Hebrews

The book of Hebrews follows the general pattern of New Testament teaching, which is doctrine and then duty, or position and then practice. The first 11 chapters were written almost entirely to Jews who have received the gospel but need to be affirmed in the doctrine of the superiority of the New Covenant in Christ. Chapter 12 delivers general encouragement to run the race of faith in the Christian life with endurance, following peace and holiness. Here, in chapter 13, we read of the specific practical exhortations - that true faith demands true living. They are simple, yet precise. Love your fellow Christians (v.1), show hospitality to strangers (v.2), remember the prisoners and mistreated (v.3), honor marriage and remain sexually faithful to your spouse (v.4), do not love money but be content with what you have (v.5), do not fear man but trust in the LORD as your helper (v.6), follow the examples of the faithful leaders who spoke the Word of God to you (v.7), know that God in Jesus is unchangeable (v.8), don't listen to teachings that are foreign to the teachings of Yahweh (v.9), come before God on your own without the need of an intercessor, praising Him with your own voice (vv.10-16), obey your leaders (v.17), pray for those who lead you as men of God, to remain steadfast in their conduct and service (vv.18-19). And just as he admonishes us to pray for him, the writer closes his letter with a prayer that we be equipped to do what is pleasing in the sight of God through Jesus Christ.