Sometimes, when I study the
scriptures, I like to have a format or theme to work within so I can focus my
thoughts in a particular direction. Hebrews 13 give us a great opportunity to
look for answers to specific questions. Paul
concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements
of counsel.
As we read Hebrews 13 let’s find statements about the
following questions:
•
How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?
In verses 1-3 Paul gives us
council to show love and compassion to strangers, those in bonds, and those who
suffer adversity. He reminds us that we all have our own struggles and that we
should love each other no matter what our circumstances. So what does he mean
by “bonds”? I can think of a few forms of being in bondage. Perhaps we know
someone who struggles with addition to a substance or activity such as
pornography or gambling or even their sexual orientation. Perhaps we know
someone who is in the bonds of debt. Perhaps we know someone who is bound up in
a body that is sick or wearing out. Perhaps we know someone who is in bondage
to a mental or physical infirmity.
No matter what other people
struggle with, we should love them anyway.
•
How is marriage looked upon?
Marriage is honorable but comes
with many responsibilities. When you have entered into the covenant of marriage
you are commanded to remain faithful to your spouse. Those who violate the laws
of chastity will be judged by God. There is no room for error here. Adultery
and whoremongers will have to answer to God one day for their actions.
•
What warnings are given about covetousness?
When we covet we put in
jeopardy our relationship with the Lord. He has promised to always be with us
and not forsake him. Therefore, if we live in a state of coveting what we do
not have we run the risk of losing that constant companionship of the Lord.
•
What is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever”?
We are creative creatures. We
are constantly coming up with new ideas and new ways of doing things. “New and
Improved” is a common tag line used to sell goods and services. However, when
it comes to the Lord and his gospel, there is no such thing as “New and
Improved”. His laws are the same today as they were thousands of years ago and
they will not change over time. Some will look to the things taught in church
as old fashioned or irrelevant to our day and time. This is complete
foolishness and should never be given even an ounce of your time. The Lord’s
ways will never be old fashioned and irrelevant.
•
How are we sanctified?
We are sanctified through the
atonement of Jesus Christ. It is by his sacrifice in Gethsemane and on the
cross in Calvary that our sins were atoned for. He suffered so that we could
one day return to our Father.
•
How do we respond to those who rule over us?
First we must look to the
footnotes to see who Paul is referring to here as our rulers. Reference 17a
notes TG Sustaining Church Leaders. Therefore if our rules are our church
leaders and we sustain them then we are saying, with our sustaining vote, that
we will support them in any way that they need us to help them fulfill their
callings. So how should we respond to the council and loving guidance we
receive from them? With submissiveness and humility.
•
Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?
Paul finished up this chapter
by calling upon the members to pray for him and the other leaders of the
church. These were perilous times and their lives were in constant danger. Is
today any different? I don’t think so. Although the threat of death may not be
plaguing our leaders today they certainly still need our prayers for strength,
guidance, and to continue to lead us in righteousness.
Now that we have explored
Hebrews 13 with certain questions in mind can you see how this way of studying
the scriptures can add more depth and meaning to the words you read? I hope you
have enjoyed this exercise.
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