Hebrews 13

The last chapter of Hebrews! It's full of exhortations as Paul is getting ready to conclude and end his letter... and as we're about to end our break.

First (v.1-6), he talks about love, the most important which is continuing in brotherly love (v.1), then showing hospitality (which is love of strangers). He uses the analogy of entertaining angels which should remind us of Abraham and Lot (v.2). He calls us to also seek out those in prison and love them as well (v.3), remembering that they are part of the body of Christ and if one part suffers, every part should suffer with it. And loving your spouse, keeping the marriage bed pure. I think we can do that by keeping our hearts guarded, patiently waiting for that future girl or guy.

v.7 talks about imitating your leaders' faith as you look at the outcome of their lives. We may look at our leaders now and see the fruit they bear, but back then, many of their leaders died because of their faith.

In v.9, Paul warns them about being led astray by strange teachings, some dealing with foods.

From the foods, he transitions into food/animals being sacrificed. That they didn't bring the animals' bodies into the holy places (most likely in the temple) but kept them outside the camp (v. 11). And likewise, this pointed to Jesus, who suffered outside the city in order to sanctify the people through his own blood (v.12). So Paul exhorts us to go outside to be with Jesus, so that we may remain with him, and share in his sufferings, bearing disgrace for the sake of Christ. Because our home is not an earthly one but a heavenly one.

Now we no longer have to offer any more sacrifices of animals, but we should offer "a sacrifice of praise" and this sacrifice should be offered continually (different from the Jewish tradition of offering animals at set times throughout the year).

In v.17, Paul shifts to tell the Christians to obey their leaders, so that they can do their work with joy rather than with groaning. From there he asks them to pray.

And with that, I'd like to ask you guys to keep us, Josh, Euge, and I in prayer, as your lifegroup leaders. Some things you could pray for are --- our relationships with God, unity as we lead with one heart, one mind, wisdom and understanding to lead our lifegroup, discernment in discipleship, and that as we imitate Christ, you'd imitate our faiths.

See y'all very sooon :)
Break was definitely too short for me this time.