SCRIPTURE | Hebrews 13:5–6 “Make sure that your way of life is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’”
OBSERVATION | First, we learn of the “way” (LSB) of life or “character” (NASB95) of living for the true believer regarding earthly possessions and wealth. The construction of this brings to mind the exclusivity of “The Way,” which is the title given to true believers in the book of Acts (9:2; 18:25, 26; 19:9; 19:23; 24:14; 24:22) while The Way’s opponents called them “Christians” only twice (11:26; 26:28). One might be surprised to learn that only in 1 Peter 4:16 are followers of The Way designated as Christians again, and again here it is used as a term of persecution. “The Way” was the self-designation for the disciple’s faith, that stood on the foundation of the Holy Scriptures, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.
In our text “Make sure that your way of life is free from the love of money” does not use the same original word (in Greek) for “The Way.” In Acts “The Way” (τῆς ὁδοῦ) suggests a road or a path, exactly the same way we are calling people to return to the “ancient paths” of God (Jeremiah 6:16). Here in Hebrews (13:5) the original is “way” (τρόπος) which more so suggests a manner of living. The point however remains, in the original writing of Hebrews the Lord more literally penned through a man “Not loving money is the way.” It is not written in the imperative, which would make this a command as our English translations do. It is a statement of fact. Those who walk on the ancient paths, who follow “The Way” do not love earthly stuff and wealth.
The simple statement of the original may seem less emphatic or less commanding, but for those who struggle with materialism, a love for earthly success, always wanting a new whatever, using a simple statement of fact about “The Way” ought to come across even more convicting and correcting then a command would. Thinking and living with such desires is not the way of the Lord. It is not the way of His people. So those who live that way ought to check themselves very seriously and without delay. They are to repent and return to the ancient ways.
Second, let us learn from the highly-effective work of God’s word in our life the reason we can find such contentment. This satisfaction is created here by two facts. The facts that God will never leave alone or abandon those who are truly His. He has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.” This is a powerful declaration spoken directly to those who read these words in faith. It is God Himself who reaches through the spiritual realm and into our physical realm and speaks these words. Do we trust these words of God? Then we will be content with whatever we do or do not have. We will trust the one who spoke them to care for us in His providence.
Last, in a response of faith in the Word of God we can respond with the author of Hebrews and “confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?’” Those who walk the ancient paths of the Lord, revealed in His Word, know what it is to rest in the powerful hands of their powerful Lord. He will help them, if He determines help is needed. And He will also withhold His help, where He determines it is not to be given. In other words, the true believer, trusts both God’s provision and God’s discipline. The true believer trusts both God’s giving and God’s with-holding. He trusts God when things go well regarding this world’s material sustenance. And trust God when things do not go well. In poverty, in sickness, in earthly struggles the true believer knows God has a purpose and is willing to submit to His Lordship for help or the lack thereof for His glory.
APPLICATION | Do I think upon and desire material possessions either that I have or that I want? Do I value and have affection for large amount of money in my bank account? Do I spend money and live in a way that the Lord has not provided for? Causing myself to be a slave to debt because I will not live within the means the Lord has provided for me to live in? Am I a careless steward of the Lord’s resources? Do I give at least a tithe (10%) of my income to my local church for the provision of the ministry of the Word to me and my family?
Repent and memorize verses like these if you are not living in a right way before the Lord. Or memorize them anyway to help grow your trust in the Lord’s providence in your life.
PRAYER | Father in heaven, I repent of my love for the things of this world. Give me a contentment fueled by Your presence in my life and care for me. Renew my mind with the power of your Word. Transform my life so that my contentment and trust in You brings more glory to You alone. Amen.
