve and bless.  When a missionary is passing through our area, it is a blessing to be able to host them.  This is why hospitality is an essential qualification for church leadership.  We live in a day where there are many immigrants and refugees surrounding us.  No matter what our political persuasion, we must demonstrate love and compassion to all people as image bearers of Christ.  Our homes should be places where the Gospel is heard, the needy are helped, and those who proclaim the Gospel are hosted.

VISIT OUR BROTHERS IN PRISON: In a world where proclaiming the Gospel is not permitted, there will be brothers and sisters in Christ who are imprisoned.  The Apostle Paul experienced this reality on numerous occasions.  Unfortunately, many of his friends abandoned him when he was in prison.  Those who were in prison depended on friends and family members to provide their food, clothing, and protection from the cold.  When one member of the body of Christ is suffering, all members should seek to do all they can to relieve that suffering.  Prison is also an effective place to spread the Gospel to those who are lost.  Many people in our society don’t recognize their need of a Savior.  Those in prison understand that they are in need of help and we have hope of Christ to offer them.

PROTECT OUR MARRIEAGES FROM SIN: Sexual immorality has always run rampant in the world.  The pleasures of the flesh are captivating and enslaving to those who do not know Christ.  Believers have been liberated from the chains of sin and the power of the flesh.  Unfortunately, sexual temptation and immorality continue to be a struggle even for believers.  God designed the sexual relationship to be enjoyed within the commitment of marriage.  Fidelity and purity are essential to that relationship that is to reflect the love of Christ in a perverse world.  God is the righteous Judge, and we must always remember that nothing is hidden from His sight.  Our actions, thoughts, and motives are all perfectly known by Him.  It is vital for us to walk holy and blameless in the perverse generation we are striving to reach.

TRUST OUR LORD TO MEET OUR NEEDS: Perhaps the only temptation that can be stronger than sex is money.  The desire to possess more is strong and must be intentionally combated in our hearts and minds.  God calls us to a live of contentment with our financial resources.  He knows what we are capable of administrating well.  He provides for our needs according to His sovereign care.  Love of money will always diminish our trust in the Lord.  If He permits financial hardships in our lives, we can be assured of His presence with us in the midst of that trial.  People may abandon us in times of financial ruin, but God never will.  We must place of trust and our hope on Him and not the balance of our bank account.

APPLICATION: Our homes should be places of ministry where we help our brothers and reach our neighbors. Care for those who are in prison for their faith and those whom God is calling to faith while in prison.  Be faithful to our spouses in word, deed, and thought.  Protect our minds and bodies from sexual immorality before and in marriage.  Be content with the Lord’s financial provision in our lives.  Be grateful to Him in times of abundance and be assured of His loving care in times of scarcity.

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