Explore the Bible Series for November 26: ‘Love one another’ is more than a suggestion

Posted: 11/16/06

Explore the Bible Series for November 26

‘Love one another’ is more than a suggestion

• Hebrews 13:1-25

By Howard Anderson

Diversified Spiritual Associates, San Antonio

Chapter 13 of Hebrews focuses on some of the essential practical ethics of Christian living. These ethics help portray the true gospel to the world, encourage others to believe in Christ and bring glory to God. Jesus wants Christians to love one another (John 15:12).

People to love (Hebrews 13:1-6)

The writer to the Hebrews outlines five essential qualities of the Christian life. He commands his fellow Hebrews to preserve what they had. He says, “Let brotherly love continue.” As Christians, we should avoid unsympathetic treatment of men and women who lose their faith. We must remain true to our faith, but we must show a kindness to the men and women who have strayed from it.

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“Forget not to entertain strangers.” Hospitality was an article of ancient religion, and a guest was loved and honored. Hospitality was necessary in the circle of the Christians. Wandering preachers always were on the roads, and because of the price and moral atmosphere of the public inns, they were not embraced. Christianity should be the religion of the open door. The writer to the Hebrews says those who have given hospitality to strangers have sometimes, unaware, entertained the angels of God.

“Remember those in bonds … which suffer adversity” In the ancient world, the Christian often landed in prison and worse. It might be for their faith; it might be for debt; and it might be pirates captured them. It was then that the Christian church went into action. We must have sympathy for those in trouble.

“Marriage is honorable.” God highly honors marriage, which he instituted at creation (Genesis 2:24). Some people in the early church considered celibacy to be holier than marriage. Sexual activity in a marriage is pure. God prescribes serious consequences for sexual immorality (Ephesians 5:3-6).

“Be without covetousness; and be content.” Christians must be free from the love of money. We must be content with what we have and possess the continual presence and help of God (Joshua 1:5).

Leaders to imitate (Hebrews 13:7-11)

The writer reminds the Hebrews of their own faithful leaders within the church. He also outlines the duties of pastors: rule, speak the word of God, and establish the pattern of faith for the people to follow (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The duty of the preacher is not so much to talk to people about Christ as to show them Christ in their own life. We must recognize that people do not listen as much to what the preacher is saying as to what the preacher is.

Clearly there was some false teaching going on in the church to which this letter was written. The writer did not need to describe the false teaching; however, his readers knew all about it. Some of them had succumbed to the false teaching and all were in danger of it. The Mosaic law had regulations for everything, including food (Leviticus 11). But for Christians, those laws were repealed (Romans 14:17).

“An altar” stood for the benefits of the sacrifices. In Christianity, it stands for the benefits of the death of Christ as well as being a place to meet God.

In verse 11, a comparison is made of the sacrifice of beasts and that of Christ. The bullock was an offering for the sins of the High Priest and the goat was an offering for the sins of the people and must be totally consumed with fire in a place outside the camp (Leviticus 16:27). They were sin offerings and the worshippers could not eat their flesh.

Ministry to perform (Hebrews 13:12-16)

The parallel for him is complete because Christ, too, was sacrificed “without the gate”—outside the city wall of Jerusalem. Jesus Christ was a sin offering for humankind.

As Christ bore reproach by being led as a criminal outside of Jerusalem to die, we must be willing to bear persecution for him (2 Timothy 3:12).

Under the new covenant, God desires the praise and thanksgiving of his people rather than an offering of animals or grain. New Testament believers are all priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9) and have offerings of praise and thanks to God (Rom. 12:1).

In verse 16, the sacrifices of praise coming from the lips of God’s people please him only when accompanied by loving action (James 1:27). Be concerned about your fellow believers! Show mercy as the true sacrifice that is pleasing to God! Share everything you have!

Leaders to assist (Hebrews 13:17-19)

The pastor of a church exercises the authority of Jesus Christ when he preaches, teaches and interprets Scripture (Acts 20:28). The pastor serves the church on behalf of Jesus Christ and must give an account of his faithfulness (1 Peter 5:1-4). The church is responsible to help its leaders do their work “with joy” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Benediction and conclusion (Hebrews 13:20-25)

This benediction is among the most beautiful in Scripture (Numbers 6:24-26; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Jude 24-25). This benediction is an example of how grace can be manifested in mutual blessing and prayer.

“Suffer the word of exhortation” encourages us to receive the message with open minds and warm hearts. Timothy is “set at liberty,” but the details of his imprisonment are unknown (2 Timothy 4:11, 21). We will be equipped with everything good through Jesus Christ.

“Grace be with you all.” Let us sing the praises of the giver of old laws and new. Let us pray to receive grace from him so that by observing the divine laws we may attain the promised goods in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Discussion questions

• Why is love such an important part of being a Christian? Is it possible to be a mean Christian?

• What will you do to show the love of Christ to someone else this week?