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NOVEMBER 19
Hebrews 13:1–25 not with foods which have not profited those
who have been occupied with them.
Let brotherly love continue. Do not for-
2
10 We have an altar from which those who
13 get to entertain strangers, for by so doing 11
some have unwittingly entertained angels. serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For
Remember the prisoners as if chained with
3 the bodies of those animals, whose blood is
them—those who are mistreated—since you brought into the sanctuary by the high priest
12
yourselves are in the body also. for sin, are burned outside the camp. There-
Marriage is honorable among all, and the
4 fore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the peo-
bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers ple with His own blood, suffered outside the
13
God will judge. gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside
14
the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we
have no continuing city, but we seek the one to
come. Therefore by Him let us continually
15
offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the
fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
13:4 honorable. God highly honors marriage, 16
which He instituted at creation (Gen.2:24);but But do not forget to do good and to share, for
some people in the early church considered with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
celibacy to be holier than marriage, an idea 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be sub-
Paul strongly denounces in 1 Timothy 4:3. missive, for they watch out for your souls, as
Sexual activity in a marriage is pure, but any those who must give account. Let them do so
sexual activity outside marriage brings one with joy and not with grief, for that would be
under divine judgment. God will judge. God unprofitable for you.
prescribes serious consequences for sexual 18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we
immorality. have a good conscience, in all things desiring
to live honorably. But I especially urge you to
19
do this, that I may be restored to you the
sooner.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; 20
5
be content with such things as you have. For Now may the God of peace who brought up
He Himself has said, “I will never leave you our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great
nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of
6
21
the everlasting covenant, make you complete
“The LORD is my helper; in every good work to do His will, working in
I will not fear. you what is well pleasing in His sight, through
What can man do to me?” Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
Remember those who rule over you, who 22
7
have spoken the word of God to you, whose And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with
faith follow, considering the outcome of their the word of exhortation, for I have written to
23
conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, you in few words. Know that our brother
8
today, and forever. Do not be carried about Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall
9
with various and strange doctrines. For it is see you if he comes shortly.
24
good that the heart be established by grace, Greet all those who rule over you, and all
the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
13:17 rule over you.The pastors/elders of the
church exercise the very authority of Christ
when they preach, teach, and apply Scripture
(Acts 20:28; 1 Thess. 5:12,13). They serve the 13:21 make you complete. This is not the
church on behalf of Christ and must give Him Greek word for “perfect” or “perfection” used
an account of their faithfulness. These may throughout Hebrews to indicate salvation but
include both secular and spiritual rulers. Even is a word which is translated “prepared”in 10:5
those who do not acknowledge God are nev- and “framed” in 11:3. It refers to believers
ertheless ordained and used by Him (Rom. being edified.The verb has the idea of equip-
13:1,4). joy. The church is responsible to help ping by means of adjusting, shaping, mend-
its leaders do their work with satisfaction and ing, restoring, or preparing (11:3; 1 Cor. 1:10;
delight. 2Cor. 13:11; 2 Tim. 3:17).
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