Hebrews 13:18-25 (NKJV) Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. 19 But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
V18 “Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.” We need to pray and have others praying for us. Prayer is important. It should be one of the first things we do in the morning even if we must wake up 10 minutes to pray and read the Bible. The Hebrews writer depended on believer’s prayers, so should we, but we must pray. Our conscience has been cleaned by the ministry of the Lord and our faith. It has been restored for the Holy Spirit now quickens the conscience when we are wrong or discouraged. One of our Christian goals must be to live an honorable Christian life. It is different from the non-Christians’ lifestyle for we obey a higher law–the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Just in Hebrews 13, we have these commandments:
The laws just in Hebrews 13. These are have brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1), house traveling Christians, etc. (Hebrews 13:2), don’t forget believers in prison (Hebrews 13:3), marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4), let our conduct be without coveteousness (Hebrews 13:5), be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5), remember church leaders by praying and helping them (Hebrews 13:7), be pure in our doctrine and beliefs, having them aligned to God’s (Hebrews 13:9), join Christ in his suffering by living for Him openly (Hebrews 13:13), offer sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15), don’t forget to share if we are able (Hebrews 13:16), follow the counsel of church leaders if it is aligned with God’s will—Scriptures (Hebrews 13:17), and pray for the writer and his team (Hebrews 13:18).
V19 “But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.” Prayer does have an effect.
V20 “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…” God’s peace is different than any other peace. It is pure, holy, consistent, eternal even in suffering and afflictions. The God of peace wants peace. The God of peace raised up the Lord Jesus from the dead. Jesus is the head of the church (believers); thus, the Shepherd of the sheep. He still is even when He is in heaven. Salvation and blessing are through the blood of the everlasting covenant (New Covenant).
V21 “…make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” We need God’s grace to finish the task God has given us. He works in us (motivating and encouraging) to do His will. Obeying and believing Him are what is well pleasing. We do everything to glorify God (Colossians 3:17), because we want to be that kind of witness. God working in our life is sanctification. Sanctification is the work of God molding us into the way of life and character like Jesus’s.
V22 “And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.” An encouragement to read this letter.
V23 “Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.”
V24 “Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.”
V25 “Grace be with you all. Amen.”
We learn:
- We are urged to live a godly life.
- From an example of prayer (V20-21)
- An example of brotherly care in praying for fellow believers