Personal Responsibility For Sin

INTRO

Hebrews 13 is the concluding chapter of the entire book of Hebrews. It is reminiscent of Romans 16, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians, where Paul makes personal references. While the authorship of Hebrews is not known, the concluding remarks in chapter 13 reveal a good deal about the author. For example, each verse in the chapter is short and succinct. Each are almost tweetable [on Twitter; social media]. This is one clue why Paul may not have been the writer, because there is nothing succinct about Paul’s writings.

TEACHING

Hebrews 13:1-3: The first six verses deal with personal issues of morality. Within these verses are three types of people we are to love:

1. Other believers: Verse 1 states, “Let brotherly love continue.” The Greek word for love used here is phileo, the same word from which we get brotherly love. The word continue means to keep on or continually. It’s from the Greek word that we translate as monument. So, the verse could read, “Let the monument of your love to be loving one another.” Everything you know about the Old Testament covenant and the new covenant is lived out in your love.

Foreigners: The word for love here is from the Greek word philaxenia, which means showing love to foreigners (v. 2). Believers are not to neglect or forget about caring for foreigners—they should remind themselves to do this! Hospitality to strangers could sometimes be done to angels.

Prisoners: The phrase, “as though you were in prison with them,” can be translated, “as though you were chained to them” (v. 3). If you visit inmates in prison, you’ll never forget it, and neither will they. Those who are involved in prison ministry are usually deeply committed to it because they see the fruit in it. Some of those in prison are there for something they didn’t do. Many of the disciples were put in prison for preaching the gospel.

Hebrews 13:4: Here, the author moves on to marriage and describes it as “respected by all” which means to treat it as incredibly valuable to all. There are people who are experts at understanding the workings of a car’s engine or who are experts in understanding the patterns of deer. If people knew as much about their spouses and their marriages as they do other things in their lives, marriages would be treated as incredibly valuable.

I usually counsel people in marriage two times. The first is before the wedding when they can’t even consider that there’s something they don’t know about each other. The second time is when things are not going well in the marriage. Neither of those are great times to counsel people. Marriages that thrive happen when both partners intentionally decide to work as hard at the marriage as they do their careers. Marriage should be worked at, honored by all, and valued by all. When you work at something and you honor it, you’ll come to value it even more.

I think verse 4 should read, “Marriage must be respected by all, 'by' [not 'and'] keeping the marriage bed pure.” The terms immoral or sexually immoral are from the Greek word that we get the word pornography from. Adulterers are those who are in a marriage and having sexual relationships outside of marriage. We must keep our guard up against both. This all takes work!

Hebrews 13:5: In verse 5, the admonition is to not philagrius, the Greek word for “a love for silver.” That is done by being content or satisfied with what you have through your relationship with the Lord. He will not leave or forsake you, regardless of what happens in your life.

Hebrews 13:6: Verse 6 quotes Psalm 118 and states, “The Lord is my helper.” The Lord has your back. God is enough for whatever you need so you need not be afraid.

Hebrews 13:7-8: Verses 7-17 deal with what to do in the community. First, intentionally remember your leaders who led you to Christ, observe their lives, and imitate their faith (v. 7). Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (v. 8), and so should teachers/preachers be. Those who teach and those who follow Christ need to have that same kind of sincerity and authenticity, as well as be dependent upon Him.

Hebrews 13:9-10: Next, be on guard against strange teachings that do not reflect the Word of God (v. 9). One of the dangers of teaching is trying to come up with something that’s unique and never been taught before. Yet the complete Word of God has already been proclaimed, and we can depend upon it as we teach.

The author of Hebrews describes some of the strange teachings and personal agendas that had already infiltrated the church. Some were teaching not to eat ceremonial foods that had been placed on the altar, even though believers were no longer held to the Mosaic Law restrictions (v. 9b). Other teachings included being restricted from things the priests could do, like eating what had been sacrificed, even though believers now had the same rights as the priests had (v. 10).

Hebrews 13:11-14: Next, the author describes how Jesus had been the sacrifice for us and had been made to die outside the city in disgrace (vv. 11-12). So, believers should go to where Jesus is, bearing His disgrace while we wait for the enduring city to come (vv. 13-14). This earth is not our home. Our home is in heaven, in the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 13:15-17: Verse 15 begins with the final therefore of the book. Summarizing the verses before, we are to therefore offer sacrifices of praise that confess the name of the Lord. This message was for those who were longing to participate in the sacrifices of the Jewish faith. Their blood sacrifices were no longer needed because Jesus was the sacrifice, but God wants our praises.

Sacrifices cost us something—money, time, and effort. When is the last time praise cost you something? When you had to go out of your way to offer praises? Continue to do good for others, because God is also pleased with those sacrifices (v. 16). Have confidence in leaders and submit to them, because they are held accountable not just for their own actions but for your soul as well (v. 17).

Consider: We are to live in such a way that we are a joy to lead. Do those who lead you light up when you walk into a room? Do they consider it a joy or a burden to be around you?

Hebrews 13:1819: Finally, the author asks for prayer so he can be restored to his readers. He was collecting people who would pray for him in his life (vv. 18-19)..

CLOSING

“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20–21)