Living Out Our Christian Faith

Transcription

1 Hebrews Lesson 18 Home Study Questions Living Out Our Christian Faith Hebrews 13 If you have ever experienced being away from people normally in your care, or leaving others to work without your suggestions and participation, you can well understand Hebrews 13. Oh, remember this, says our author. Oh yes, I have said it before, but you must not forget to... This chapter is related to all that has been written before and records the last-minute thoughts of a concerned leader urging those he oversees to Christian maturity. We modern readers have much to gain by paying close attention to this epistle s conclusion. Day One Write God s Word for the week: Hebrews 13:15. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that confess His name. Hebrews 13:1-6 What to Do for Others 1. a. From 13:1-3, identify the people for whom we have the responsibility of love and concern. b. What does the short phrase as if (13:3) imply our attitude should be while expressing our love and concern? c. For personal thought: Record at least one action you can take this week to apply these verses to a specific situation in your life. 2. a. Briefly list the ethical and practical exhortations found in Hebrews 13:1-5. 1) 2)

2 208 Hebrews Lesson 18 Home Study Questions 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) b. For personal thought: Which one of these: 1) is easiest for you? 2) is hardest for you? 3. a. For what reason are believers encouraged to be content? b. What is the response we can make with confidence? Day Two Write God s Word for the week: Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:7-12 What to Do for Ourselves 4. a. From 13:7, what must we do as we continue in a life of faith? b. For personal thought: Think of a significant Christian leader in your life who spoke the word of God to you. What about them do you admire and would like to imitate? 5. What comfort do you find in 13:8?

3 Home Study Questions Hebrews Lesson a. Verses 9-12 use figurative language to contrast Jesus sacrifice with the Jewish sacrifices that would have been familiar to the readers of Hebrews. The Hebrew sacrifice was offered to God on the altar. What is the Christian counterpart of the Jewish altar? (See Colossians 1:19-20.) b. For further study: According to Leviticus 4:1-12, what is the significance of taking the remains of the sin offering outside the camp to burn? c. When the author speaks of Jesus suffering outside the city gate (Hebrews 13:12), what event and place is he referring to? (See John 19:17-18.) Day Three Write God s Word for the week: Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:13-17 What to Do Together 7. a. Explain how a Christian can exercise the instruction of 13:13 today. b. How does our acceptance of the statement in 13:14 make a difference in obeying the exhortation of verse 13? (See also 12:22-24.) c. For personal thought: What is it about the city that is to come that you are looking forward to? (See Revelation 21:1-5.)

4 210 Hebrews Lesson 18 Home Study Questions 8. a. From 13:15-17, what are the acceptable sacrifices that are to be offered by those in the community of faith? b. Why do many people find these sacrifices difficult to fulfill? 9. a. According to Hebrews 13:7, 17, what is the primary work of a leader? b. What do the following verses reveal about genuine Christian leadership? 1) Ephesians 3:7-9 2) 1 Peter 5:1-3 Day Four Write God s Word for the week: Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:18-21 What to Do Is Demonstrated 10. a. What one thing does the author ask for and depend upon here? b. What does the author accept as his own responsibility to assure his usefulness in the ministry? 11. a. In two short verses (13:20-21) at least four things are revealed about God. List as many of them as you can.

5 Home Study Questions Hebrews Lesson b. Which of these is most important or meaningful to you? Why? 12. Why is it significant that this covenant is eternal? (Compare 8:13.) 13. In 13:15 and 21, the phrase through Jesus is used. Explain the meaning of this phrase as you understand it. Day Five Write God s Word for the week: Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:22-25 P.S.: What to Do for Now 14. a. For further study: The author says he has written only a short letter. According to 5:11; 9:5; and 11:32, what more might have been added? b. What is the underlying tone or spirit of the letter, as revealed by the very last sentence?

6 212 Hebrews Lesson 18 Home Study Questions Apply What You Have Learned Keep on loving each other (Hebrews 13:1). When are we to love? Always. How are we to love? As if you yourselves were suffering (13:3). The prophet Isaiah described the coming Messiah as a man of sorrows and acquainted with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). While Jesus walked the earth, He reached out in compassion to those He encountered who were burdened with sins, hunger, emotional pain, and various kinds of sickness (Luke 4:40). When we allow the Holy Spirit to show us the needs around us, we will find many opportunities to lovingly lift the burdens of others. Is it easy to love others? No, it is not. But it is encouraging to remember that God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Day Six: Class Notes

7 Commentary Hebrews Lesson Day Seven Living Out Our Christian Faith Hebrews 13 Virtually every New Testament book has a mingling of doctrinal and practical instruction. In the Epistles, teachings on doctrinal matters are presented first, followed by ethical and moral applications to Christian living. While ethics has to do with standards of conduct, there can be no ethics without their foundations being established first. The doctrinal exposition of Hebrews 1 12 lays the groundwork upon which the practical applications in chapter 13 are based. First-century Christians shone like lights in the darkness of their surrounding pagan societies. The author urges his readers to sustain this unique difference, in spite of failing cultural behaviors, by exhibiting truth through the practice of high moral standards. Paul wrote to Titus, In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us (Titus 2:7-8). In similar fashion the author of Hebrews exhorted his readers in earlier chapters to go on to maturity. Now, in chapter 13, the principles and practices of chief concern to him and his readers are specifically addressed. I. General Christian Obligations (Hebrews 13:1-6) Keep on loving each other as brothers (13:1). The primary Christian virtue is love. The particular love named here is philadelphia brotherly love, the love of fellow Christians. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death (1 John 3:14). This love among believers pleases God. Brotherly love is important because it demonstrates obedience to Christ s commands and thereby offers proof to the world of belonging to Him. Jesus said, All men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). As parents are delighted when they see their children caring for each other, so God is pleased when mutual love exists between His children. Like faith, love proves itself by compassionate deeds. Hebrews 13:2 suggests how this love may be expressed: The readers must open their homes to visitors and be generous with what they own. In the ancient world, hospitality frequently meant housing a guest for the night. There were few inns, and most of them were of poor reputation and high cost. Christian travelers especially needed to be able to count on a warm welcome at the home of fellow believers. The author reminds his readers of the generosity of the Old Testament saints who, without realizing it, entertained angels and received the blessing of God (Genesis 18:3; 19:2).

8 214 Hebrews Lesson 18 Commentary Think about how the Word of God clearly speaks to the importance of being hospitable. The New Testament urges hospitality as an expression of Christian virtue. In particular, Paul urged the Romans to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13). Peter exhorted his readers to be hospitable to each other (1 Peter 4:7-9). John praised his readers for their hospitality to previously unknown brothers in ministry. The author of Hebrews said to welcome strangers, who might actually be angels. Most of us invite only friends to whom we owe a dinner! The art the gift of hospitality is largely neglected. Yet wonderful opportunities for enjoyment often result from informal, spontaneous plans. How long has it been since you asked someone to share a simple meal? Or an evening of conversation and caring? You may be missing a hidden blessing! What if that stranger you ve been intending to reach out to is really an angel in disguise? Brotherly love must also extend to those in prison (Hebrews 13:3). In the days when the New Testament was written, prisoners had a very hard lot. Many were in prison because of their faith. But whatever the reason, some measure of comfort is due the prisoner. Christians are called to express compassion, sympathy, and empathy. Those who are mistreated (13:3) may refer to prisoners, but it is a more general category and certainly may refer to neighbors or family. Secular records from this period mention that Christians visited their fellow believers in prison and brought them food and necessities. How should love affect marriage? Everywhere in Scripture marriage is guarded against harm. In 13:4 its protection is emphasized by one word honored. The author wants to preserve the rightful place of marriage as an ordinance of God because it is fundamental to social stability. In the1 st -century Roman Empire, marriage was held to be essential, but not an honorable bond; thus there was widespread immorality. Jews and Christians stood out among their contemporaries for advocating sexual purity and monogamous commitment. In this context, the writer urges readers to honor marriage by opposing two extremes: (1) asceticism, in which marriage and sexual intercourse were objected to on the basis that the body must be denied; and (2) complete sexual license and indiscretion. Marriage and sex within marriage are clearly approved in Scripture. Adultery and fornication, however, are impure and come under God s judgment because they are violations of genuine love. Another false love is the love of money, or covetousness. A materialistic society values money above spiritual, moral, and ethical standards. Therefore, the author recommends that believers be content with what they have (13:5). Food, clothing, and shelter are essential to life, but an undue concern about material things hinders true service and worship. In Jesus words, You cannot serve both God and Money (Matthew 6:24). The quotations that follow in 13:5-6 (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 118:6) are pertinent to the Hebrew Christians who had undergone persecution. God had not forsaken them; they had no need to fear what men might do. No one could rob them of true, lasting possessions.

9 Commentary Hebrews Lesson Think about how Keep on loving each other (Hebrews 13:1) could be paraphrased, Keep on giving what is best for each other. We should be hospitable to friends and strangers, and we should visit the sick and imprisoned. To give love and help without regard to merit is to love others as God loves us (Romans 5:6-8). The author is next concerned with marriage, the most deliberate commitment of all loving relationships. Regardless of whether it is happy or unhappy, pleasant or difficult, marriage is to be honored. Adultery dishonors the bond of marriage because it betrays a solemn commitment. When marriage, an essential building block in any society, is strengthened and stabilized, so is the society that is built upon it. The warning against adultery leads to the consideration of another form of selfishness a grasping desire for money. That which should provide contentment becomes instead a temptation and a trap (1 Timothy 6:6-10). The desire to accumulate things supersedes the desire to put money to good use. Jesus said, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). What we love reveals the condition of our hearts; therefore it is no wonder that Hebrews 13:5-6 is included in the midst of a discussion about love. II. A Call to Constancy (Hebrews 13:7-14) The Hebrew Christians find the proof of 13:5-6 in the character and teaching of their former leaders. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith, the author says (13:7). The outcome of their way of life may even have been martyrdom. The fruits of their labors and the way in which they committed themselves to the Lord the way they lived and perhaps even died is held up as a pattern to follow. Their former teachers surely spoke of Jesus Christ of His sacrifice, ascension, and present work on their behalf. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (13:8). Yesterday includes offering Himself to God as the atoning sacrifice. Today He represents and intercedes for His people in God s presence (4:14-16). Forever includes His work in the consummation of history (9:28), and His faithfulness to those who currently follow Him (7:24-25), as well as those who will follow Him in the future. The faithfulness of Jesus Christ is the same for all time. Christ has not changed; therefore the readers should not abandon the truth of their former teachings for strange new doctrines that can cause them to drift away (2:1). The unchanging nature of Christ stands in contrast to changing trends of thought. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings (13:9). These strange teachings may have been adaptations of Jewish thought to Christianity. They are called this not because they are odd, but because they are contrary to the fundamentals of New Testament teaching. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace (13:9). God s divine power works by grace, through solid teaching, to firmly establish one s heart in the truth (Ephesians 4:14-15), and by grace believers are enabled to stand firm in that truth.

10 216 Hebrews Lesson 18 Commentary Hebrews 13:9 also mentions a doctrine that threatened the readers understanding and exercise of their faith. Ceremonial foods may refer to the Old Testament practice of officiating priests eating sacrificial animals, or it may allude to the distinction between clean and unclean food that caused problems in the early churches (Hebrews 9:10; Colossians 2:16). Food ceremonies among pagan worshipers also could have been a source of difficulty for the Hebrew believers. The subject of foods eventually became important enough for the Council at Jerusalem to consider it at length (Acts 15). Christians should have nothing to do with imposed food ceremonies for a very distinct reason: We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat (Hebrews 13:10). By virtue of His sacrifice, Christ has made the old altar and its sacrifices obsolete. Christ is the believers spiritual food (John 6:51). The Old Testament offering of atonement anticipates the complete forgiveness that would come, once for all, through Jesus death on the cross. Hebrews 13:11-12 make the point that the bodies of the animals sacrificed on the Day of Atonement were burned outside the camp. On this particular day, the sacrifices were not eaten by the priest or by the people. Taking them outside the vicinity of the city symbolized the removal of Israel s sin. Being outside the camp (13:11) also symbolized being outside the fellowship of God and His people. In order to show that Christ s blood sanctified the people and that He bore their sins (9:12-14), He, too, suffered outside the city gate of Jerusalem, on Calvary (13:12). The people rejected Him, and God temporarily rejected Him when He became the sin-bearer. His death outside the city walls symbolized that rejection. However, a new step is added those who follow Jesus are to go to Him outside the camp (13:13). There must be a complete break from the old camp of Judaism with its ordinances and rituals. They are exhorted to look to their leaders for the example of enduring faith and to gladly bear with the Savior the disgrace of His expulsion. No longer should they partake of symbolic cleansing, but instead partake of benefits from the living, interceding Savior. The primary reason for doing away with the old system is that its purpose has been fulfilled. That which endures belongs to the spiritual, eternal order. Believers are pilgrims and strangers on earth. But they are wayfarers for only a short time as they anticipate the eternal city that is coming (13:14). Think about how, when God spoke through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), the new covenant was instituted; the old temple was destroyed, and man s opportunity to have fellowship with God was broadened. The ministry of Jesus began among the Jews, but His death on the cross was for the whole world; His parting words to His disciples were you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). However, the first church in Jerusalem struggled with this new inclusiveness. In fact, the church has struggled with that ever since. Something inside man gives him

11 Commentary Hebrews Lesson the inclination to avoid others unlike himself. This tendency to be exclusive does not change automatically for a Christian. Yet the church is commanded to go make disciples! (Matthew 28:19). That is risky. Being identified with Christ may bring disgrace or the loss of personal comfort and convenience. Nevertheless, the call to be His witnesses, to go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore, is not an option. III. The Christians Sacrifices Praise And Service (Hebrews 13:15-19) Just as Christ offered Himself as a better sacrifice than that of animals, His followers may also offer a sacrifice surpassing the old a sacrifice of praise and service. The Old Testament thank offering included an animal sacrifice (Leviticus 7:12), which was ultimately rendered obsolete by Christ s death. As a result, the sacrifice of thanksgiving for Christians is now a spiritual offering (1 Peter 2:5-6). Every believer senses the desire to respond in praise or thanksgiving for the gift of Christ for all He has done and continues to do. Surely God is to be praised for the availability of the Scriptures, for the beauty of His creation, and for the way He transforms the inner man. All this and much more inspires adoration to the point that praise continually should pour forth from the hearts of believers to the heart of God. The fruit of lips that confess His name describes our audible gratitude that comes before God as an acceptable sacrifice [offering] of praise (Hebrews 13:15). In natural sequence, the sacrifice of praise is followed by the sacrifice of service: Do not forget to do good and to share with others (13:16). Out of a proper response to God comes a proper response to people. Ministry to the needs of others was characteristic of the Hebrew Christians (10:33-34), and it is expected of all believers until the end of this age (6:10). Doing good is an important part of New Testament doctrine, although some may minimize its importance for fear of teaching salvation by works. But Jesus commanded His disciples to perform good works, and He expects the same of His followers today (Ephesians 2:10). Striking a personal note in Hebrews 13:18, the author asks for prayer on his behalf and leaves the modern reader with many questions. Does the mention of a clear conscience suggest that charges had been brought against him? The structure of 13:18-19 suggests an editorial use of we, by which the author speaks of himself. He desires to live honorably, leaving the reader to wonder if advocates of Jewish law had slandered his name. He desires to be restored to the readers of this letter soon. Where was he at this time? What kept him from them? Answers to these questions are pure conjecture. But most importantly, he believes that prayer can make a difference in matters that are beyond his control. As he has urged others to do, he now places his confidence in the Lord.

12 218 Hebrews Lesson 18 Commentary IV. Concluding Prayer and Final Exhortations (Hebrews 13:20-25) After asking his readers to pray for him, the author records a prayer on their behalf. The precision of content, the poetic form, and the evidence of deep care are striking. The prayer may have been in current use in the church, or it may have been composed for future liturgical use. The phrase the God of peace (13:20) is fitting when one remembers the dissensions and threats of apostasy among the readers. God is described as One who creates peace among and in His people. Only here in verse 20 does the writer speak specifically of the Resurrection. It is implied when he mentions Christ s exaltation in the heavens (1:3) and writes of the great High Priest who has gone through the heavens (4:14). The covenant sealed by Jesus blood, unlike the covenant of Law, is eternal. The phrase that great Shepherd of the sheep (13:20) is modeled after Isaiah 63:11. It was brought from the Old Testament to the New Testament when Jesus taught that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). The author asks God to equip the readers to do everything their commitment to Christ requires. Doing God s will is the highest ideal of human life. It is never a purely human achievement but requires divine grace and power. The doxology to whom be glory for ever and ever (Hebrews 13:21) may be ascribed either to God (the subject of the sentence) or to Christ (the nearest antecedent). Glory belongs to both Father and Son for ever and ever (John 17:1-5). The author then adds a P.S. The great benediction and prayer is finished; common-sense admonitions follow. Hebrews 13:23 contains news: Our brother Timothy has been released. Only one Timothy is known in the New Testament the protégé of the apostle Paul who served on missions with him. The language indicates the warm relationship of Timothy, the writer, and his readers. The writer says if Timothy arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. Surely this prompted joyous hope and fervent prayer. The letter concludes with a prayer for grace, which is appropriate because grace is its major theme. When Christ s work is spoken of, the writer explains that by the grace of God Christ tasted death for everyone (2:9). Readers are invited to approach the throne of grace to find grace to help in time of need (4:16). The seriousness of apostasy is pointed out regarding those who have insulted the Spirit of grace (10:29); readers are warned to make sure that no one misses the grace of God (12:15); and the heart needs to be strengthened by grace (13:9). The author obviously realizes the importance of the doctrine of grace, but his emphasis demands more than an intellectual understanding of the concept. It reveals as well an emotional and spiritual experience of the grace he emphasizes.

13 Commentary Hebrews Lesson Personalize this lesson. Hebrews begins: In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1-3) At the end comes this: May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (13:20-21) These two passages bracket the message of Hebrews. The emphasis of both is on the Lord Jesus Christ who He is, what He has done, and what He is presently doing. God the Father chose to reveal Himself in Jesus and to work through Him to create, sustain, save, and purify mankind. He appointed Him heir of all things and designated Him to equip the saints by His power to live holy lives. The emphasis of the entire book is on Jesus: He is lifted up for everyone to see. His beauty and His work are set forth. The book of Hebrews has been called the fifth Gospel because it completes the story that the four Gospels began. It is the only place in the New Testament where we learn of Jesus present ministry on behalf of God s people. All the ancient patterns that God established the sacrifices, the tabernacle, and the priesthood were shadows of Jesus before His Incarnation. He perfectly fulfilled those sacrifices; He completely portrayed every aspect of the tabernacle; and He thoroughly fulfilled their purpose. What He lived and died to do is finished, completed, fulfilled. Now He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (1:3). There is a work, however, in which Jesus Christ is still engaged. He is equipping the saints for service and is serving as our High Priest. It is as our High Priest that He is uniquely portrayed in Hebrews. If we fail to comprehend this truth, we will miss a major part of the author s purpose in writing Hebrews and God s reason for preserving it. The Lord understands our frailty (4:15); He bids us come with confidence to receive mercy and grace (4:16); He will always be there for us will never leave us or forsake us (13:5). He has entered heaven itself and serves in the heavenly sanctuary for us (8:1-2); He continually pleads for us there (7:25). Surely the Holy Spirit wants to use this message to urge each of us to bear with God s word of exhortation (13:22). May it accomplish in our lives the purpose for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). The Word of God will judge the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12), and Jesus will bring us to maturity if we allow Him the freedom to work in our lives (13:21). Now may grace be with you all (13:25)!

14 220 Hebrews Lesson 18 Commentary Jesus To whom be glory for ever and ever. I. Hebrews 1:1 2:18 Jesus Is the Superior Son A. Son 1:1-14 B. Savior 2:1-9 C. Sanctifier 2:10-18 II. Hebrews 3:1 4:16 Believers Must Consider Their Options A. Compare 3:1-6 B. Carelessness 3:7-19 C. Confidence 4:1-16 III. Hebrews 5:1 7:28 Jesus Is the Superior Priest A. Encouragement 5:1-10 B. Exhortation 5:11 6:18 C. Example 6:19 7:28 IV. Hebrews 8:1 10:18 Jesus Is the Superior Mediator A. Covenant 8:1 9:10 B. Comparison 9:11-28 C. Completion 10:1-18 V. Hebrews 10:19 13:25 Believers Must Consider Their Conduct A. Persevere 10:19-39 B. Pay Attention 11:1-40 C. Practice Faith 12:1 13:25