Hebrews 13:7-19

Various Exhortations

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 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. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 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. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

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.

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.  I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. – Heb. 13:7-19, ESV

There is a pattern in many of the New Testament epistles of instruction coming first, then application. Doctrine before duty, since the former leads to the later. So, in Romans and here in Hebrews – a variety of exhortations are collected together near the end of the letter.

Here there are a few I want to specify in our brief time. (1) Remember those who have taught you and led you to good spiritual outcomes. Elders who have taught you the Word of God. And (2) consider the outcome of their way of life. This is what we mean when we speak of legacy. People who are devoted to teaching and influencing the next generation in good ways. Young people need to be open to that and grateful for those people.

(3) A prohibition: “Do not be led away by diverse and strange doctrines.” Now, these are all connected. When you let good people lead you to the Word of God and you are encouraged by their example, it is less likely you will be deceived by false teachers. But never let your guard down. “Do not be led away.”

Through Jesus, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” These are things to be done earnestly and honorably and with clear conscience.