REMEMBER

REMEMBER

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 almost 200 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. "Remember 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 to them!

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] COMMUNICATE for them!

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Colossians 4:2-3 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

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.

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, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27]

3. THEY ARE FELLOW BELIEVERS! [13:3]

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

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. REMBER THERE IS BOUND TO BE SUFFERING [13:3, 11:25, 37]

2. REMBER THERE IS BORN FOR ADVERSITY [Proverbs 17:17] A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

3. REMBER THERE IS BETTER FOR CHRIST [13:3]

1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

1 Peter 3:14, 17 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled… For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.