Hebrews 13:15-25
Q.1. How is God to be worshipped today? What sacrifices are we able to make in response to God’s grace? – (Heb.13:15-16)
All the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the perfect sacrifice of Christ for sinners. Nevertheless, we are expected to enter into His sufferings (1 Pet.4:12-14). Moreover – 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 (Heb.13:15). Praise is worshipping God for Who He is. Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude for what He has done, especially through Christ. However, there are times in life when we are overwhelmed with problems … and it can be hard to praise and thank God. That is when we should do so anyway, as an act of faith and as a sacrifice to the Lord. The writer also urged us to care for others – And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Heb.13:16).
Q.2. What is the role of leadership in the church? How should we respond to those appointed to such leadership? – (Heb.13:17-19 c.f. 13:7)
Paul reminded us – there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God (Rom.13:1). What then, is their authority in the church? – 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 (Heb.13:17). They are under-shepherds, held accountable to God for watching over the souls of their people. Their role is to faithfully preach the Word and to ensure that people are cared for (Acts 20:18-32). We are to follow their example and submit to their leading. Leading is painful when the people have their own agenda. The refusal to submit to our godly leaders brings trouble and heartache.
Q.3. What is it about the person and work of the Father that should give us great confidence? How should Christ’s triumph express itself in the believer? – (Heb.13:20-25)
This benediction spells out the magnificence of the provision that God has made for His children through Christ – 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 (Heb.13:20). The defeat of sin and its consequences is foundational to our welfare and ministry – Now the God of peace … 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 (Heb.13:20-21). Out of gratitude, every blood bought child of God must want to please Him. We will also want to share in Christ’s mission and support His work and His servants.