Bible Matters 481: Hebrews Gospel of Love

Early in Jesus’s ministry, he commanded his disciples to go to the lost sheep of Israel.

Matthew 10:5-6 – These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Paul knew that he was to preach unto the Gentiles. 

Acts 28:25,28 – And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spoke the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,  Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Acts 26:17 – Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Ephesians 3:8 – Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

As Paul preached the gospel of Love to the gentiles, he recognized the importance of lessons to the Hebrews.   He was a recognized Pharisee, persecutor of Christians and through a heavenly calling to serve Christ. Christ Jesus, who Paul referred to as an Apostle and High Priest.   

Hebrews 3:1-2 – Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

Paul knew that to know the truth is out of the mouth of two or three witnesses. (See 1 Corinthians 14:29; 2 Corinthians 13:1; Hebrews 6:18; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 5:19). 

Hebrews 6:18 – That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Hebrews 10:28 – He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Paul was clear that God is looking for your change of heart.  Do all you can do from this point forward to please God and live his gospel of Love. 

Let’s review the Paul’s testimony on the gospel of Love. 

• Believe in one God.  When you love God, then you diligently seek him to know his word and do his will..

Hebrews 11:3-6 – Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

• Repent, turn from sin and surrender to God.  Once you believe, you do not continue your life in sin, but obey his word.

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 5:14 – But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 6:1 – Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Hebrews 6:4-6 –  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:25-28 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

• Judge no one – It is clear that the Lord God is the Judge.  DO NOT be distracted with vengeance.  God will judge his people. 

Hebrews 10:30 – For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Hebrews 12:23 – To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.

• Love God – Do that which is pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

Hebrews 13:20-21 – Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

• Love your Neighbor

Hebrews 10:23-24 – Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

• Keep yourself in the love of God, unto eternal life.  Share your love and spread his word.

Hebrews 5:8-9 – Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Hebrews 6:10-12 – For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

Hebrews 12:14-15,28 – Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Believe that God has a plan for you.  Have faith, worship only God and go live his gospel of Love.  Share God’s word.  God rewards those that diligently seek him

To God be the glory in all you do, Amen.