Dear diary,
We hereby come
to close of a successful and informative study of the Christology of Hebrews. The
preceding twelve chapters formed a closely knit discourse. The primary theme (Christology)
of Hebrews focuses totally and forcefully on the superiority and sufficiency of
Jesus Christ and His redemptive accomplishment, practical application and exhortation
to persevere in faith.
In this last
chapter, the author draws our attention to Christian faith:
1. Brotherly
love (philadephia), v. 1-4
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As Christians we are to have warm feelings
toward one another, v. 1.
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Be hospitable not only to friends and
relatives but also to strangers, v. 2
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Remember prisoners, have compassion on
them, v. 3.
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Honor marital love; hold marriage bed
(sexual intercourse) in high esteem, v. 4.
2. Learn
contentment over covetousness, v. 5-6
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Today, greed and
covetousness are excused as ambition. Contentment is learned, Phil 4:11-13, “Whatever state
I am in, I have learned to be content.”
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Hopelessness is
foreign to Christians because they have confidence in God’s presence; help; and
security. Real contentment comes when we understand who God is and by trusting
Him to meet our needs, v. 6.
3. Christian
leadership, v. 7-8
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As Christians, we are urged to recognize,
consider and follow godly leadership in the church; godly leadership is shown
by faithfulness to God’s word and conduct. Specifically, the faith of the godly
leaders is singled out. It’s their faith especially, we should imitate.
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Succinctly, the author turns his
thoughts to Christ as the as our ultimate example of faith, v. 8. Godly leaders
come and go but Jesus is unchangeable. The enduring principle is this: “Jesus is
the same yesterday, today and forever more.” Thus, our conduct and faith is
based on this certainty that Christ will never be out-dated.
4. Refuse
curious diversities and novel teaching, v. 9-16
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The grace of God is able to sustain not
the ceremonial foods, v. 9. We are established by
an understanding and appropriation of God's grace, and not by an assumed
approval gained through keeping a list of rules or rituals such as ceremonial
foods.
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The author draw attention to Christ’s offering
at the cross. An altar that those who insist
on clinging to the Levitical system have no right to, v. 10-11.
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“Jesus suffered outside the gate.
Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp (Judaism), bearing His
reproach,” v. 12. Identifying with Jesus often
means bearing His reproach and following Him, v.13.
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Well identifying with Jesus is not easy
but when we remember that the world we in is just temporary but we seek and
belong to a permanent city yet to come we will be inspired and motivated to strive
for an abiding city, v. 14.
5. Our
sacrifice, v. 15-16
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It is through Jesus men offer acceptable
spiritual sacrifice, v. 15
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The sacrifice consists of:
o
Continual praise, v. 15a
o
Acknowledging His name, v. 15b
o
Doing good, v. 16a
o
Sharing such things as we have, v. 16b
6. Christian
obedience and submission to leadership, v. 17
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God has made some people to be leaders;
they have qualities mentioned in v. 7, i.e. they are faithful in God’s word and
have good conduct.
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Christians have a responsibility to obey
and submit to those currently in places of authority because God has put them
in place or responsibility and accountability over us, v. 17a.
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By being obedient and submissive to the
leaders God has put over us, it’s not only a joy to the leaders but profiting
to the body of Christ, v. 17b.
7. Appeal
for Prayer and doxology, v. 18-21
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Prayer is an imperative and continuous activity
and a powerful force, v. 18a
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We all need and
should welcome the prayers of others.
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First, the doxology recognizes
attributes of God: peace; power, loving care, v.20. Second, the prayer is that
God will equip the readers with everything good for doing God’s will, v. 21.
8. Final exhortation, v. 22-25
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The writer to the
Hebrews reminds us of his purpose- a word of exhortation to encourage
discouraged Christians, both then and now, v. 22. V. 23-24, tells us that the
author knew Timothy.
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He closes the epistle
with prayer for grace
Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
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