The Seventh Commandment:

Generosity

We have four commandments left in this final chapter of Hebrews. The last one deals specifically with the people’s relationship with the author: “Pray for us.” The two preceding commandments deal with the relationship of the recipients of the letter to their spiritual leaders. This then is the last commandment of the letter, and it deals directly with the contents of the letter itself; therefore, this commandment is of extreme value.

The apostle is summarizing the contents of his correspondence. He is contrasting the temporary and the eternal. He is setting the real and genuine against the backdrop of the shadows and inadequacy of the Old Testament system. He is trading the sacrifices of lambs for the genuine sacrifice of the lips (v.15). He is, in no uncertain terms, contrasting works and grace. Our salvation is a gift given and not a merit earned. No man is saved but by the work of Christ. Our salvation makes us citizens of a celestial city and as such, we should live differently.

We have a higher calling; we must live on a higher plane; we must view life from a more elevated perspective. Material things can no longer hold the power over us that they once did. Sensual appetites must give way to a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Old things must die, and there must be a resurrection to new life.

With all of this contrast, we must remember that the purpose of our salvation is not to release us to a self-gratification lifestyle. We are here for one another. We are saved by grace for the purpose of good works. We are not redeemed in isolation, but rather we are given to one another. We are not saved without works, but rather by the works of Jesus Christ. We are not saved to be void of works, but rather we are saved for the purpose of good works (Ephesians 2:10). The burden is lifted so that we may run with more effectiveness.

For this reason, the author offers this final warning to do good works … that is why we were created. Salvation is not theoretical and spiritual only, but it is also very practical. A community of healthy believers is a better place than any community where salvation is not known.

In the same manner, we desire to strengthen marriages not so that the marriages can be strong, but rather so that the body of Christ may be strong. The backbone of any society is the family, and the backbone of the family is the marriage. We make ourselves strong not so that we will be strong, but rather so that the body will be strong. Generously giving to one another is not optional for the believer. It is commanded. We are designed to serve Christ together for the benefit of one another.

The Seventh Commandment:

Generosity

The inadequacy of the sacrificial system

A.

B.

C.

The superiority of Christ

A.

B.

C.

The necessity of obedience

A.

B.

C.

The application to marriage

A.

B.

C.