2018.06.30 Hopewell @Home ▫ Hebrews 13:5-6

Read Hebrews 13:5-6

Questions for Littles: What is our conduct to be without (v5)? With what are we to be content? What has God said to us? Who is our helper (v6)? What will we not do? Who can do nothing, ultimately, to harm us?

In this week’s sermon text, we hear not only about whom to love, but also how to love. How can we go about giving of ourselves to and for others?

The key to the correct conduct is a condition of the heart: no covetousness and full contentment. But how can we find this contentment?

By looking unto Jesus, the Forger and Finisher of our faith—to consider Him who endured such hostility against Himself. He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

When we realize that He has given Himself to us (and, therefore, all other things along with Himself), we are freed from slavery to selfishness.

What more can we add to ourselves that we do not already have? Instead, we now have the privilege of pouring ourselves out for others and knowing that we lose nothing in the bargain.

Of course, this doesn’t come naturally to us. So, the Holy Spirit prescribes some theological self-preaching. Like the depressed Psalmist in Psalm 42-43, the covetous believer has a little mini-sermon by which he may address his weak soul. There, it was, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope now in God, for I will yet praise Him. He is my help and my God. Here, it is similar: “Yahweh is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me.”

Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob (Psalm 146:5)! Yes, we have had our name changed to Israel (God wrestles), but we so often still act like Jacob (heel-grabber; scoundrel). God has committed Himself to us, and gets down in the muck to be our help anyway. He is the God of Jacob.

Since this is the case, let us continually put ourselves in mind of the fact that He refuses to leave us or forsake us. The more we learn to live before the face of God, the less we will indulge discontentment or covetousness!

When do you tend to be discontent? How will you remind yourself of Christ at these times? What does your “self-preaching” life look like these days?

Suggested Songs: ARP146 “Praise the Lord” or TPH257 “Children of the Heavenly Father”