Compare Hebrews 13:9; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:16; and Hebrews 6:19-20. Where is grace obtained? How are our hearts strengthened?

The relationship between false teachings and foods, touched on in Hebrews 13:9, probably does not refer to the distinction between clean and unclean foods.

Why?

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First, Paul does not seem concerned in the epistle with the distinction between clean and unclean foods. We know from Acts chapter 15 that the early Christian church affirmed both that believers are saved by grace (Acts 15:7-11) and that they should continue to observe some food regulations (Acts 15:19-20). The distinction between clean and unclean foods and other biblical regulations are not opposed to grace. In fact, Paul argues that the new covenant has put the law in the heart (Hebrews 8:10-12). What the author makes very clear, however, is that animal sacrifices and the Levitical priestly mediation in the sanctuary have been superseded by the superior sacrifice and priestly mediation of Jesus (Hebrews 8:4-5; Hebrews 10:1-18).

Second, the context suggests that Paul is criticizing the audience not for abstaining from certain foods but for partaking of them with the hope of somehow obtaining grace or merit (Hebrews 13:9). He is probably warning against participating in Jewish ritual or cultic meals that were celebrated as an extension of the animal sacrifices in the temple and which were supposed to provide spiritual benefits, or grace. But grace is not mediated through these meals; grace comes only through the sacrifice and priestly mediation of Jesus Christ. Believers “have an altar” (Hebrews 13:10), the cross of Christ, from which they can eat (John 6:47-58).

In Hebrews, “grace” comes from the throne of God (Hebrews 4:16). This grace, mediated through Christ, is an “anchor,” “sure and steadfast,” that is fastened to God’s throne itself (Hebrews 6:19-20; compare with Hebrews 4:16). It is this grace that we receive through the sacrifice of Christ, which provides stability and assurance to our hearts. When the heart has been “established” in this way, it will not be “carried about” by new doctrines (Hebrews 13:9), nor will it “drift away” from God (Hebrews 2:1, NKJV).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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This video is produced by the South Pacific Division Discipleship team.

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You can view an in-depth discussion of Let Brotherly Love Continue; in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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Read Hebrews 13:7-17. What should be our relationship with our leaders?

Hebrews 13:7-17 contains an exhortation to respect and obey the leaders of the congregation. It begins with an invitation to “remember” those leaders of the past who spoke the word of God to them, and it closes with a call to “obey” the leaders in the present (Hebrews 13:17).

Image © Krieg Barrie at Goodsalt.com

The leaders of the past are most likely those who first preached the word and founded the congregation. The call to “remember” them does not simply refer to a mental exercise of recollection nor to an external tribute honoring them. Paul explains that they are to “remember” them by considering the outcome of their conduct and by imitating their faith.

For Paul, the greatest act of remembrance and praise is emulation. In this way, Paul has added the founding leaders of the congregation to the list of faithful heroes whom believers should carefully consider. This list includes the heroes of faith of Hebrews chapter 11, and Jesus, the consummate example of faith, in Hebrews chapter 12. The author further notes that Jesus is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV). He stands in stark contrast with false teachers who change with time and whose teachings become “various” and “strange” (Hebrews 13:9, NKJV).

The call to remember the leaders in Hebrews 13:7 is restated in more forceful terms at the end of the section. Believers are exhorted to obey the leaders, because they watch out for their souls. The leaders are described here as pastors who are in charge of the spiritual well-being of the congregation, their flock, and who will give an account to God for their spiritual state (see also 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Certainly, too, the idea should apply to all our church leaders, as well as to all levels of the denomination today.

The context also suggests that these leaders are under-shepherds who serve under Jesus, “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20). The combination of care and faithfulness from the leaders and obedience or trust from the members will result in joy. This may mean that the leaders will be able to serve the congregation with “joy,” or that they will give an account of the congregation to God with joy and not with grief.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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Key Thought: Throughout Hebrews brotherly love involved hospitality, visiting and supporting prisoners, honoring marriage, avoiding coveting, obeying the church leaders, and praying.
March 26, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 13:1,2. Romans 12:13.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What was the role of hospitality in the early church?
3. Personal Application: What role do you think the church has or should have in the area of hospitality today? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What things can we do for those who are in jail or prison? What has been done and what are people doing in the Christian community for the incarcerated?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 13:4,5. Colossians 3:5.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What two evils are connected in these passages?
3. Personal Application: How can we strengthen our defenses against sexual impurity and the love of money? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “In what ways does society undermine the concept of sexual purity and also feeds the love of money?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 13:7-17.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What should be our relationship with our leaders in the church?
3. Personal Application: Have you ever become rebellious or disenfranchised with a church leader? Was your response according to the Scripture? What would cause you not to obey or honor your church leaders? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “What about our political leaders, teachers, police, and others that are over us? Are we supposed to submit to them, honor their position, and not be disobedient and rebellious to them as well?” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 13:9, 2:9, 4:16.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Where is grace obtained and how are our hearts strengthened?
3. Personal Application: What are the best indicators that brotherly love is strong in your congregation? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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