Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile
Live Out The Faith
Hebrews 13:1–8
Show Hospitality (1–3)
Christian love is the overflow of joy in God that gladly meets the needs of others. It shows special regard for the needs of fellow believers without concern for their social or racial position. The fact the writer of Hebrews urged his readers to keep on loving each other suggests some of them may have neglected this responsibility. Showing brotherly love demanded treating fellow believers as esteemed family members.
One practical demonstration of love involves meeting the needs of Christian workers on the move. The virtue of hosting and caring for visitors was especially valued in antiquity since travel was difficult and inns could be dangerous. Demonstrating hospitality in the home provided an important basis for friendship. The practice of hospitality was a quality required in pastors (1 Tim. 3:2).
A reference to Genesis 18–19 encourages the display of hospitality. Abraham entertained mysterious strangers who were in reality angels. The principle here teaches us that it is better to treat needy guests as messengers from God than to risk offending them by an inhospitable act.
Verse 3 changes the focus to those imprisoned and abused for their faith. Imprisoned believers could easily be forgotten and neglected. We need to identify and help those imprisoned and mistreated for their Christian commitment. Such help could involve providing food and warm clothing and making personal visits of encouragement.
Respect Marriage (4)
Both Jewish and pagan marriages in the New Testament period were characterized by laxity and immorality. Christians have a different approach to marriage. Purity, contentment and a trust in God are ingredients needed for developing healthy marriages and strong homes.
This verse highlights two important truths about marriage. First marriage is to be honored by all. Even among believers today the stability of marriage faces strong challenges. Christians must honor marriage as a divine institution and as right and good in its practice. Second those who are married must maintain moral purity. The fact that God will judge sexual promiscuity provides motivation for a holy lifestyle among believers.
Security in God (5–6)
Materialism is another threat to family stability. Christians are to renounce the love of money. Do not make the possession of money an end in itself. Christians also are to be content with what they have. Knowing the Lord will not forsake us gives us the stability to enjoy what He gives.
Another threat to family life is anxiety. Encouraging words from Psalm 118:6–7 remind us that God’s presence in life alleviates anxiety about personal needs. This is the only New Testament verse describing God as a helper. With God’s presence no event in life can shake believers from their foundation. Anxiety about life’s needs or challenges has no place in the heart of the believer who trusts the Lord is his Helper.
Imitate Proven Leaders (7–8)
The writer of Hebrews exhorts his readers to imitate the faith of their spiritual leaders and avoid unchristian doctrines. Hebrews 13 contains three references to leaders of churches (vv. 7, 17, 24). The reference in verse 7 appears to be to leaders who had completed their service in a congregation and had died. The readers were to reflect on both the words and deeds of these former leaders and imitate their faith.
Former leaders have died but Jesus Christ remains the same. The constancy of Jesus enables us to follow the faith of great Christian leaders. Christ’s work of yesterday was to die on the cross for our sins. His work of today is to serve as our High Priest. His future work is to return and conclude God’s saving purposes. Jesus never needs to be replaced and His work needs nothing added to maintain its perfection.
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