In The Word
Read Hebrews 13:9-25
9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
God-pleasing Sacrifices
15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Hebrews 13:9 says, “Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.” The Apostle Paul warned us of varied and strange teachings from false teachers. Our hearts should be grounded in the grace of God and in the understanding of how much Christ loved us that He chose to lay down His life for us. As believers, we need to appreciate what Jesus did for us and we must take initiative in believing in the works He did for us when He suffered.
In Romans 8:17, the Word says, “And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” We must be willing to suffer for the gospel of Christ, suffering is something we will go through in our Christian walk. The Lord is glorified through our suffering if we go through it with the right attitude. The Lord is pleased when we offer sacrifices of praise to Him, doing good always and also sharing with the needy. We have been called to overcome evil by doing good.
Everyone in this world has been placed under a leadership structure; and we all have to obey our leadership, unless, of course, they are telling us to do something ungodly.
How is your relationship with your authority? Remember to obey them because that pleases the Lord.