In The Word
Read: Hebrews 13:9-25
9 Do not be misled 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 suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, 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’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising 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—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful 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 more quickly.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, 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, brothers and sisters, listen patiently to this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Know 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.
Walking In The Word
Hebrews 13:9-25 presents a powerful closing exhortation to believers facing pressure to revert to old ways. The writer warns against being carried away by diverse and strange teachings—likely referring to Jewish ceremonial laws or ritual foods that once defined faithfulness but now lack true spiritual benefit. Instead, he declares that it is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by external observances (v. 9). This grace centers on Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides the true altar we approach (v. 10). Unlike the old covenant’s animal sacrifices burned outside the camp, Jesus suffered outside the gate to sanctify His people with His own blood (v. 11-12). Therefore, believers are called to go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach—leaving behind familiar comforts and traditions to embrace the new covenant community.
This call echoes the radical shift Jesus initiated when He established His Kingdom. For Jewish believers, following Christ meant stepping away from Judaism as they knew it, choosing the church—a new people rooted in the old yet transformed by the gospel, often called The Way, now known as Christianity. This choice often brought division: family ties strained, persecution endured, and the security of the known world forsaken. Gentiles, too, were summoned to abandon pagan cultures to follow Jesus. Many today still face this tension, choosing family over faith rather than entering the fold through the door of the gospel.
Yet, when we pass through that door, we gain a new family—born not of flesh but through the blood of Jesus. We become strangers to this world but no longer strangers to God or one another. In this new fold, Christ is our Great Shepherd (v. 20), equipping us through under-shepherds (leaders) and feeding us with the Word of God. We march to a different drum, pursuing good works and sharing with others as sacrifices that please God (v. 16).
The passage culminates in a call to continual worship: Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (v. 15). Praise flows from grateful hearts, joined by practical love—doing good and sharing. These are the offerings God delights in under the new covenant.
In a world pulling us back to old patterns or strange doctrines, let us hold fast to Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever (v. 8). He equips us to do His will (v. 21), working in us what pleases Him. Though we bear reproach as sojourners, eternity awaits, and our eternal Shepherd guides us home. Let us forever place our faith in Him, offering praise and lives of love as living sacrifices.