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STUDY Hebrews 13:15-25 (click here for notes)
COLLEEN MOORE TINKER

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter.

I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.

Grace be with you all. (NIV)

Of Worship and Obedience

The author of Hebrews is concluding his epistle. He has just reminded his readers to persevere in holy living. Now he closes by reminding them to be thankful and obedient. He also requests their prayers for him and prays for their equipping for God's service.

1.In the New Testament, what is a "sacrifice"? (see Romans 12:1; Philippians 4:18)

2. Why does the author refer to praise as a sacrifice (v. 15) as he writes to these Jewish Christians? (see 1 Peter 2:5)

3. The writer also exhorts his readers to be generous with others. Why are generosity and hospitality so important in the life of a Christ-follower? (see Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 4:9-10)

4. Who are the leaders the writer admonishes his readers to obey? (see verses 7, 24)

5. How do these leaders "keep watch over you," and why must people be accountable to them? (see Isaiah 62:6; Acts 20:28)

6. Why did Paul and the writer of Hebrews always make a point of asking the churches to pray for them, and why should we make it a point to pray for our pastors and elders? (see 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:2-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

New Covenant Summary

The author invokes the God of peace as he pronounces his final blessing on the Hebrews.

7. What is the eternal covenant? (see Hebrews 8:8-13; Jeremiah 31:31-34; 32:40)

8. What is "the blood of the covenant", and how did it bring our Lord Jesus "back from the dead"? (see Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:22; Colossians 1:22; 2:13-15)

9. What does it mean to us that Jesus is the "great Shepherd of the sheep"? (see Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:2-3; 11; 14-16; 27-29; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4)

10. The author prays that God will "work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ." What is it in us that is pleasing to God? (see 1 John 3:22-23; John 3:18; 20:31; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 4:13)

11. This final benediction is an invocation of the God of peace who raised Jesus through the blood of the eternal covenant to equip the saints "for doing his will". How are the resurrection of Jesus and the equipping of the saints related, and what does the blood of the eternal covenant have to do with this benediction? (see 2 Corinthians 4:6; Romans 8:16-21)

A Look Back

12. The author urges his readers "to bear with my word of exhortation." What has been the overriding message of the book of Hebrews for you?

13. What things have become clear to you in a new way since studying this book?

14. What has changed in your life since beginning the study of Hebrews?

Commitment

15. Howhas the blood of the eternal covenant affected you?

16. Knowing you are covered by the eternal blood, what things in your life do you need to present to God with confidence that he will redeem them?

17. For whom do you need to pray?

18. What sacrifices of praise can you present to God?

19. Ask God to reveal to you the things he wants to change in you. Ask him to reveal the truth about your life to you. Ask him to show you how to submit your memories and emotions and thoughts to him so you can experience the freedom of the eternal covenant deeply in your life.

20. Praise Jesus for redeeming you and for being better than everything you clung to in the past!