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Sermon Introduction

The author declared that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He also warned the readers of the letter to avoid getting carried away with false teaching, but instead, they should strengthen themselves in the grace of God. The author would then encourage the believers to bear the reproach of Christ, to suffer in His name, to remain faithful even if their fellow Jews treated them as outcasts. What believers have in Christ surpasses all that Judaism or any other religious order has to offer.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 13:10-14 NASB

10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.

Notes

The author declared that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He also warned the readers of the letter to avoid getting carried away with false teaching, but instead, they should strengthen themselves in the grace of God. The author would then encourage the believers to bear the reproach of Christ, to suffer in His name, to remain faithful even if their fellow Jews treated them as outcasts. What believers have in Christ surpasses all that Judaism or any other religious order has to offer.

1. The author explained that the believers have an altar, who is Christ Himself. But those who serve the Tabernacle, a symbol of the Levitical system, have no part in Christ. Christ fulfilled the Old then established the New (13:10).

2. The animal died at the Brazen Altar outside the tent before the priests offer the blood inside the Tabernacle. The author instructed the Jewish believers to go to Christ and suffer for Him outside Judaism (13:11-13).

3. The author reminded the believers that earthly cities are temporal and that they do not belong on earth. However, they belong to the city that they look forward to, which is the city of God in the heavens (13:14).

Application

1. Remain faithful to the gospel message. God’s promises in Christ are only found in Christ, not in Judaism, not in works of the law, not in personal morality, not in religious ceremonies, but through faith in Christ alone.

2. Those who are not in Christ and those who will not be in Christ will not share in the promises of the Father. Therefore, there is no need to fit in for the sake of belonging. Our belongingness is in Christ and His church community.

3. We look forward to the heavenly city where we belong. It is in Christ that we find our identity. Thus, we shall remain faithful to Him and His word amid a world that will tempt us to lose faith. By His grace, we belong to Christ.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What was the author’s main idea in the text?

2. Was the author consistent with the theme of his letter? Explain.

3. How may we as gentile believers apply the lessons in the text?