Community Bible Study Engaging the Book of Hebrews

By: Ray Johnson

Lesson 18 Final Lesson Living Out Our Christian Faith

Our text for this lesson is Hebrews 13
All scripture, unless noted, is from the English Standard Version Bible

Hebrews 13:1-6 What to do for Others

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) Sacrifices Pleasing to God 13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? 1. From 13:1-3, identify this people for whom we are to show love and concern.

2. What does the phrase as though (13:3) imply we think about while expressing our love and concern?

3. List the moral and practical exhortations found in verses 1-5.

4. For what reason are believers urged to be content?

5. What does the fact that God will never leave nor forsake us allow us to say (and believe) with confidence? Do you have this confidence?

Hebrews 13:7-12 What to do for ourselves

Hebrews 13:712 (ESV)
7

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. 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 led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.

6. From 13:7, what must we do as we continue in a life of faith?

7. From verse 9, what must we not do?

8. What comfort do you find in verse 8?

9. When the author speaks of Jesus suffering outside the gate (13:12), what event and place is he referring to? (See John 19:17-18)

Hebrews 13:13-17 What to do Together

Hebrews 13:1317 (ESV)
13

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that 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 acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

10. How does our acceptance of the statement in 13:14 make a difference in obeying the exhortation of verse 13?

11. From 13:15-17, what are the acceptable sacrifices that Christians are to offer to God?

12. What do you suppose that some believers find these sacrifices difficult to fulfill?

13. What is the main work of a leader according to verses 13:7, 17?

14. What do the following verses reveal about genuine Christian leadership? a. Ephesians 3:7-9

b. 1 Peter 5:1-3

Hebrews 13:18-21 What to Do is Demonstrated

Hebrews 13:1821 (ESV)
18

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. Benediction
20

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 15. What does the author ask for in these verses? Why do you think he asked for this?

16. In two short verses (13:20-21) at least four things are revealed about God. List as many as you can.

17. Which of these is most important or meaningful to you? Why?

18. In 13:15 and 21, the phrases through Him and through Jesus are used. What do you think these mean?

Hebrews 13:22-25 P.S.: What to Do for Now

Hebrews 13:2225 (ESV) Final Greetings
22

I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you. 19. What does the very last sentence reveal about the underlying tone of spirit of the letter?

Concluding Statements
The emphasis of Hebrews is on Jesus- who He is, what He has done, and what He is presently doing. What He lived and died to do is completed. Then He sat down at the right hand of The Majesty on High? (1:3). Jesus Christ is still equipping the saints for service and serving as our High Priest. In Hebrews He is uniquely portrayed as our High Priest. He bids us come to Him with confidence to receive mercy and grace; He will always be there for us. How has your view of Jesus as your High Priest changed in this course? Will you regularly go to Him for the forgiveness, grace, and help you need to live for Him more fully? He continually pleads for us in the heavenly sanctuary. So ask Him for what you need! He longs to bring you into full maturity, which means joy for both Him and you!