March 4, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 13

¹ Let brotherly love continue.

² Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

³ Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

⁴ Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

⁵ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

⁶ So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

⁷ Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

⁸ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

⁹ Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

¹⁰ We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

¹¹ For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

¹² Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

¹³ Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

¹⁴ For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

¹⁵ By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

¹⁶ But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

¹⁸ Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

¹⁹ But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

²⁰ Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

²¹ Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

²² And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

²³ Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.

²⁴ Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

²⁵ Grace be with you all. Amen.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

The last chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews contains a series of practical admonitions and blessings for believers. The author encourages them to remain in brotherly love, practice hospitality, and remember those in bondage. Christian virtues such as contentment, marital faithfulness, obedience to spiritual leaders, and steadfastness in faith are also emphasized. In particular, the central position of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for the people, is highlighted. The text concludes with a blessing and greetings to the congregation. This chapter shows how Christian faith should be lived out practically in everyday life and at the same time points to the eternal hope we have in Christ.

Commentary

1. Brotherly Love and Practical Charity (verses 1–3)

   • Believers are admonished to remain constant in their love for one another.

   • Hospitality is highlighted as a virtue that can even lead to encounters with angels (cf. Abraham in Genesis 18).

   • Solidarity with those who suffer and those in prison is emphasized as an expression of Christian community.

2. Moral Purity and Contentment (verses 4–6)

   • Marriage should be held in honor; fornication and adultery are judged by God.

   • Christians are to be free from greed and be content with what God provides.

   • Confidence in God’s provision is confirmed by a quote from Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”

3. Faithfulness and Steadfastness in Doctrine (verses 7–9)

   • The congregation is called to remember the spiritual leaders who preached God’s Word to them and to follow their faith.

   • The unchangeableness of Jesus Christ (“yesterday, today, and forever”) is emphasized as the foundation of trust.

   • The warning against strange doctrines clarifies that the heart is strengthened by grace, not by external rituals.

4. Christ as the True Sacrifice (verses 10–14)

   • The comparison with the Old Testament sacrificial system shows that Jesus suffered outside the city walls in order to sanctify the people.

   • Believers are called to go “outside the camp” symbolically with Christ and bear His reproach.

   • The earthly world is not our final home; Christians are to look toward the heavenly city.

5. Praise, Fellowship, and Obedience (verses 15–17)

   • The sacrifice that pleases God consists of praise and active charity.

   • The congregation is admonished to obey their spiritual leaders, for these watch over their souls.

   • The leaders’ joyful service is a blessing for the congregation.

6. Intercession, Blessing, and Farewell Greetings (verses 18–25)

   • The author asks for prayer and emphasizes his good conscience and his intention to see the congregation again soon.

   • The blessing presents Jesus as the great Shepherd, who established an eternal covenant through His blood.

   • Finally, greetings to the congregation and the blessing formula: “Grace be with you all!”

Summary

Hebrews 13 concludes the letter with practical admonitions and encouragement. Believers are called to love, hospitality, marital faithfulness, contentment, and steadfastness in faith. The significance of Jesus as the eternal Savior and High Priest, whose sacrifice is the foundation of Christian hope, is particularly emphasized. The congregation is exhorted not to cling to the world but to strive for the heavenly city. Special focus is placed on obedience to spiritual leaders and on praise to God as the central sacrifice. The letter ends with a blessing and an exhortation to heed the word of admonition.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 7—The Test of Discipleship
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 7 addresses the fundamental truth that a genuine conversion is not merely evident in external actions but in an inner, profound change of heart. Faith in Christ brings about a new creation that does not arise from human effort but from the work of the Holy Spirit. While some Christians may be unable to pinpoint the exact time of their conversion, the authenticity of their experience is demonstrated by a new way of life. Love for God, a transformed heart, and growing obedience to His Word are the proofs of being a child of God. This chapter introduces us to the significance of a life truly shaped by Christ and shows that genuine discipleship is not achieved through outward works alone, but through a deep, living relationship with God.

Commentary: Characteristics of Being a Child of God

1. A New Creation Through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

   Scripture describes rebirth as a complete re-creation of the individual: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away.” This means that true conversion results in a profound change of heart that manifests not only in external forms but in all our thinking, feeling, and actions.

   • The work of the Holy Spirit is not always tangible or visible but can be likened to the wind (John 3:8).

   • This inner transformation reveals itself through a new attitude toward sin, a growing desire for holiness, and a deep love for God.

   • A changed heart produces the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

2. The True Test of Faith: Where Does Our Heart Stand?

   Merely living a moral life on the outside does not prove genuine rebirth. Pride or social standing can also motivate a person to be “good.” However, true sonship or daughterhood in God is evident in questions like:

   • Who owns our heart?

   • What do we love to talk about most?

   • To whom do our deepest thoughts and feelings belong?

     A true disciple of Christ orders his life according to Him—loving what Christ loves and hating what He hates. Divine love is the driving force behind every action.

3. The Danger of Misconceptions About Faith and Obedience

   There are two main errors that Christians must guard against:

   • The error of works-righteousness: believing that one can be justified before God by one’s own efforts. Scripture makes it clear: “All works done without Christ are tainted by selfishness and sin.” We are saved by the grace of Christ alone.

   • The error of lawless faith: believing that grace frees a person from observing God’s law. Yet true faith leads to obedience: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:3).

     Christ not only grants us forgiveness but also the power to live according to His will. The law is not a means of salvation but an expression of divine love.

4. The True Foundation of Salvation

   No one can save themselves through their own righteousness. But Christ offers us His righteousness:

   • He lived a perfect life and fulfilled God’s law on our behalf.

   • Through His death, He took our sins upon Himself.

   • Through faith, His righteousness is credited to us.

     This means: “Christ’s nature takes the place of our nature; thus we are accepted by God.” Walking in Christ is a daily process of surrender and renewal.

5. True Faith Leads to Obedience

   Saving faith is not merely an intellectual assent to truth, but a trust that transforms our lives. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

   • True children of God are recognized by their deeds of righteousness.

   • Obedience is not the means of salvation but the fruit of a renewed heart.

   • The closer we draw to Christ, the more we recognize our own imperfections—this is a sign of genuine sanctification.

     A Christian does not live in lawlessness but “walks just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Summary: The Marks of a True Child of God

Chapter 7 describes the true nature of conversion and shows that being a child of God is not just an external form but a profound transformation of the heart. A renewed person is not defined by occasional good deeds but by a consistent change of character.

• Rebirth by the Holy Spirit is evident in new priorities, new love for God, and new values.

• True followers of Christ focus their hearts, minds, and lives on Him.

• Faith and obedience go hand in hand: faith in Christ produces a new way of life aligned with God’s will.

This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts: Is our life in harmony with Christ? Do we love God with all our heart? Do our thoughts, words, and actions show that we are His children? Only through a deep, daily connection with Jesus can we experience genuine transformation and give evidence of being children of God.

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