SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 13
BIBLE VERSES:
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:6-7)
“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:8)
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS (vs. 1-25)
PRACTICAL ADMONITIONS FOR ALL BELIEVERS:
- Love each other as brothers (v. 1)
- Be hospitable (v. 2)
- Remember those in prison and sympathize those who are mistreated (v. 3)
- Honor marriage and keep it pure (v. 4)
- Keep your lives free from the love of money (v. 5a)
- Be contented with what you have (v. 5b)
- Remember your pastors and follow the example of their faith (v. 7)
- Do not be carried any by all kinds oF strange teachings (v. 9)
- Obey your leaders and submit to their authority (v. 17)
- Pray for God’s servants so that they can live honorably (v. 18)
CLOSING BENEDICTION:
“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, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and my he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
THOUGHTS:
Let us show our real love through actions by showing hospitality to strangers, empathy for those in prison, respect to marriage vow and contentment of what we have.
SIGNS OF CONTENTMENT:
- Realize God’s sufficiency for your needs.
- Give away out of your abundance.
- Appreciate what you have instead of resenting what you are missing.
The only secret to contentment is to trust God to meet our needs. Are you contented of what you have? Then praise God for his provision!