Hebrews 13 -- Not Just Throwing In All Of The Miscellaneous Stuff

My commentary said that what appears to be miscellaneous items brought up by this writer as he ends the chapter are actually “evidences of faith that should appear in our lives if we are really walking by faith and not by sight.”

“Keep on living each other as brothers and sisters.  Remember to welcome strangers.  Remember those in prison and those who are suffering as if YOU were suffering WITH them.”  We are also to keep our lives free from sexual sin and from the love of money.  We’re not to let strange teachings lead us down the wrong path.  We’re to offer God our sacrifice of praise, and we’re to remember to do good to others and share with them what God has given us.  It’s easy to see how doing these things would be evidences of our faith.  They would build up spiritual fellowship.

The writer also includes a section on submitting to spiritual leadership.  My commentary said, “Each Christian has three responsibilities toward the spiritual leaders in his local church:  Remember them (7-9), greet them, (24), and obey them (17).  As to remembering them, it seems to suggest he is talking about leaders who have died, and we are to remember what they taught us and imitate their faith.  He also mentioned a member saying to him after he announced a move to another church, “I don’t know what I’ll do without you.  I depend on you so much for my spiritual help!”  and his shocking reply, “Then the sooner I leave, the sooner you can start depending on the Lord.  Never build your life on any servant of God.  Build your life on Jesus Christ.  He never changes.”

In regard to greeting spiritual leaders, my commentary primarily mentioned that every church member should always strive to be on speaking terms with the leaders in his church, and it is to the detriment of those who do not.

In regard to obeying, my commentary said, “When a servant of God is in the will of God, teaching the Word of God, the people of God should submit and obey.  This does not mean that pastors should be dictators.  ‘Neither be lords over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:3)’ … However, when a shepherd is faithful to watch for souls, it is important that the sheep obey him.”

Father, help us all to understand how You want us to live and work within this living organism called Your church.  Help us to remember that it is Yours and not ours.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford