Hebrews 13

Heb 13:1-6 NASB  Let love of the brethren continue.  (2)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.  (3)  Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.  (4)  Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.  (5)  Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”  (6)  so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”

  • In verse 1, who are the brethren?
  • In verse 2-8, where should the love be directed?
    • Strangers
    • Marriage
    • Possessions
  • How does the author suggest that the love of money and things affects our relationship with God?  Do you agree?
  • What is the opposite of the “love of money” according to the author of Hebrews?
  • Who is the ultimate source of contentment and love?
  • Can you recall a time when this was particularly true for you?

Heb 13:7-12 NIV  Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. 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 carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.  (10)  We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.  (11)  The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp.  (12)  And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.

  • What does the author advise that the Hebrews should imitate?  What are they to consider about their leaders?
  • Since we are all leaders in many ways in our lives, what should we learn from verse 7?
  • Do you see the warning in verses 8 and 9 still relevant for today as it was in 68-69AD?
  • What do you think the author means to have the heart strengthened by grace rather than ceremonial foods?
  • Who are the We and those “who minister at the tabernacle”?
  • What is the altar that the “We” have versus the one that the ministers at the tabernacle have?  What does that mean to you?
  • RE: Verses 11:12
    • What access did the Gentiles have to the Most Holy Place (the altar in the Temple in Jerusalem)?
    • Why are the bodies of the sacrifices taken outside the city and burned?
    • What does the author emphasize by point out that Jesus was sacrificed outside the city gates instead of in the Most Holy place of the Jews?

Heb 13:13-19 NASB  So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.  (14)  For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which 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 give thanks to His name.  (16)  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  (17)  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.  (18)  Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.  (19)  And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

  • Now, the author picks up on the “outside the camp” or city of Jerusalem.
  • Why is this important to the Hebrews and to the Gentiles?
  • Why is it important to understand that their lasting city is not Jerusalem?
  • Verse 15 – what is the sacrifice being offered now (instead of the blood of animals)?
  • What does the author advise in verses 17-19.

Heb 13:20-25 NASB  Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,  (21)  equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.  (22)  But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.  (23)  Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.  (24)  Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.  (25)  Grace be with you all.