Often when an older child leaves the family home to go off and attend college, or they move out on their own with a job, their parents will give them some final thoughts and words of advice. We also see this at high school and college graduation events, where a commencement speaker gives his thoughts and words of advice for the graduates, setting off to start a new life. Our Scripture today from the final chapter of the Book of Hebrews is similar, as the author gives some final thoughts and words as he concludes his letter. Let’s take a quick look at the several different instructions he gives.
Our Scripture begins with an admonition to show love to our fellow Christians (vs. 1). The Greek word the author used here is “philadelphia”, which means brotherly love, and which is where we get the name for the large city in Pennsylvania. That city was named for the ancient city of Philadelphia located in modern day Turkey, and also mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 3:7). Love for our fellow Christian brethren is not optional. It is a command, as we are all members of the Body of Christ. Sometimes it might not be easy, as when personalities clash, but God’s Word doesn’t give exceptions. When we show this love, it is evidence of genuine conversion (John 13:35).
The author next reminds believers to be hospitable to others, including those we might not know (vs. 2). He gives us the example of Abraham, when he hosted three strangers, who unbeknown to him at the time, were heavenly visitors (Genesis 18). Is there a new family at your church? Invite them to have lunch together afterwards. Do you have a new neighbor? Get to know them, and then you might have the opportunity to witness to them about the Lord or invite them to church. Open your home and heart to others, especially fellow believers or those in need. This can give God the opportunity to work in their lives. When we welcome all people openly and with Christ-like love, we reflect our Savior’s love and compassion.
We are further instructed to remember those who are imprisoned and persecuted, especially for their faith (vs. 3). The Church is one body, and when one member suffers, we all suffer (I Corinthians 12:26). We should all be praying for persecuted believers. Also we can support ministries that care for the imprisoned and afflicted. The more we reach out and minister to prisoners, we can show them the love of Jesus, witness to them, and lead them to salvation, changing their life around.
Next we have an instruction regarding marriage (vs. 4). Marriage is a divine institution, not just a cultural ceremony. Sexual purity is commanded throughout God’s Word, and He tells us here that He will judge immorality. Believers need to uphold the sanctity of Biblical marriage and reject all worldly distortions.
The next two verses show us that we can and should trust in the Lord to provide for our needs (vs. 5-6). Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). When we are content with what we have in life, it shows our trust in God and His provisions. In verse 6, the author quotes Psalm 118:6. God’s presence in our life should eliminate all fear. When we face uncertain times, whether it is financial strain, persecution, or anything else, we can rest in God’s help. No experience at any time in our lives compares with knowing Jesus. Don’t be tempted to choose what Satan has to offer. Jesus is there for us, and He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us. We know that we cannot say that about everyone, but we can trust in God. We are never alone. Jesus is always with us!
Our next Scripture here reminds us to remember our spiritual leaders (vs. 7). Spiritual leadership is ordained by God. Those who preach God’s Word properly and truthfully deserve respect and remembrance. If their example is a godly one, that should encourage us to a deeper relationship with God, and we should remember to pray for them.
In our final verse of this passage, we are told that Jesus never changes. The world around us is always changing, including people. However, God never changes (Malachi 3:6). The fact that Jesus is unchangeable and unalterable is foundational. He is eternally trustworthy, unlike the shifting cultural norms or theological trends today. Because Jesus is unchangeable, He deserves our complete confidence. When we fix our hope in Jesus Christ, we can be sure that our anchor will hold. He isn’t moving, changing, or leaving. He is the same as He always has been.
As we look back at these several verses, we see that they provide sound doctrine for our daily life. As Christians we are called to live out our faith with integrity, love, and confidence in God’s unchanging nature. We can live faithfully for Jesus in a shifting world.
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