The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage and empower Christian believers. The final chapter gives instructions for right Christian living and begins with a series of statements applying Christian principles to daily life. The writer commends concepts such as love, charity, sexual purity and contentment. These are all repeated in many other New Testament passages reiterating their importance. These principles given here in chapter 13 are grounded in the letter’s prior themes specifically the constancy of Christ - faithfulness, devotion, truthfulness, loyalty, commitment. The common theme of these instructions for daily living is about actions or attitudes; how we display our Christian values and beliefs. This chapter then presents directives for spiritual living, the main points being the need to respect one’s spiritual leaders and the importance of maintaining sound doctrine.
Unfortunately, in recent years we have heard of a number of revered leaders who have fallen from grace because of their behaviour. We are instructed to respect our leaders but when they fall into sin trust and respect are broken. When respect turns into idolatry or even worship then we must seriously question our own motives and understanding of who should be the centre of our lives. Only Christ commands our reverence and worship for He alone is the one who is sinless and is the only example for righteous living. We are reminded of the constancy of the gospel that Jesus Christ does not change and neither does the truth. Christians therefore ought to be careful not to follow novel, strange or changing doctrines. We are to hold fast in the face of persecution and temptation choosing always to be identified with Christ rather than the world. Echoing the themes found throughout this book the writer pronounces a blessing on his readers. This world is full of idols, money, material possessions, celebrities, film stars… let us not forget whose we are and strive to imitate Christs example and worship Him alone.
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Questions:
In what ways do you need to adjust your priorities to ensure you are living the Christian life? Do you ever find yourself inadvertently revering others over and above Christ and how do you combat it?
Prayer:
Lord God help us to continually strive to live the Christian life and always acknowledge that you are one and only true God giving you all the praise, worship and glory. Amen.