The Joy in Responsibility

(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews)

Commentary

Strength by Grace

Hebrews 13:7-16 

Outline 

Our author has presented a number of examples of the faithful and the faithless in this love letter. Be like the faithful who ran the endurance race all the way to the appointed end well. Don’t be like faithless Israel as they grumbled in the wilderness longing to return to Egypt.  As we come to the letter’s end and the final two lessons, we are encouraged to imitate our preachers and teachers that have died well. Even though our author may not be limiting our heroes of the faith to dead people, the request is that we consider the “outcome” of their life of faith. Therefore it could be suggested that most of your study of the faithful be of those who have died but their faithful life is preaching and teaching still.

It is encouraging to learn of our leaders that grew in faith to the very end of their days. However, we have a perfect example in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our earthly leaders come and go, but Jesus is unaffected by mortality. Nothing hinders our perfect leader from providing counsel, encouragement and strength by His Grace. With these examples, we should not be easily led astray by strange teachings.

It is good for the heart to be strengthened by Grace. This Grace is available only by the blood of our perfect sacrifice, namely Jesus. The name of Jesus is great and greatly to be praised. Let us do good, share what we have, and offer up the sacrifice of praise because Christ alone is worthy!

Remember 

Your Leaders (vs 7)

Preachers and Teachers of the Word

Consider the outcome of their life

Imitate their faith 

Jesus Christ (vs 8) 

            The same:

Yesterday (with Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul)

Today (You are in the same relationship)

Tomorrow (You will be in the same relationship)

A Strong Heart (vs 9) 

No strength by foods

ALL strength by Grace

So, don’t be led astray

How do we eat Grace? 

            We go to the altar – the cross (vs 10)

We are not like the Priest on the Day of Atonement (vs 11)

Jesus fulfilled the Day of Atonement (vs 12)

Therefore, Move (vs 13,14) 

Outside the camp – away from comfort

To the place of sanctification

For we have no city here

Pleasing God (vs 15,16)

Through Him (Jesus)

Do Good, share

LIFE APPLICATION

Joy in Responsibility

Not building paradise on Earth

Seek the City that is to come