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. Hebrews 13:5 is a verse for our generation. We have such an affinity for money and loved luxury. Contentment is a Christ centred attribute. The promise with contentment is that our Lord “will never leave you, nor forsake you”. That is a worth far above rubies, a Rolls or a Rolex. Therefore live without fear or folly, vs 6 “"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?".
3. Hey leaders in the church. Take note of how you live. Others are called to watch and consider your life in Christ and then imitate you, Heb 13:7. How you tracking?
4. Godliness profits a lot. Don’t be consumed by food, which has its root in gluttony and idol worship. Even though the writer is focussed on food dedicated in OT law sacrifices we see other application in the verse. The writer says good teaching and grace give strength, vs 9, not a devotion to food. We certainly see the addiction to food with the rise of type 2 diabetics and the weight epidemic we are experiencing in the west. The writer says there is no benefit in being devoted to food. Indeed so, there is harm.
5. 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.
6. 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 statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson group Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group starts back Sunday week.
Prayer Points
1. Pray about your involvement in a ministry, giving, hospitality.
2. Families of victims of the Bondi Junction massacre. Pray for healing, comfort and hope.
3. Anna has started a Playgroup and it was blessed, pray for more families to be reached.
4. Conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
5. Those who are considering baptism.
6. Church finances to cover all expenses.
7. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups and Mothers Day event.
8. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons in the church cafe. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
9. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
10. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise the Lord for Doug’s message on Sunday and the great job done by the worship team.
2. Praise the Lord for ministry opportunities at Playgroup as it started back.
3. Pray for Richard as he recovers from his operation last week. Operation successful
4. Tad has had iron injections and is feeling much better. Continue to pray for Glenys as she continues to recover at home. Any encouragement you can give will be greatly appreciated.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Playgroup 9:30-11am on Friday.
2. Mothers Day event at church Sat morning, 11th May
3. Monday evening prayer with Mathys on the café 5:30-6pm
4. Life Groups start back Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
5. Kids@Church every Sunday.
6. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
7. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 20. How do you know that you have a soul? A. Because the Bible tells me so.
