Hebrews 13

Context

Hebrews 13 serves as the concluding chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. This letter was written to Jewish Christians who were familiar with Old Testament teachings and were in danger of reverting back to Judaism or mixing it with their new faith in Christ. The purpose of the entire book is to show the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as compared to the Old Covenant. In this light, Hebrews 13 offers final exhortations for living a life pleasing to God, having anchored the readers in the doctrines of faith that have been elaborated throughout the earlier chapters. This chapter, then, functions as a practical appendix to the theological teachings that come before it.

Main Idea

The main idea of Hebrews 13 is to provide a series of exhortations that guide believers in how to live a life that is pleasing to God. These instructions encompass various aspects of Christian living, including relationships, leadership, and ethical conduct. The chapter culminates in a focus on the unchanging character of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith.

Outline

Love One Another (Verses 1-3)

The chapter begins by urging believers to continue in brotherly love, and not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers or remembering those who are suffering. This sets the tone for the importance of community and taking care of each other in the body of Christ.

Honor Marriage (Verse 4)

The sanctity of marriage is highlighted, stating that the marriage bed should be undefiled. The point emphasizes the importance of sexual purity within the boundaries of marriage.

Be Content (Verses 5-6)

Believers are exhorted to be free from the love of money and to find contentment in what they have. God's promise to never leave nor forsake us is the reason given for this contentment.

Remember and Imitate Leaders (Verses 7-9)

The audience is reminded to consider their spiritual leaders who have spoken God's word to them. It is a call to remember, imitate their faith, and to be cautious against strange teachings.

The Unchanging Christ (Verses 10-14)

A significant point is made about Jesus Christ being the same yesterday, today, and forever. This serves as a foundation for all the previous exhortations.

Offer Sacrifices of Praise (Verses 15-16)

The focus shifts to the sacrifices that are pleasing to God: a sacrifice of praise and doing good works.

Obey Your Leaders (Verses 17-19)

A call is made for believers to obey those who rule over them in the Lord, to submit to them, and to pray for them.

Benediction and Final Greetings (Verses 20-25)

The chapter concludes with a benediction, asking God to equip the readers in every good work to do His will. Final greetings are sent, along with a request for the recipients to receive the message of the letter graciously.

Each of these points serves to provide a holistic view of what it means to live a life that honors God, grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Proposition

You Should Please God

The proposition is derived from the overarching theme of Hebrews 13, which offers various exhortations aimed at guiding the believer in living a life that is pleasing to God. Each instruction, whether it relates to love, marriage, leadership, or sacrifice, ultimately points to this single, unified goal: to honor God in all aspects of our lives. The focus is not merely on individualistic spirituality, but also on communal responsibilities and ethical conduct, all grounded in the unchanging character of Jesus Christ.

Illustrations

Joseph’s Integrity in Potiphar’s House

Joseph, while in Egypt, refused to succumb to the seduction of Potiphar's wife, choosing instead to honor God and maintain sexual purity. His life serves as an illustration for Hebrews 13:4, which stresses the importance of honoring marriage and keeping the marriage bed undefiled.

Paul’s Contentment in Prison

The Apostle Paul demonstrated contentment in various circumstances, including imprisonment. Even in challenging conditions, Paul's focus was on the sufficiency of Christ. This mirrors the exhortation in Hebrews 13:5-6 to be content and trust that God will never leave nor forsake us.

Timothy's Obedience to Paul’s Leadership

Timothy was a young leader who submitted to the apostolic authority of Paul. He was willing to be guided and mentored, exemplifying the call in Hebrews 13:17 to obey and submit to spiritual leaders.

Each of these Biblical characters serves as an illustration of the various facets of living a life that is pleasing to God. They exemplify the virtues and principles laid out in Hebrews 13, showing that a life lived in obedience to God's Word is not just a theoretical ideal but a practical possibility.

Ways to Please God

1. By Extending Mutual Love (Hebrews 13:1)

Love one another, brethren. The essence of Christian living is manifest in love. In Hebrews 13, this imperative is not merely a suggestion but a requirement. The Greek term "philadelphia" gives a deeper understanding, pointing to a love that is like that of close family—affectionate, reliable, and enduring. The same word can be seen in Romans 12:10, where it is also used to instruct believers to be "devoted to one another in love."

When we look into the Old Testament through the lens of the Septuagint, the Greek word for love, "agape," is used in passages like Deuteronomy 6:5, commanding us to love God with all our heart. This familial, sacrificial love is a reflection of our love for God.

In the life of Jonathan and David, we see an extraordinary example of this brotherly love. Jonathan, knowing that David was to be the next king—even though he himself was the heir apparent—protected David, loved him as his own soul, and made a covenant with him (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

2. By Showing Hospitality (Hebrews 13:2)

Don't forget to show hospitality, for in doing so, some have entertained angels unaware. The term "hospitality" comes from the Greek word "philoxenia," which literally means love for strangers. We see this term in Romans 12:13, which encourages believers to "practice hospitality."

The Old Testament is rife with examples of hospitality as a sacred duty, such as in Genesis 18, where Abraham welcomes three strangers who turn out to be divine visitors.

Abraham’s life serves as an illustration of this principle. He did not hesitate to welcome three strangers near the oaks of Mamre, providing them water, food, and rest. He was, unknowingly, entertaining angels (Genesis 18).

3. By Honoring Marriage (Hebrews 13:4)

Hold the marriage bed in honor; keep it undefiled. The word for "honor" in Greek is "timios," indicating something valuable or precious. We see this term applied to the precious blood of Christ in 1 Peter 1:19.

Looking back at the Old Testament, we see that the sanctity of marriage was established early on, as in Genesis 2:24, where a man leaves his family to join his wife, becoming one flesh.

Boaz, a man of noble character, honored marriage by taking Ruth as his wife in a respectful and lawful manner, providing a lasting legacy that led to the lineage of David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ (Ruth 4).

4. By Staying Content (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Ah, Hebrews 13:5-6! What a foundational passage that illuminates the nexus between contentment and confidence in God's presence. In these verses, we find a beautiful confluence of truths that guide us in our relationship with God.

Hebrews 13:5-6 reads:

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"

The Assurance of God's PresenceHere the writer draws upon God's promises to never abandon us—"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The Greek word for "leave" is "aniemi," which means to send away or desert. This word also appears in Matthew 15:32 where Jesus refuses to "send away" the crowd hungry. God's commitment to us is akin to that: He will not leave us in our time of need.

The Antidote to MaterialismThe immediate context talks about avoiding the love of money. The Greek word for "content" is "arkeo," which implies sufficiency and adequacy. This same term is used in 1 Timothy 6:8 where Paul writes, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." So, being content is about realizing that God’s provision is sufficient. It is sufficient because His presence is a greater treasure than any material possession.

The Courage to Face AdversitiesThe next verse brings this to a culmination: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" This is the confidence that flows from knowing God is with us. The Greek word "tharseo" is used for "be of good courage" or "be confident" in other parts of the New Testament, such as in Matthew 9:2, where Jesus tells the paralytic to "take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

Old Testament Echo

The Old Testament is replete with instances that echo this truth. One remarkable instance is in Joshua 1:5-9 where God assures Joshua, saying, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," before encouraging him to be strong and courageous.

Application Through Biblical Characters

Consider the life of David. He had wealth, power, and skills. Yet, in his Psalms, we see his contentment derived from his relationship with God. Whether he was in the palace or a cave, his songs remained the same—a reliance on God's faithful presence. He faced Goliath, internal family strife, and even national war with the confidence that God was his helper. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want," he proclaimed (Psalm 23:1).

The application for us, my brothers and sisters, is transformative. It’s not just that God is with us, but that His presence should make us content with what we have and give us confidence to face whatever comes our way. When the Lord is your helper, there's an absence of fear. When God’s presence is your portion, you find contentment that the world can't offer and a courage that is not of this world. That's the life we're invited into—a life of contentment and confidence in the unfailing presence of God. Amen.

5. By Remembering Your Leaders (Hebrews 13:7)

The seventh verse in Hebrews 13 tells us to remember our leaders, those who spoke the word of God. The call to "remember" implies not just a mental recall but a heartfelt application of the teachings passed down from those who have led us in the faith. The Greek word here for "remember" is "mnemoneuo," also used in 2 Timothy 2:8, where Paul encourages Timothy to "remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead." This is not a mere sentimental memory but a charge to continue in the way you were taught.

The concept of following godly leaders can be traced back to the Old Testament. Moses was a leader whose ways were worth emulating, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:1-2 where Moses implores the Israelites to follow the commands of God.

Imagine the life of Timothy, who had not only Paul as a mentor but also Lois and Eunice, his grandmother and mother, who were godly influences in his life (2 Timothy 1:5). They were not only leaders by title but by lifestyle, living the Scriptures they had taught him.

This Means Imitating Their Faith (Hebrews 13:7)

To please God, we are told to consider the outcome of the leaders' lives and imitate their faith. The word "imitate" comes from the Greek word "mimeomai," which gives us our word mimic. It implies a careful observation and subsequent reproduction of someone else’s behavior or traits. The same word is used in 1 Corinthians 11:1 where Paul says, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

The same principle is taught in the Old Testament, particularly in the relationship between Moses and Joshua. Joshua was trained under Moses and took over his leadership, embodying many of the same faith-filled characteristics (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Think about Elisha imitating Elijah. When Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:9-10). Elisha did not just remember Elijah; he imitated his faith and continued his work.

6. By Recognizing Christ’s Unchanging Nature (Hebrews 13:8)

The proclamation that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" in Hebrews 13:8 serves as a bridge between the call to remember and imitate the faith of leaders in verse 7 and the warning against being carried away by strange teachings in verse 9. Let's delve deeper into how this verse connects with its surrounding exhortations.

When the writer tells us to remember leaders who spoke the word of God to us and to consider the outcome of their way of life, it's an invitation to look at lives lived in light of an unchanging Savior. The constancy of Jesus Christ affirms the wisdom in imitating the faith of such leaders. Their faith, if founded on the teachings of the unchanging Jesus, would naturally lead to an "outcome" that is worth considering and emulating. The unchanging nature of Christ assures us that the gospel truths proclaimed by these faithful leaders remain as relevant and vital today as they were in the past. Christ's immutability gives enduring credibility to the faith and teachings of those leaders who have faithfully pointed to Him.

In the same way, Hebrews 13:8 also prepares the reader for the warning against being led away by "diverse and strange teachings" in verse 9. If Jesus Christ is indeed unchanging, then the doctrines and teachings about Him should also hold a measure of constancy. They should align with the foundational truths that have been passed down by leaders who spoke the word of God. The constancy of Jesus serves as a warning light against the fluctuating, ever-changing landscape of false or strange teachings that could lead us astray.

In this context, the assertion of Christ's unchanging nature operates as both a seal of approval on the past faithfulness of godly leaders and as a standard by which to measure any future teachings. By focusing on Jesus, who is unchanging, believers can navigate both the legacies left by past leaders and the doctrinal challenges that they might face in the present and future. Therefore, Hebrews 13:8 does not merely tie into one or the other; it effectively ties into both, serving as an anchor for the enduring validity of godly examples and sound doctrine. Amen.

7. By Holding to Sound Doctrine (Hebrews 13:9)

Verse 9 warns against being carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. The Greek word for "carried away" is "paraphero," also used in Ephesians 4:14, warning believers not to be tossed back and forth by the waves of false doctrine.

This principle of adhering to true doctrine has its roots in the Old Testament as well. In Deuteronomy 12:32, Israel is instructed not to add or subtract from God’s commands, illustrating the importance of maintaining pure doctrine.

Consider Apollos in the New Testament. He was fervent in spirit but had limited understanding until Aquila and Priscilla taught him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:24-26). Once he understood sound doctrine, he became a mighty vessel for God's work.

8. By Bearing Reproach (Hebrews 13:10-14)

Finally, to please God, we are called to go outside the camp, bearing the reproach Christ bore. The term "outside the camp" implies a separation from worldly systems for the sake of Christ. It correlates with the concept of sanctification, set apart for sacred use.

In the Old Testament, the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement was sent "outside the camp" (Leviticus 16:27). It symbolized the removal of sin and guilt, pointing to what Christ would ultimately do.

As an illustration, consider Moses. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25). He went "outside the camp" in a manner of speaking, bearing reproach for the sake of God’s promise.

In these ways, Hebrews 13:7-14 instructs us on how to live a life that pleases God: by remembering and imitating the faith of godly leaders, recognizing the unchanging nature of Christ, holding fast to sound doctrine, and willingly stepping outside the norms of society to bear reproach for the cause of Christ. Amen.

9. By Offering Sacrifices of Praise(Hebrews 13:15)

Offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, which is the fruit of our lips. Here the term "sacrifice of praise" is deeply significant. The Greek term "thusia" is used for sacrifice, and it is akin to the sacrifices in the Old Testament that were pleasing aromas to God. This same term appears in Ephesians 5:2, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering" to God.

In the Old Testament, we frequently encounter sacrifices as a form of worship and dedication to God, such as in Leviticus. However, it is the spirit of the law, not the letter, that counts.

King David offers a wonderful example. Although he was a man with many failings, his heart was fixed on glorifying God. In times of distress and joy, David's natural response was to offer up praises to God, as abundantly seen in the Book of Psalms.

10. By Doing Good and Sharing(Hebrews 13:16)

Don't neglect doing good and sharing, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. The Greek word for "doing good" is "euergesia," which signifies benevolence. It's the kind of goodness that stems from a nature transformed by God. This word is closely related to "ergon," which signifies works and is often used to describe good deeds, as seen in Ephesians 2:10.

The practice of doing good and sharing echoes the Old Testament principles found in passages like Proverbs 3:27, which instructs us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.

The life of Dorcas in the New Testament serves as a powerful illustration. She was "full of good works and charitable deeds," to the point that her life greatly impacted her community. When she died, people mourned her loss, displaying the garments she had made for the needy, and God saw fit to raise her from the dead through Peter (Acts 9:36-41).

11. By Obeying Spiritual Leaders (Hebrews 13:17-19)

Trust and obey your spiritual leaders. The Greek term "peitho" reappears here, emphasizing not merely an external obedience but an internal submission and trust. This same word is found in Galatians 5:7, indicating a persuasion to follow a particular path.

Obedience to leadership is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Joshua, who took over after Moses, received obedience from the Israelites when they crossed the Jordan and conquered Jericho. The Israelites listened and obeyed, and the walls of Jericho fell down (Joshua 6).

12. By Seeking God’s Equipment (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Pray for God's will to be done in your life. The Greek word for "pray" or "prayer" is not directly given in this passage, but the principle is clear—seeking God's will through the means He has provided, including the prayers of others.

While prayer may not have a one-to-one equivalent in the Old Testament, the principle holds. Men like Daniel sought God's will fervently in prayer, even when faced with the lion's den (Daniel 6).

The Greek word for "equip" in Hebrews 13:21 is "katartisai," derived from the root "katartizo." This term has nuances that go beyond mere preparation; it carries the idea of restoring something to its intended, original design or function, as well as making something complete or perfect for the task at hand. It's akin to setting a broken bone back in place or mending a torn net. It's used in this complete sense in passages like Matthew 4:21 where James and John are "mending" their nets, and in Galatians 6:1, where the "spiritual" are to "restore" the one caught in any transgression.

In the Old Testament, the Septuagint uses this word in the context of repair and restoration. For example, in 1 Kings 18:30 (LXX), Elijah "repaired" the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. Here, the term points to a setting right, a return to original intent and purpose.

By asking God to "equip you with everything good for doing his will," you are essentially asking God to restore you to your original, God-intended design. You're asking Him to mend the broken parts of your soul, to realign your will with His, and to complete you in such a way that you are perfectly suited for the good works He's prepared for you. You are acknowledging that God is the ultimate craftsman, perfectly capable of preparing you for every good work, essentially enabling you to fulfill the very purpose for which you were created.

In the life of the Apostle Peter, we see a living illustration of this divine equipping. Peter, once impulsive and quick to speak, was refined by Christ through years of discipleship and, ultimately, the experience of denial and restoration. After his restoration, he became a rock of the early church, instrumental in taking the Gospel to the Gentiles. God equipped him, restoring him to his original divine calling, making him competent for tasks that were once beyond his reach.

So, in praying for God to equip us for His will, we are asking for more than just resources and opportunities; we are asking for a transformation that aligns us perfectly with God's divine will. We are inviting the Creator to complete His creation in us, to prepare us for the very works He has ordained for us to walk in. Amen.

13. By Heeding Biblical Instruction(Hebrews 13:22)

Heed the exhortations and admonitions you find in God's Word. The term "exhort" in Greek is "parakaleo," which means to urge or implore. This term is also found in Romans 12:1, where Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices.

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were frequently exhorted by prophets to heed God's instructions, such as the repeated exhortations in the book of Deuteronomy to obey the laws of God.

One biblical character who embodies this principle is Timothy. Paul mentions Timothy's knowledge of the Scriptures from childhood and how it made him wise for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15).

14. By Greeting Each Other (Hebrews 13:23-25)

Extend greetings and warmth to all members of God's family, near and far. Although the Greek term for "greet" or "hospitality" is not explicitly given here, the principle remains clear. The importance of community and mutual support among believers is emphasized.

The Old Testament contains many instances where greetings and kind treatment were considered virtuous, such as Abraham's hospitality toward the three visitors in Genesis 18.

A New Testament character who illustrates this is Lydia in Acts 16. She was a businesswoman who became a follower of Christ. After her conversion, she opened her home to Paul and Silas, displaying the biblical principle of hospitality.

So there you have it, brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13 provides us with a rich tapestry of ways to please God, ways that touch every facet of our lives. It's not just about a list of do's and don'ts but about living out a transformative relationship with God, reflected in how we interact with others and with Him. Let these principles dwell richly in us as we continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Gospel Invitation

Brethren, let's turn our eyes upon the majesty of Hebrews 13, where we are exhorted to live in a way that is well-pleasing to God. But you might ask, how can we, imperfect beings, ever hope to please a holy and righteous God? The answer is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just as we've been exhorted in Hebrews to offer up sacrifices of praise, to honor our leaders, and to live in purity and contentment, we realize that these are impossible tasks without the intervention of God. And intervene He did, through the person of Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). He bore the wrath of God on the cross to deliver us from the penalty of eternal damnation. Through faith in His sacrifice, we are justified, declared righteous before the eyes of God (Romans 3:23-26).

Yet, the Gospel does not stop at justification; it ushers us into sanctification. Christ's resurrection empowers us to live free from the dominion of sin (Romans 6). You're struggling with love? With submission? With contentment? With purity? Christ equips you for every good work, renewing your mind and heart, mending your soul to align it with the will of God (Hebrews 13:21).

Moreover, let's not forget that our hope is not only in this life but extends to the life to come. As we endure trials and as we're called to step outside the "camp," suffering disgrace for the name of Christ (Hebrews 13:13), we're reminded that our ultimate home is not here. Our hope rests in the future glorification, where we shall be made like Him, forever freed from the very presence of sin (Romans 8).

So, I invite you today to lay hold of this full Gospel—the Gospel that not only saves but transforms and ultimately glorifies. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you can be delivered from the penalty, the power, and even the presence of sin. Come to Him, the Chief Shepherd, who is ever faithful to "equip you with everything good for doing his will" (Hebrews 13:21).

Amen.

____________________________

Bibliography

"Exhortation and Gospel Invitation Based on Hebrews 13." ChatGPT, 2023.

Hebrews 13, sanctification, obedience, faith, evangelistic appeal