 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[a] 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. Benediction20 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 Greetings22 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. Meditation Christians have “received a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (12:28), so we live with unshakable faith by “seeking first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Faith that counts us as righteous before God compels us to continue to unshakably engage all of life for the glory of God. Unshakable faith shows love to brothers, sisters, strangers, and prisoners (1-3). Unshakable faith celebrates God’s design for life and love (4) as it shares all resources entrusted to us from above (4). Unshakable faith knows Jesus promises to be with us always (5-6) and that is enough! We are content and have concrete confidence through Christ in all we do. Unshakable faith submits to God’s leadership in His family (7-8, 17), His word (9), and His work (10-11). Unshakable faith suffers the reproach King Jesus endured (12-13) and “seeks the city that is yet to come” (14). We receive God’s grace in our hearts and live for God’s glory through our lips (15) and lives (16). Christians continue in faith by glorifying God in speaking and sharing with others. Unshakable faith serves under the banner of God’s victory. The benediction of this beautiful letter sinks the roots of our faith deeply into the soil of God’s sovereign grace. Christ, whose blood seals a better covenant and resurrection, ushers in new realities, He is our shepherd. He is with us everywhere and will equip us to continue with unshakable faith to fruitfully live for the glory of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Richly Dwelling -Chapter 13 moves from exposition to exhortation, encouraging believers to live all of life for the glory of God. Which application of unshakable faith sticks out to you most? Why? -Which application of unshakable faith is the biggest hurdle for you? -How does the benediction, the blessing of God, empower you to live more faithfully and fruitfully for the glory of God? Be specific. Key Verse 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. Comments are closed.
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