REMEMBER THEM

HEBREWS 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Pastor Rick Jackson

The United States is a nation that is given to remember. Generally when we say "remember" we mean that we should recall, and not forget, a past event. Rallying cries like "Remember the Alamo!", "Remember the Maine!", & "Remember Pearl Harbor" have stirred the blood of Americans for over 175 years. The Word of God tells us in Heb. 13:3 not to remember a past event, but a present reality. For almost 2000 years Christians have been persecuted all over the world and that is certainly still true today.

Indeed we use it the same way sometimes. "Remeber to look both ways before crossing the street." "Remember, I before E except after C." So God says, "Remember Them!"

I. REMEMBER THEM THAT ARE IN BONDS!

1. REMEMBER THEM PURPOSEFULLY! [13:3, 16] - COMMUNICATE!

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Philippians 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

2. REMEMBER THEM PRAYERFULLY! [13:3] COMMUNE!

Genesis 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

3. REMEMBER THEM PROVIDENTIALLY! [13:3] COMMANDED!

II. "AS BOUND WITH THEM"

1. THEY ARE PART OF THE BRETHREN! [10:19, 13:22]

B.A.S.I.C. - brothers and sisters in chains

Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

2. THEY ARE PART OF THE BODY! [13:3]

III. "AND THEM WHICH SUFFER ADVERSITY" Adversity carries with it the idea of maltreatment:--which suffer adversity, torment (but in this case not bondage)

1. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUFFER [11:25, 37]

2. THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SUPPORT

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.