20: Faith in Practice (Heb 13:1-25)
The Basics
Setting
The epistle of Hebrews centers on
Jesus Christ and His finished work of salvation. Following his instructions on
the supremacy of Jesus Christ, the author teaches his readers how faith in
Jesus Christ should be part of believers’ lives. Having cited numerous examples
of faith and encouraged the readers to endure in the faith, he now gives us
some practical teachings on love and holiness. This final chapter on life
applications of faith, followed by some final greetings, brings the epistle to
a close.
Key Verse
“Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today, and forever” (13:8).
Did You Know…?
1. “Some
have unwittingly entertained angels” (13:2): The author probably had Abraham
and Lot in mind when he wrote this (cf. Gen 18:1-8;
19:1-3).
2. “Remember
the prisoners” (13:3): “In the first century prisoners were not well treated,
and they depended—often even for necessities like food—on sympathizers.” 3/146
3. “The
bodies of those animals…are burned outside the camp” (): For the OT regulation regarding burning the bodies
of sacrificial animals, see Leviticus 16:27.
Observation
Outline
(13:1-6)
(13:7-9)
(13:10-16)
(10-14)
(15-16)
(13:17-19)
(13:20-21)
(13:22-25)
Key Words/Phrases
General Analysis
1. Record
each of the commands found in this passage.
Segment Analysis
13:1-6
1. Who
are the objects of love in this paragraph?
2a. Who are the “strangers” and “prisoners” in your life? (cf.
Mt 25:34-40)
2b. Based on the exhortations in this paragraph, how should you
show your love to them?
3. Some
people justify sexual sins by saying, “as long as two people truly love each
other, what is there to stop them?” What is wrong with such a rationale?
4a. How do the two quotations the author cites in verses 5 and 6
reinforce the admonition against covetousness?
4b. How can the words of these quotations help you personally in
other areas of your life?
13:7-9
5. What
two types of teachers are contrasted in this paragraph?
6. Explain
the exhortation to let “the heart be established by grace, not with foods…”.
7a. What is the purpose of verse 8?
7b. How can verse 8 help you in your life right now?
13:10-16
8. What
“altar” do we as believers have (10)?
9. How
does this paragraph follow the command of verse 9?
10. What
comparison is made in verses 11 and 12?
11. How
should you go forth to Jesus outside the camp and bear His reproach?
12. What
sacrifices should Christians offer to God continually through Jesus Christ? How
often do you offer these sacrifices?
13:17-19
13. Based
on this paragraph, what are our responsibilities toward our spiritual leaders?
15. What
reasons does the author give for obeying and submitting to our leaders?
13:20-25
16. The doxology and benediction (20-21) encompass some basic
truths of the Christian faith, some of which have been discussed earlier in the
epistle. Record each of these truths.
