The same yesterday, today and forever
The end of New Testament letters typically comes with staccato instructions, boom, boom, boom, about living out the good of the doctrine that has come before. Jesus has given us the best way, grace, so….
Be welcoming
The first two sentences employ a Greek wordplay:
- Brotherly love = philadelphia, which means love the brothers, love those in the family;
- Show hospitality to strangers = philaxenia, which means love strangers/foreigners, love those not yet in the family of God.
Clearly we are to show welcome and open our homes to people who are part of the church family and those that aren’t yet.
Prisoners
Look after prisoners and share the gospel with them.
Sex
Christians are to have different practices to those not in the faith – sex was created to be enjoyed within the confines of a marriage between a husband and wife. Anything else is sin.
Money
Contentment and not loving money is freedom! Because God is with us and helps us.
Leaders
- Watch them and imitate their faith and lifestyle – if you are a leader in the church, be worthy of imitating;
- Obey them and submit to them, v.17;
- Pray for them.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Be careful of strange doctrines coming in paperbacks and on the internet. Be strengthened by grace and don’t get into food practices that are almost a religion in themselves.
Doing good is a form of praise to God and pleasing to Him.
This sections ends with the benediction – may the God of peace equip you and fill you with power to serve Him. Grace!
Andy Moyle
