Surety
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
Hebrews 7:19-22 (text v. 22)
This is a very blessed title of Christ once a person understands what being a “surety” entails. In this message I want to deal with the WHAT, WHY, and WHO of our suretyship.
I. The EXPLANATION of surety–WHAT is suretyship?
A. “Surety” is an abbreviated form of the word “security.” The Greek word for “surety” (ἔγγυος / egguos, [pronounced eng-goo-os]) means a bondsman. A bondsman is a “surety” on a bond or note.
B. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary says “surety” means: A certainty. God said to Abram in Genesis 15:13, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.”
C. A “surety” is a person who voluntarily makes himself legally responsible for the obligations or debts another in case of default.
1. Not only must the “surety” be willing to pay, he must be able to pay.
2. Once the “surety” has paid the debt, the principle debtor is freed from his obligation.
II. EXAMPLES of suretyship.
A. Secular examples.
1. “Co-signing.” The book of Proverbs uses the word “surety” like we use the term “co-signer” on a loan (Prov. 6:1; 11:15; 17:18).
2. “Posting bail.” In many cities, wherever there is a courthouse, you’ll find a jail, and near that jail you’ll usually find the offices of the bondsmen.
B. Biblical examples.
1. Joseph’s brothers.
2. Paul and Onesimus (Philemon 17-19).
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
