Hebrews: A Journey of Faith; Week 7

Preaching Calendar

rearranging the sanctuary

cleaning off the back table

putting up new decorations

Good morning. I pray you had a wonderful Christmas and plan on having an alcohol free New Year. This being the last Sunday of the year, pastors normally do a “year in review” type of sermon, which kind of recaps many of the themes throughout the year. While that’s not a bad idea, today we are going to wrap up the book of Hebrews; that way, as my preaching calendar switches from 2023 to 2024. Speaking of my preaching calendar, every year I put out a calendar that gives details on every sermon I plan on preaching…from January to December. If you would like a copy of the preaching calendar…so you can always be aware of what passages I will be covering and what series I’ll be doing next, I’ve made them available in the back, on the table. Each week is filled out with the name of the series, the main idea of the sermon, and the passages I will be using.

This week, instead of spending time doing a recap of what we’ve covered in the book of Hebrews, I am going to save that for the conclusion, where I will take the main ideas of Hebrews and tie them in with this weeks passages…which is Hebrews chapter 13. I pray you have enjoyed this series and have grown in both, your knowledge of the book of Hebrews, but more than that, that you have been both challenged and encouraged by the preacher…in this case, the author of Hebrews.

Let’s go ahead and pray, then we will get started.

Hebrews 13 is the conclusion to a very challenging letter, written by an unknown author to a largely Jewish audience…many of whom were struggling with their faith. In this final chapter, the preacher changes his focus from Christology, or the study of Christ and decides to be more personal. The final chapter fits the overall pattern of New Testament letters, where the author will take the last few paragraphs to give final instructions, with a decidedly more personal tone. If by this time, a person had not taken hold of the author’s message, then it probably wouldn’t happen.

We are going to divide up chapter 13 into 3 main sections

1. HEBREWS 13:1–8

The Practical Life of God’s People

2. HEBREWS 13:9–16

Outside the Old City, Seeking the New

3. HEBREWS 13:17–25

Respect for Leaders and Blessings from God

Since we did not cover chapter 12:let me give you a super quick view of what the author covered.

Do not fear persecution, do not take the grace of Christ for granted, try to lead of life of peace and lean in to the faith community that surrounds you.

If fact, we are going to see the author really hone in on the idea of community in his final instructions. Let’s get started:

1. The Practical Life of God’s People:

Hebrews 13:1–8 (CSB)

Let brotherly love continue. Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it. Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily. Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Here in the first section of Hebrews 13, the author writes about 3 topics that, while different, they are also related to the overall topic of the chapter.

A. Community and Hospitality: vs. 1-3

The chapter opens up with the preacher encouraging the people to continue to love and care for one another. In scripture there are 3 different types of love that are refereed to:

Agape: Godly Love

Eros: Sex

Phileo: Brotherly Love; to approve of, to welcome, treat affectionately.

The writer of Hebrews uses the term Phileo here, to make sure and welcome one another and treat one another affectionately. Also, they should be hospitable with one another…preferring each other, rather than themselves. He ties hospitality to angels, or, divine messengers (which is what Angels were). There is a particular story in the Old Testament where Abraham was trying to save Lot. Lot had made his home in the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. God told Abraham that he was going to destroy the cities. In that story, 3 strangers approach Abraham…Abraham is very hospitable them. It turns out that one of the men was Jesus and the other 2 were angels. That story is found in

Genesis 18:1–4 (CSB)

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day. He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, bowed to the ground, and said, “My lord, if I have found favor with you, please do not go on past your servant. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree.

Community and Hospitality was a really big deal in the O.T. Jewish culture and it continued into the N.T. In fact, in Acts 2, right after the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples…which is the moment that the early church was born…Luke (the author of Acts) says that all of the believers were together, had everything in common. In fact, there is an entire theology behind how the early church lived as one. It is impossible to really understand the N.T. and early church without accepting the fact that community was a very large part of what it meant to be a Christian. Back then, there was no such thing as a loner Christian…a person was recognised as a follower of Christ because of the company they kept.

Also, the preacher tells the people to not forget those who are being persecuted. Prison and persecution was also a major part of the early church. Back then, the decision to become a follower of Christ had a steep cost attached to it. I believe that the persecution was one of the major factors that led to the early church growing so quickly. In a situation like that, there are few “on again off again” believers.

The preacher is reminding the people to make sure and continue caring for one another…as that was the strength of the early church.

B. Sex & Money: vs. 4-6

Hebrews 13:4–6

“Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Moving into the next section, the preacher talks about our two favorite topics…sex and money. Two major issues that distract people from living for Christ. The pagan world of the first century was every bit as sexually promiscuous as the Western world of the twenty-first century, and Christians are called today, as they were then, to stand out, to be deeply counter-cultural, at this point. The writer warns that God will judge those who flout his intention for the gift of sex, using it as a plaything rather than the deep, rich, satisfying bond between husband and wife that it was meant to be.

In Galatians chapter 5, Paul talks about the deeds of the flesh, each of which have to do with sex.

Galatians 5:19

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity,”

Out of the 39 distinct parables taught by Jesus, 13 of them were about money. The idol of money is the number one issue among followers of Christ. The love of money enslaves people and then laughs at them when it does not provide the happiness that is promised. This is not a stewardship series, so I will not expound on this too much…but I will tell you something i’ve learned over the years. There are 3 types of givers: reluctant givers, generous givers, and sacrificial givers. Those that have learned the New Testament principle of sacrificial giving are the most content in their daily walk with the Lord. So, take that as you will.

The preacher knew the topics of sex and money were and still are major issues in the church…issues that can affect our walk, both privately and publicly. The preacher also touches on the topic of persecution, as it relates to money…that the Lord is our true supplier and that regarless of what is taken from you, no one can take away the most important thing in your life..which is your relationship with Christ and with other believers.

C. Following Godly Leaders vs. 7-8

Hebrews 13:7–8

“Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The subject of submitting to authority is mentioned a couple of times in Hebrews. It’s important to note that the word used for leader denotes both faith leaders, societal and political. It’s clear in the N.T. that we are not called to respect and pray for worldly leaders, despite the fact that we may disagree with them. Or, in their case, actively persecuted them. In fact, it is this advice that undergirds the other practical instructions in Hebrews 13. I really like what the preacher says…to “Carefully observe the outcome of their lives and to imitate their faith.” Notice, the preacher does not say to suspend all discernment and accept everything they say without question. rather, carefully observe the outcome…in other words…look at the fruit of their decision making.

This section then closes with a seemingly unrelated phrase…that Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. I think he was saying that although the great leaders of the past may be gone, but the faith by which they lived their lives is the same today and forever. Although the great leaders of old (old to them) O.T., did not profess Christ, they did exercise their faith in God…who is the same as Christ…who has lived yesterday, today and forever.

2.Outside the Old City, Seeking the New (Vs. 9-16)

Maybe that sounds like a strange heading, but we will see that the general idea here is that the Jewish Christians were indeed no longer in the Jewish community…yet many of them were still hanging around the edges....they didn’t belong to the Jewish city…but they were also not fully embracing the new.

This section can really be divided up into 2 areas. vs. 9-11 and vs 12-16

A. Avoid the fruitless teachings and sacrifices of your past (Vs. 9-11)

Hebrews 13:9-11 (CSB)

Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited. We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.

The preacher here refers to strange teachings…in this case, he is talking about the dietary customs of O.T. Judaism. These particular passages have cause much debate, as the preacher seems to be referring to a couple of different ideas. First, the Jews would not have thought that the O.T. custom of animal sacrifices and food regulations as “strange teachings. For example, in the law of Moses, when an animal was sacrificed, certain parts of the animal was used for different purposes. Some of it was offered up to God, some was saved for the priests (which regular people were not allowed to eat)…but the unclean parts of the animal were taken outside of the camp to be burned. This would have been quite normal…yet, the preacher seems to be referring to them as strange. The second debatable issue is verse 11…where the author talks about sin offerings being burned outside of the camp. He could either be talking about a passage in the book of Exodus when Aaron was being consecrated as High Priest:

Exodus 29:14

“But burn the bull’s flesh, its hide, and its waste outside the camp; it is a sin offering.”

Or, the preacher could be referring to the final ritual of the festival Yom Kip-our; during the final ritual of the day, the priest would take all that was left of the sacrificed animals, and bring the remains outside the camp and there he would burn them. And in this way, God was teaching his people to see and experience the blessing of having all their sins forgiven.

Of course, these teachings are strange to us…but they were not strange to them. In fact, to call the O.T. regulations strange would have been an insult. It is believed that the author is trying to spur his audience…and trying to get them to recognise the difference between their old life and their new lives.

Notice something interesting in vs 9, and compare it to what the author said in verse 7…

vs. 7: observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith

vs. 9: those who observe them have not benefited

In both instances we are told to observe something. In verse 7, we observe the outcome of lives that are marked by Godly decisions and faith…then to imitate that. In the other example…we are to told to observe the people who have followed the fruitless leaders....and note that those people have not benefited at all . In fact, a bad leader will end up causing harm to those who follow them. In other words, the preacher is telling his audience to learn the important spiritual lessons of life from those around them. Some lessons are best learned by avoiding certain decisions and behaviors, while other spiritual lessons are learned from imitating those who are led by the Holy Spirit.

One of the reasons that most scholars believe that the Preacher’s audience was mainly Jewish is because of these passages I just read. While the entire book hints at it, here, the preacher makes an explicit reference to something that only Jews could understand. Gentiles would not know what the author is talking about by saying “those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat.

B. vs. 12-16: Celebrate the eternal sacrifice of Christ.

Hebrews 13: 12-16

Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

As I’ve said before, whenever we see the word “Therefore,” we know that the preacher is concluding a previous thought. For example, The Bible is God’s Word to His creation, therefore, we ought to read it, in order to know His Character.

The preacher now takes the concept of the sin offering being done outside the cam, and applies it directly to Christ. There are 2 possible ways that we can look at what the preacher is saying. First, anything that was considered “unclean” in Israel was kept outside of the city walls…it is possible that the preacher is saying that the Jews kept Jesus outside the city, with all of the other unclean things or the preacher might me talking about the once yearly sacrifice that was done outside the gate. Either one fits.That said, the preacher notes that Jesus “suffers” outside the gate…so I believe the preacher is talking about the former. For example, in Israel, anyone who was considered unclean was not allowed within the city walls. A good example of this are lepers. Leprosy was and is a terrible disease that can be transmitted quite easily. Not only was a person considered “unclean,” but such a disease brought much shame and reproach upon that person and their family.

In a similar manner, those who were followers of Jesus were often looked at in a shameful manner by the Jewish community. This was a really big deal back then, as being ostracized from one’s family and community was devastating. If you were a Jew who converted to Christianity, you were no longer considered Jewish, you could no longer be a part of the community you grew up with. This is what the preacher is addressing here. Perhaps some of his audience were questioning whether or not the shame of being a follower of Christ was worth it.

This section finishes by going back to the starting theme of hospitality…making sure to share, as those are the types of sacrifices that God honors.

3. Respect for Leaders and Blessings from God (Vs. 17-25)

In our 3rd and final section of Hebrews chapter 13, the author gives a few parting instructions, along with his benediction. We’ll take this section in 2 parts. v 17-19 and 20-25

A. Leaders, once again (Vs. 17-19)

Hebrews 13:17–19

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything. And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.”

Once again, the preacher addresses the idea of leaders. Back in verse 7, the preacher addresses the great leaders of the past…that we should observe the fruit of their lives and imitate that. However, here in verse 17, the preacher is addressing current leaders....those that God has placed over them currently. Perhaps the current leaders were being unfairly compared with past leaders.

The wording that the preacher uses here hearkens back to the old testament idea of city watchmen and shepherds.

Ezekiel 33:6

“However, suppose the watchman sees the sword coming but doesn’t blow the trumpet, so that the people aren’t warned, and the sword comes and takes away their lives. Then they have been taken away because of their iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’”

Ezekiel 34:8

“As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord God—because my flock, lacking a shepherd, has become prey and food for every wild animal, and because my shepherds do not search for my flock, and because the shepherds feed themselves rather than my flock,”

These watchmen and shepherds had a responsibility to look after those in their care. God took this role very seriously. The preacher is telling the people that God will hold any leader accountable who does not blow the horn, who does not protect the sheep. This is why scripture says that not many should seek the role of a spiritual leader, as it has a high cost.

Also, this is the first time that the author includes some personal information. For whatever reason, he has been unable to be with the people in person. Perhaps he was in prison or traveling. His desire though, is to be reunited. We see Paul issue similar sentiments in his correspondence.

B. Final Word/Benediction (Vs. 20-25)

Hebrews 13:20–25

“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with you all.”

Finishing up the final chapter of Hebrews, the author once again puts our focus on the main themes and ideas of the book: how Christ was crucified, raised from the dead and is now, through His sacrifice, the great shepherd. The benediction in the New Testament letters were similar to the O.T. priestly blessings that were given to various households.

Numbers 6:22–27

“The Lord spoke to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. You should say to them, “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” ’ In this way they will pronounce my name over the Israelites, and I will bless them.””

We see this type of benediction from Paul, in a number of his letters

Also, we finally get some information that helps us know when the book is written…during the ministry of Timothy. Not only that, but whoever the author is has done ministry with Timothy in the past…specifically with the people who are receiving this letter. You can see why so many people think that Paul is the one who wrote this letter.

There we have it…the book of Hebrews, in all of it’s glory. Although the book of Hebrews was written long ago, to a largely Jewish Christian audience, the message is just as valid today as it was back then. While a number of passages in Hebrews can be difficult to understand, especially with how we tend to study and interpret God’s word today, we can still learn and grow from the inspired words. In general, the book of Hebrews has 2 purposes:

(1) To show that Christ is superior to everything that came before or that currently is.

(2) To encourage and challenge us to lead mature lives, marked by faith.

These 2 ideas or themes are just as relevant today as they were back then. Of course, we are not converted Jews, so the specific examples and application are a bit different…but the core truth remains. And, regardless of who you are or how long you have been following Christ, being a mature, spirit-led believer, who’s life is marked by faith is still our mandate. So, let’s finish up this series by linking these 2 themes together in our lives.

The famous theologian R.C. Sproul once said that Hebrews is his favorite book of the Bible…of course, he openly debated within himself whether or not it was appropriate to have a favorite book of the Bible…but that was just who he was. The reason that Hebrews was his favorite book is because of a few different reasons. First, because Hebrews is a bridge: from the O.T. to the N.T.; Also, because Hebrews is a book of contrasts and comparisons. The preacher would quote an O.T. passage in order to point to Christ. He would compare the New Covenant to the Old Covenant. He would contrast the O.T. chief priest to the priestly role of Christ. The third reason was because of the preachers focus on the supremacy of Christ.

It is not enough to see Jesus as simply being “better” than what came before. He is more than better; He is the best. In this regard, Hebrews focuses on the supremacy of Christ. To speak of “supremacy” is to speak of that which is “above” or “over” others. It reaches the level of the “super.” In our language it refers to that which (or who) is greatest in power, authority, or rank. It is also used to describe that which (or who) is greatest in importance, significance, character, or achievement—the “ultimate.” In all these areas of consideration, Jesus ranks as the ultimate or supreme—supreme in power, rank, glory, authority, importance, etc.

Christ is better than anything that has been or will be.

Colossians 1:17

“He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.”

Therefore, because of the supremacy of our savior, because nothing can compare to His majesty, to His love, to His holiness or to His righteous Judgment, we must live our lives in such a way that shows we believe these things to be true. The problem with the Hebrew audience was that they were wavering in their belief. Because of the persecution they were facing, they could not decide whether or not following Christ was “worth the cost.” This is why the author focused so heavily on the priesthood and supremacy of Christ. The preacher needed the people to be as convinced of the supremacy of Christ as they were with Moses and the Old Testament law. I can guarantee you that none of them doubted that God had set up the O.T. law or that God had instituted animal sacrifice. In other words, no one had to convince them that God worked through Moses and the law to establish a relationship with the people of Israel. None of them thought to themselves: “I wonder if God really spoke to Moses?” I wonder if a guy named Abraham ever existed? These were not beliefs that wavered at all.

Today, when we walked into this building, none of us thought to ourselves…boy, I really hope the roof doesn’t suddenly collapse. Why? We do not ask ourselves that question because we believe in the soundness of this building. We believe in it so much that you can sit here, throughout the entire service without giving a second thought to being buried alive.

If I were to stand up here and suggest to all of you that we must be very careful, else the roof might collapse, no one would go running outside out of fear. My words would not cause your belief to waiver one bit....despite the fact that none of us were involved in the construction of this building. None of us have inspected the roof in detail…yet we still have the faith to believe that the roof will not fall.

How many of us know that saying that we believe something is not the same as acting like we believe something! A pretty well known psychologist and philosopher Jordan Peterson will often get asked if he believes in God and he always responds by saying: Depends on what you mean by believe. When I first heard that I though that answer was meant to avoid the question…until he explained what he mean by that.

He said: Many people say they believe in God, fewer claim they believe in Christ…but there are many that make that claim....that they believe that Christ is who He says He is…the Son of God incarnate…sent to reconcile mankind to God through his death and resurrection.

If what you mean by belief is that I say that I believe, but I do not live like its true…then no, I do not believe. If, however, by belief you mean that I live my life as though it is true, even though I may not understand everything…then yes, I am believing more and more every day.

John 6:29–35

“Jesus replied, “This is the work of God—that you believe in the one he has sent.” “What sign, then, are you going to do so that we may see and believe you?” they asked. “What are you going to perform? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, Moses didn’t give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said, “Sir, give us this bread always.” “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.”

In the book of John, from the section I just read…the people were following Jesus around. They had seen him perform might acts, including the feeding of the 5000. The crowd goes to Jesus and asks him to perform another miracle…so they might believe. Jesus responds by reminding them of a well known story of God providing manna in the wilderness…and that He, meaning Jesus, is bread that comes strait from God…just like the manna. Of course, just like the crowd in this story…we often fail to understand and only look to believe when we need something from God…we want Him to provide something for us or to get us out of a situation or to heal someone…we want to see God perform on our behalf, and as long as we get what we want, we are more than happy to “believe.” This is not the type of belief and faith that Hebrews is talking about.

My challenge to you this week is to examine the areas in your life where your claims of belief do not line up with your actions…we all have them, that is for sure.

PRAY.