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Mt. Baker Beacon - 2025
Vol. 04, No. 16
“VARIOUS AND STRANGE DOCTRINES” (cont.)
Steven J. Wallace
"Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them." (Hebrews 13:9)
3. It Is Good That the Heart Be Established—Firm, Secure, and Steadfast in Truth
The inspired writer contrasts two sources of establishment:
- “By grace”—the true source of strength and stability.
- “Not with foods”—likely referring to Jewish dietary laws or an ascetic form of self-denial.
Paul spoke of some who “forbid marriage and command to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving” (1 Tim. 4:3). He reminded the Romans, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
While some even today bind dietary restrictions as religious requirements, others redefine fellowship and the work of the church around food and entertainment, replacing gospel preaching with coffee, donuts, and whatever satisfies the appetite. Paul’s sharp rebuke to Corinth still applies today: “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?” and “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment” (1 Cor. 11:22, 34).
Instead of seeking to establish the heart through outward practices, the Holy Spirit tells us that our hearts are established by grace:
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
- “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).
- “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12).
Grace is not merely a source of salvation but also a guiding light for righteous living. Within God's grace, we discover stability in life, strength for challenges, salvation for the soul, and sustenance for our journey.
Conclusion:
The warning in Hebrews 13:9 is as relevant today as it was in the first century. If we allow our hearts to be anchored in God's grace rather than human traditions or novel shifting doctrines, we will remain steadfast in the faith.
Let us hold to the gospel that was once delivered and be established in the unchanging truth of Christ. As in the first century, so it is today—many chase after new and appealing teachings rather than being rooted in God’s grace and truth. Human traditions and ideas come and go, but the gospel remains unchanged from the time it was first given (Gal. 1:6-9).
To have our hearts established, let us not be carried away by strange doctrines, but rather be nourished in words of faith and good doctrine, taking heed to ourselves and the doctrine of Christ (1 Tim. 4:6, 16).
AVOIDING ICEBERGS: FAITH REFLECTION FROM TITANIC FAILURE (5)
Our Anchor in Icy Waters
AM: Hebrews 6:18-20
PM: Hebrews 10:35-39
While the name “Titanic” has become synonymous with “disaster,” not everything connected to it was swallowed up by the dark icy waters of defeat. There were survivors. There were also flashes of courage and love demonstrated by several.
“Greater ____________ has no one than this, than to lay down one’s ___________ for his friends. You are My ___________ if you do whatever I command you.” (John 15:13, 14)
HEBREWS 7:25
- How extensively is Jesus able to save?
- For whom does Jesus make intercession?
HEBREWS 6:19, 20
- Concisely explain the significance of our anchor being “sure.”
- What does the Holy Spirit want us to know by the word “steadfast”?
- Where is this anchor lodged, and what is its significance?
- How is Jesus described? (Titus 1:1)
TAKE-HOME ANCHORS:
- What you boast in is what you __________________________________________________.
- Overconfidence ignores warnings ______________________________________________.
- Just because it is legal ___________________________________________________________.
- Something may be built like a palace ___________________________________________.
- A clear view of the world can cost ______________________________________________.
- Hope is not merely a life preserver ______________________________________________.
- Faith obeys. Pride _______________________________________________________________.
- Christ offers crosses, not ________________________________________________________.
- Rearranging deck chairs _________________________________________________________.
IDENTIFY THREE THINGS THAT SAVED NOAH
