Follow Your Leaders

Today we will resume our series in Hebrews as we consider our responsibility to our church leaders, and their responsibility to us. Our author is concerned that his readers are being led away from the unchanging gospel of Christ which has been proclaimed by their past and present leaders. He encourages them to imitate the example of their faithful leaders and to obey them.

Problems with false doctrine and church leadership were not limited to the first century. We continue to have wolves among the shepherds, and rebellious sheep. Thankfully, the Lord has revealed how undershepherds are to emulate the Chief Shepherd in caring for the flock of God. Pray for us!

A Sure Word

2 Peter 1:19-21 - So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

A Sure Witness

2 Peter 1:16-18 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased” — and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Trust God, Not Money

Last week we spoke about sexual idolatry. This week our author addresses the second great idol of our culture: materialism.

Some questions to consider:

• Is money itself evil?
• Why is money-love so harmful?
• Is it wrong for a Christian to gamble?
• What are the symptoms of money-love and discontentment?
• What is the cure for money-love?

Satisfaction for the Thirsty

Spurgeon called Isaiah 55 a chapter of gospel invitation. He preached from this passage at least eighteen times.

Isaiah 55 pleads with the lost to abandon their worthless idols. The Lord offers abundant pardon and rich kingdom blessings to those who turn to Him.

Isaiah 55 also speaks to believers who sometimes waste their time and money seeking to find joy and satisfaction in worldly things instead of finding their fulfillment in Christ.

Isaiah 55 also points to Christ who offers Himself as our spiritual food and drink.

Liberty and Love

Are you strong?

Last week Paul began his discussion of the issues over which Christians differ by encouraging all of us to accept one another without judging in these difficult matters.

In this week’s text Paul focuses upon those who consider themselves strong - because they believe they have liberty to do things in which the weak cannot participate without violating his conscience.
Rather than looking down on the weak, the strong should forego the use of his freedom for the sake of those who don’t enjoy the same sense of freedom.
In so doing he is living out the gospel by imitating Christ who gave up His rights for us.