Final Thoughts

Introduction

As Paul Closes this “brief” letter, he finds himself with a lot of things left to say. He knows that he doesn’t have time to expound on all of them, so he kind of rattles them off.

Just because he has to move quickly, does not mean these ideas are unimportant. It just means that they are simpler to understand and necessary to reiterate.

Transition

We could spend a lot of time on these as well, but we will do our best to move through them quickly as well.

Illumination

Final Instruction to Love, 1-6

Read Hebrews 13:1-6

Hebrews 13:1–6 NKJV

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. 4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Love Brothers (Greek philadelphia, love of brother), 1

Love Others (Greek philaxenia, love of stranger), 2

Love Prisoners , 3

Love Spouses, 4

Love Security, 5-6

Final Exhortation to Remember, 7-17

Read Hebrews 13:7-17

Hebrews 13:7–17 NKJV

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Remember Authority, 7

Remember Stability, 8-9

Remember Identity, 10-16

Remember Authority, 17

Final Appeal to End, 18-25

Read Hebrews 13:18-25

Hebrews 13:18–25 NKJV

18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. 24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Pray, 18-19

Bless, 20-21

Receive, 22-24

Agree, 25

Conclusion

With these many and slightly scattered thoughts the book of Hebrews comes to a close. There have been enough reminders in this last chapter that each of us should find something that speaks to us. It may be unique to you or shared by others but the point is to take that reminder and let it motivate the actions that you need to take.