Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp
William MacDonald emphasizes that true Christian fellowship centers on Christ alone, calling believers to separate from worldly religious systems and bear the reproach of faithful obedience outside the camp.
In this expository sermon, William MacDonald explores Hebrews 13:13 to reveal the call for believers to center their fellowship solely on Christ, stepping outside worldly religious systems that diminish His glory. He challenges Christians to embrace the reproach that comes with true obedience and to find joy in the sweet presence of the Lord beyond earthly ties. This message encourages a deeper commitment to New Testament principles and a willingness to bear the cost of faithful discipleship.
Text
“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.” (Heb. 13:13)
We learn first from this verse that Christ is the gathering center for His people. We don’t gather to a denomination, a church, a building or a great preacher but Christ alone. “Unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Gen. 49:10). “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice” (Psa. 50:5).
A second lesson is that we must go to Him outside the camp. The camp here has been defined as “the whole earthly religious system adapted to the natural man.” It is the religious sphere in which Christ is dishonored or downgraded. It is the pagan monstrosity that masquerades today as Christianity, “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof.” Christ is outside, and we must go out to Him.
We also learn that meeting to Christ alone outside the camp involves reproach. It seldom occurs to Christians that there is reproach connected with obedience to the Lord in the matter of church fellowship. More often church associations carry a measure of prestige and status. But the closer we get to the New Testament ideal, the more likely it is that we will have to share His reproach. Are we willing to pay that price?
He called me out, the Man with garments dyed,
I knew His voice—my Lord, the crucified;
He showed Himself, and oh, I could not stay,
I had to follow Him—had to obey.
It cast me out—this world when once it found
That I within this rebel heart had crowned
The Man it had rejected, spurned and slain,
Whom God in wondrous power had raised to reign.
And so we are without the camp, my Lord and I,
But oh, His presence sweeter is than any earthly tie
Which once I counted greater than His claim;
I’m out, not only from the world, but to His Name.
Selected
Sermon Outline
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I. Christ as the Center of Gathering
- Christ alone is the true gathering point for believers
- Denominations, buildings, and preachers are not the focus
- Biblical support from Genesis and Psalms
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II. Going Outside the Camp
- The camp represents earthly religious systems
- These systems dishonor Christ and cater to natural man
- Believers must separate themselves from these systems
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III. Bearing Reproach for Obedience
- Following Christ outside the camp involves reproach
- True New Testament fellowship may bring social cost
- Believers must be willing to pay the price
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IV. The Sweetness of Christ’s Presence
- Being outside the camp is costly but rewarding
- Christ’s presence surpasses earthly ties
- Obedience leads to deeper fellowship with the Lord
Key Quotes
“Christ is the gathering center for His people. We don’t gather to a denomination, a church, a building or a great preacher but Christ alone.” — William MacDonald
“The camp here has been defined as 'the whole earthly religious system adapted to the natural man.' It is the religious sphere in which Christ is dishonored or downgraded.” — William MacDonald
“The closer we get to the New Testament ideal, the more likely it is that we will have to share His reproach. Are we willing to pay that price?” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Prioritize Christ alone as the center of your spiritual fellowship rather than any human institution.
- Be prepared to face opposition or reproach when living out true New Testament obedience.
- Seek the presence of Christ above all earthly relationships and religious traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'without the camp' mean?
'Without the camp' refers to being separated from worldly religious systems that dishonor Christ, emphasizing a call to true spiritual fellowship centered on Him.
Why must Christians bear reproach?
Christians bear reproach because faithful obedience and true fellowship often conflict with societal or religious expectations, leading to misunderstanding or rejection.
Is church fellowship discouraged in this sermon?
No, the sermon encourages fellowship centered on Christ alone rather than on denominational or institutional affiliations.
How can believers apply this teaching today?
Believers can prioritize Christ above all religious traditions and be willing to face opposition for living according to New Testament principles.
What biblical examples support this message?
The sermon references Hebrews 13:13, Genesis 49:10, and Psalm 50:5 to illustrate Christ as the gathering center and the call to separate from worldly systems.