Return to Series

Sermon Introduction

Marriage and money are vital aspects of every believer’s life; these were issues for the Jewish believers then, the letter's recipients. Yet, marriage and money are still relevant issues today. The author’s point was about honoring marriage, which also meant sexual purity. In today’s world, many try to remove moral standards. Others try to redefine it. We must honor marriage according to what is biblical. The author was not focusing on money per se but the love of money. Believers must learn to work an honest living, even grow their resources yet free from greed. By the grace of God, the believer frees the heart of worry and desire for money. The believers then may find inspiration from their leaders who taught them the word of God. Thus, leaders who teach God’s word must model lives that may be followed.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 13:4-7 NASB

4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” 6 so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?”

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith. 

Notes

Marriage and money are vital aspects of every believer’s life; these were issues for the Jewish believers then, the letter's recipients. Yet, marriage and money are still relevant issues today. The author’s point was about honoring marriage, which also meant sexual purity. In today’s world, many try to remove moral standards. Others try to redefine it. We must honor marriage according to what is biblical. The author was not focusing on money per se but the love of money. Believers must learn to work an honest living, even grow their resources yet free from greed. By the grace of God, the believer frees the heart of worry and desire for money. The believers then may find inspiration from their leaders who taught them the word of God. Thus, leaders who teach God’s word must model lives that may be followed.

1. Believers should honor marriage, which includes the marriage bed. Sex inside of marriage is a godly exercise. But marriage is dishonored with neglect, adultery, and pre-marital sex. God will judge the adulterers and fornicators (13:4).

2. The author instructed the readers to free themselves from the love of money. Instead, they should experience contentment in God. The Lord will not abandon them, and He is their helper (13:5-6).

3. The author instructed the readers to remember and to follow the example of the leaders who taught them the word of God (13:7). Most certainly, they honored marriage and freed their hearts from loving money

Application

1. Enjoy sex within marriage in His name. Say NO to extramarital sex, and do not redefine it. Otherwise, expect the judgment of God.

2. The love of money is a dangerous thing for the soul. One must remove all desire for it. It does not mean we do not make an honest living. It means to be free of greed and worry. Instead, trust God’s will in all things.

3. Let us remember good leaders who teach God’s word, honor marriage, and free their hearts from the love of money. We must imitate their faith. Leaders must strive to be good examples.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What does it mean to hold the marriage bed in honor? What was the warning?

2. What was the instruction on money? What was the author’s encouragement?

3. Whose example should the believers’ follow? What qualities do they have?

4. How may we follow the instructions?