August 19, 2014
WE SEEK A CITY THAT IS TO COME . . . SO, LET'S GO!
Hebrews 13
Tyler Martin
Central Truth
Jesus went to the cross for us, and there He bore the reproach that we deserved. Because of this wonderful truth, we have a hope in a lasting "city," which is to come. For now, though, we are called to go to Jesus outside the "camp" and follow His example.
Key Verse | Hebrews 13:13–14
Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:13-14)
Hebrews 13
Sacrifices Pleasing to God
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 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.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent 1 13:10 Or tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us 2 13:21 Some manuscripts you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22 I appeal to you, brothers, 3 13:22 Or brothers and sisters bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 13
Last summer, I had the privilege of joining a team from Watermark to bring the gospel to the people of Assela, Ethiopia. It was my first time in Africa, and my first time on a short-term discipleship trip. Needless to say, it was a departure from my normal routine, and even the planning and preparation were sometimes quite stressful. In the end, God provided, and, of course, it was all worth it to bring the hope of Jesus to those who had never heard the gospel.
At the close of the letter to the Hebrew Christians, the readers are boldly encouraged to imitate their Lord and Savior. The author encourages them to "go to [Jesus] outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured" (verse 13). Did you know that crucifixions always took place outside the city? Criminals were led away from the civilized areas in the city to receive their ghastly punishment. This, then, is a call to Christians to leave behind their comforts inside the "camp," as Jesus did, and follow the One who died outside the city gates at Golgotha.
During my preparation for my trip to Ethiopia, I worried constantly about things that might prevent me from going. Attempting to go outside the city gates to the hurting world can be a daunting prospect at times. But, thankfully, we are not alone in our efforts and not left without reason or promise. On both sides of verse 13, we see the "fuel" for our calling: one, a glorious truth already realized, and the other, a future hope for the faithful. Jesus has become the scapegoat for His flock, thereby securing an eternal city for those of us who put our faith and trust in Him. We need not build our city here.
Jesus went outside the city gates for you because He loves you. So let us go to Him outside the camp, whether it be Africa, the inner city, or even your own neighborhood. He is waiting there for you.
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways are you building your own "city" here (one that will not last)?
2. What fears do you have about going "outside the camp"? What promises from God can you rest on to replace fear with boldness?
3. Starting today, what are some ways you can begin going outside the camp for Jesus?