Concluding remarks and edification in this final chapter to the book of Hebrews. There are many similarities to how Paul would sign off. You be the judge.
Hebrews 13: Sacrifices Pleasing to God
1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.
12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.
25 Grace be with all of you.
Things to think about…
1. Hebrews 13 gives the whole point of the book. While Hebrews is very theological with respect to the person and work of Christ and His fulfilment of the law and prophets, the point of it all is the practical application of this knowledge in the people of God. Hence the opening line – ‘Let brotherly love continue’, Heb 13:1. Consider all the other practical things that are listed – hospitality vs 2, visiting brothers in prison, vs 3, honouring God in marriage, vs 4, be content vs 5, acknowledging leaders vs 7, don’t be led by strange teaching vs 9, offer praise to God vs 15, do good and share vs 16, obey church leaders without complaining vs 17, pray vs 18. All practical things that are influenced by a person’s theology.
2. After the author addresses the practical outworking of faith we see the ultimate purpose of writing the book is that Jesus may “equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever”, Heb 13:21. In this way we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, for His glory.
3. The final greetings in Heb 13:22-25 give very strong indicators that this letter was in fact written by the Apostle Paul. He mentions Timothy who was his beloved disciple, he sends final greetings to the ‘leaders and saints’ which is a very Pauline trait at the end of his letters. He mentions Italy which is where he was imprisoned for two years, Acts 28:30, Phil 1:13. Finally he signs off with a trademark which he says is his very own ‘Grace be with you all’. He mentions this as his signature signoff in 2Thess 3:17, 18 also cf 1Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18. But to make this point slightly in doubt John also signs off in Rev 22:28 with the same signoff Paul also uses I.E “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you”. So did Paul write Hebrews? I think so, but you be the judge.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Keeping an open mind and heart” – Reading Hebrews 3:7-19.
1. We have all done some things in our past that we are not very proud of. We have gone against wise counsel or done some things that we knew were plain wrong. Can you share something dumb that you have done and later regretted?
2. The writer to the Hebrews is writing to Jews who knew the law of Moses very well, yet they were not following after Christ the way they should. He says that the ancient Israelites in the wilderness didn’t enter the promised land because of unbelief. He used the example of the hardness of heart to what they received in the wilderness. What did they receive, who did this represent?
3. Many disciples turned away from Jesus when He said eat my body and drink my blood. He said he was the manna that came down from heaven in John 6. How are the Jews still missing this today? In what ways do we do the same thing through religion, lack of bible study, lack of meeting together?
Prayer Points
1. That the reversal of Rowe v Wade has a profound effect on future children yet unborn.
2. Safety for those travelling over the school holidays.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing. Karen Goltz atm.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Good response to Newscop article from Ukraine.
2. More new folk came to CBC on Sunday.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
4. Café helpers on Sunday.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for June...
Q. 5. Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again? A. Yes; "There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and the unjust.
