Bible Verse Synopsis 5-15-25

Hebrews 13:

Hebrews 13: The final chapter of Hebrews is jam packed. Paul begins with instruction for us all. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers" - Verse 2. Angels have been strangers to those who would entertain them. This may as well happen to us! Keep your heart open to kindness towards others, especially those of the faith. Remember those who suffer for their religion as well as those that suffer in spite of their beliefs. Persecution or an inner battle does not matter. Be with those and pray for those amongst us who struggle or suffer. This is all of us. Given this set of instructions, who are we to pray for?

Paul controls to add his instructions for us. "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." - Verse 4. This seems quite explanatory. The marriage bed is the only place for sexual acts and is held in honorable esteem by God, as marriage is an event sanctioned by Him. All acts outside the limits of marriage are sin and shall be treated as such. Do not be covetous. Either of another in a sexual way, or in jealousy. Be content in what you have received from Him. "...for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you." - Verse 5. The Lord himself here tells us that He is with us always, what more could we desire that we need be covetous? If He is with us what more can we want? Is a relationship with God not enough for you? With the Lord as our helper, we should have no fear over the effect of man. The Lord will protect us and keep us safe. Know that God always keep His promises.

Respect the leaders in our Faith, assuming they have the Faith and a proper lifestyle. Our teachers and preachers are so very important and need our prayers also. Their quest is also important. The quest they represent , the quest of Jesus Christ, is their duty. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever" - Verse 8. Jesus is always the same and His image and journey should never be construed. Grace is our guide in our hearts to do the right things for Him. Receiving the Grace we have learned from our earthly and heavenly teachers, we can move forward and proclaim the Glory of God. Have you learned and felt His Grace? Do you know the relief of forgiveness that is granted by His Grace and Mercy?

Paul describes the Old Law method of saving, or covering, of man from sin. The beast of the animal was spread as a sacrifice. The New Covenant spread Christ's blood throughout the city, not just at the altar. As the animal was burned outside the city, Christ also died outside the city, at Golgotha. "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp..." - Verse 13. We know where to find Jesus, yet we often fail to look there for Him. This a simple fault of man and our ignorance and lack of willingness to ask for help. The Spirit will guide us if we ask. Spending time in prayer and seeking the site of Christ and His Glory will show us the Light of Salvation. If we seek Him, so we shall find. Our duty is not just to seek Him and to give Him our praises. "But to do good and to communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." - Verse 16. We must also act and act for others. Good deeds are part of pleasing God. Service to God and His Kingdom does not end at the end of our fingers. It extends to our involvement and our influence on others. In what ways has God called you to act for Him? Are you listening to His calling you?

Paul asks for prayers from the readers of the letter. If even Paul can ask for prayers, shouldn't we also ask for these prayers? Paul is such a wonderful example and his teachings are full of useful instruction and guidance. Let the Grace of God be with you all.