CONTINUALLY OFFER TO GOD THE PLEASING SACRIFICES

Hebrews 13:9-25 / Keywords 13:15

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.

 

13:9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. 18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. 20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 22 Brothers, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written you only a short letter. 23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. 24 Greet all your leaders and all God's people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. 25 Grace be with you all.

 

1. The Jews had developed religious traditions and rituals over the centuries. Even within the believers’ community, sometimes it was hard to ignore the persistent teachings of the Jewish tradition. But Christians must know that we are saved by the grace of Jesus, not through rituals (9).

2. Salvation did not happen in the temple where the traditional altar stood. Jesus was crucified outside the city, not in the temple, and that is where we need to go to participate in his work (13). Giving up the old traditions does not mean we stop sacrificing to God. Instead, the author encourages us to continue giving the sacrifices that please God– praising him, testifying of his great work, doing good things, giving blessings, and sharing with others (16).

3. It is also our Christian duty to follow our leaders as they are responsible for watching over our spiritual lives and are accountable before God (17). A Christian community should support its leader. We can submit to the leaders' authority and pray for them with our confidence in God (18).

Prayer Father, thank you for the sacrifice given through Jesus that lets us freely come and praise you and love others. Please help me to remain in your love and continue to give sacrifices acceptable to you.

One Word Our lives as pleasing sacrifices