I move closer to the end of my study of Hebrews, as I start reading chapter 13 - the final chapter of this book. In the text today - 13:1-6, we see a number of commands related to how we are to love others and treasure God above all. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves everyone and seeks to save as many as possible, because all are fallen and are in need of Savior. To this end, God wants believers to show hospitality to strangers (vv1-2), to love and serve those who are in prison and mistreated, and to honor the marriage bond by avoiding sexual immorality and adultery - vv3-4. We must value and treasure God above all, and the text explicitly and specifically seeks for us to avoid the love of money and instead to "be content with what you have" (v5a). Vv5b-6 quotes Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:5 and Psalm 118:6 as promises to encourage us to be content as God gives us all that we need, is always with us, and is our refuge and rock.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We are prone to seek our own selfish desires vs loving and serving others. The hurts and needs in the world around us are staggering - thus God wants us to love Him first then others (2nd most important commandment). We must put aside and deny ourselves of our selfish desires and go to where the needs are and serve those in need - let brotherly love continue.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid the love of money (or anything else where you treasure that something above Him). Claim the promises that God will never leave or forsake you and that the Lord is your helper. Follow the example of those who love and serve others, including those who go into the prisons and serve those who are mistreated. Love God, then love others.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who will never leave or forsake me, and You are my helper. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
