September 4, 2011
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Important Teachings at the End of the Letter Hebrews 13:9-25
A. Final words of exhortation
1) To have hearts strengthened by grace (9-13)
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (9-13)
2) To offer true sacrifices (14-17)
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (14-17)
B. Final words of instruction
1) To pray for leaders (18-21)
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (18-21)
2) To prioritize fellowship and continue to walk in grace (22-25)
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all. (22-25)
Summary
This long letter to the Hebrews ends with important words if instruction and exhortation. What God desires for us is that we grow in grace and that we never lose sight of our goal as we love God, love those around us, and create a community that loves, prays for, and supports each member. Praying for leaders and prioritizing fellowship are two foundational practices that will help our church to do good in our society.
For Discussion
1) What does it mean for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, rather than food?
2) How are you praying for the leaders?
A. Final words of exhortation
1) To have hearts strengthened by grace (9-13)
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (9-13)
2) To offer true sacrifices (14-17)
For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (14-17)
B. Final words of instruction
1) To pray for leaders (18-21)
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (18-21)
2) To prioritize fellowship and continue to walk in grace (22-25)
Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. Grace be with you all. (22-25)
Summary
This long letter to the Hebrews ends with important words if instruction and exhortation. What God desires for us is that we grow in grace and that we never lose sight of our goal as we love God, love those around us, and create a community that loves, prays for, and supports each member. Praying for leaders and prioritizing fellowship are two foundational practices that will help our church to do good in our society.
For Discussion
1) What does it mean for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, rather than food?
2) How are you praying for the leaders?