Hebrews 13 (2)

Introduction
The writer focuses on some very practical ways his readers can get back on track with the Lord. By obeying the Lord in such matters as exercising hospitality, visiting the poor and needy, and being faithful in marriage, we will be strengthened in our souls to obey Him when trials come. The Lord is our helper in all facets of our lives, and we must learn to draw on His presence.

Read Psalm 142.

Read Hebrews 13.4-6.

Think it through.
1.  The Lord promises to be with us always, wherever we are (cf. Matt. 28.20). Why is it important to know this? How can a psalm like Psalm 142 help us in drawing on the Lord’s presence? Covetousness is the gateway to all sin (ask Eve, Gen. 3.1-6). How is contentment its antidote? If we can resist the tendency to covet, we will strengthen our souls for the larger issues of obedience. Strengthening our souls (cf. Acts 14.21, 22) is thus a bit like strengthening a muscle. The more we exercise, the stronger we become. Explain how that works in the soul.

2.  How does knowing that the Lord is our helper enable us to overcome the fear of men? It was fear of men that was causing these first readers to drift from the Lord. They had lost sight of Jesus (hence the exhortations to see Jesus and consider Jesus which we saw in chapters 2, 3, and 12). What can cause us to lose sight of Jesus as we’re going about our daily activities? What can we do to keep the Lord, our Helper, more continuously before our minds? How can believers help one another in this? Is there something strengthening to our souls about saying (v. 6) that we have confidence in the Lord? Explain.

Meditate.
“Listen to what God is saying, not to what your own prejudice is saying in favor of your sins, or to your friend, perhaps, chained with the same shackles of wickedness as yourself—though in fact he is more your enemy and his own.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Luke 16.10, 11

Lord, I know that obedience is an every-next-step proposition; and I know that You are with me always; so today, help me as I…

Pray Psalm 125.
Meditate on verse 4 as you pray. Think of the “upright in heart” people you will see today, then pray for the Lord’s good to come to them. As you see them throughout the day, be sure to tell them you are praying for them. 

Psalm 125.1-5 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem, 
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
Refrain, v. 1
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!

Wickedness shall rest not on this holy land; 
Sinfulness shall never come forth from their hand.  
Trusting in the Savior, firm in His caress, 
Ever shall His favor on this holy city rest. 
Refrain

Lord, do good and care for those upright in heart. 
All who turn to evil shall from You depart. 
Sinful men may increase; send them, Lord, to hell!
Save Your people, let your peace abound in Israel!
Refrain

T. M. Moore

Are you a subscriber to ReVision? Three times a week ReVision brings you timely reflections on the Christian worldview and the life of faith. Use the pop-up on the homepage to subscribe to this free teaching letter.

For a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and all the books of the Bible, order a copy of the workbook, God’s Covenant, from our online store. The studies in this workbook will show you how the parts of the Bible connect with one another to tell the story of God’s redemption and glory (click here). To learn more about Christ in His exaltation, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus (click here).

Men, God is calling you to pray, lest He come in judgment against His Church. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord about joining our Men at Prayer movement.

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.