August 11, 2020
For the next 13 days we will be spending time together walking through the book of Hebrews! Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians who were undergoing persecution for their faith and considering running back to Judaism. The author of Hebrews takes an in-depth look at the practices and regulations of the Old Testament as articulated in the Torah and argues for how Jesus is both superior to each of them and supreme over all of them! The author also warns his audience of the grave danger facing them should they choose to now reject Jesus and return to their former way of life. These warnings can and should make us feel uncomfortable as we read through the book together; allow the Spirit to do what He wants to do in your heart through them! Overall, the message of Hebrews is that Jesus, the Son of God as well as our Savior and Messiah, is infinitely superior to anything or anyone else we could give our lives to, and He is worthy of all our devotion and worship. Jesus is greater!
In the concluding chapter of Hebrews the author gives a few practical applications of the truths he has elaborated on throughout the rest of the letter as well as invoking a blessing on his readers and greeting them. He tells his readers to leave behind their love for and attachment to the things of this world and join in the reproach that Christ endured for us on the cross, and then he commands them to continually offer their praise and worship to God (v.13-16)!
Throughout the letter the author has repeatedly spoken of how Christ’s blood has “cleansed”, “sanctified”, and “perfected” us. In his blessing towards his audience, he now reminds us that this kind of transforming, redeeming power which exists in Jesus’ blood is not an end in itself; God empowers us through it, equipping us with every good thing in order to do His will!
We have been cleansed, been forgiven and set apart and made new in Christ Jesus, not simply in order to change our eternal destiny but in order for our lives here on earth to be lived in obedience and surrender towards God. He desires to use us to build His Kingdom and to advance His gospel, and through the blood of Jesus He gives us everything we need in order to do it!
Let’s seek His will and His Kingdom, trusting in the power, greatness, glory, and love of Jesus which surpasses anything and everything else! He really is greater!
Hebrews 13
Sacrifices Pleasing to God
13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.25 Grace be with all of you.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Family Discussion Question:
- How has God used the book of Hebrews to grow your understanding and affections towards Jesus? How does His blood equip us to do His will?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your servant Paul has really inspired me in his writings and reminded me of all Christ did for us. I am encouraged that we , the children of God, have been given all the power and tools that we need to continue the faith and grow the gospel. Please lead me each day to follow and do Your will and please forgive me when I fall short. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Agreeing in prayer: 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Praise for the blessings you provide me everyday! Equip me to do your will.
v 15 Lord help to praise you not matter what difficult I face each day
The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. He will never leave me or forsake me.
Jesus is greater!
My Lord is my salvation and my protector. My Lord will lead me higher and higher to him. His words lift me up to his Glory. He is my salvation. In Jesus name I pray Amen And HALLELUJAh!!!
Lord I have had a ruff year but I will not leave you because I am doing your will and because I this the enemy tries to come after me like last Sunday with my bad fall. You Almighty God protected me only with bad bruises and I had black eyes for a week. I am a solider of God I will not quit praying every morning not only for my family members but the others that I intercede for every day. I love you with my whole heart and thank you for saving me 44 years ago.
Sooo sorry for your fall and pray that God “equips you with everything good. Grace be with you”. Amen.
God thank you for protecting our sister Vickie. Please continue to heal her body and strengthen her spirit as she dedicates her service to you!
As we finish this book of devotions, that you for giving us these words of faith and wisdom. Thank you for reminding us through your word of our salvation in Jesus Christ alone! Thank you for the promises and reassurance that we are yours.
Please continue to surround our widows among our community with comforting words and arms. Continue to heal our saints who are fighting this virus among us. Praise you for your healing and hearing our pleas!
Reading through the book of Hebrews at his point in my journey was amazing. Thank you Lord for your inspired word. Thank you for your infallible truth and immutable character. It amazes me how Your truth is absolute and applies to every situation and every person!!! I love You so much, and it is because You loved me first❤?
Father, help me endure what may come this week, because this reality is temporary and my future is in Christ and your eternal kingdom. I pray my life and work will honor you Jesus as I do what you have called me to do, shepherding hurting people with the hope that is in salvation that comes only through Jesus.
We must let brotherly love continue! Continuing to focus on being more and more like Jesus and to do His will.