“ The Immutable Message of

Jesuspt 2 ”

Hebrews 13:15-25

Finishing up..•We talked about this being a catch-all chapter last 2 weeks•The author seems to be hurriedly throwing in several last-minute, non-negotiable instructions to the Hebrew reader (and us) before quickly finishing the letter•Last week we looked at following God sent leadership and Jesus Eternal, now Sacrifice

“15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably

in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.25 Grace be with you all.”

Hebrews 13:7-14, NASB

A. Your Sacrifice of Praise•Vv 15-16, There are two different “sacrifices” the author lists for us

“15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Hebrews 13:15-16, NASB

A. Your Sacrifice of Praise•Vv 15-16, There are two different “sacrifices” the author lists for us •The first is with ‘words’– giving thanks to His Name•When is the last time you prayed and didn’t ask for anything, only praise and thanksgiving?•There are 5 basic types of prayer, and you should be using all of them in your daily prayer time

A. Your Sacrifice of Praise1. Praise & Thanksgiving—•These are the primary ways we give daily adoration and worship to God•Notice I said daily; an essential part of your relationship with God is a daily, or regular, time of worship and praise– this is our primary purpose!

2. Confession– repentance of sin•Consistent confession is the primary way we receive God’s forgiveness and maintain a spirit-filled life

A. Your Sacrifice of Praise3. Petition– this is when we present our

individual needs and desires to God•There is no question that God wants us to come to Him with our every need and concern•There is nothing selfish about– it just shouldn’t be the only type of prayer we lift up

4. Intercession•This is the type of prayer that focuses others’ needs•To intercede for someone is to spiritually “stand in the gap”, mentioned in Ezekiel 22:30

A. Your Sacrifice of Praise5. Meditation•This is sometimes the hardest prayer•It’s the time we spend listening to God•It’s the part of our daily prayer life that makes it a conversation with our Heavenly Father•I believe that this part, listening to God, is the fundamental key to an effective prayer life

B. Prayer for the Author…•Vs 18-19, Power of prayer…

“18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.”

Hebrews 13:18-19, NASB

B. Prayer for the Author…•Vs 18-19, Power of prayer…• I may have said this before, but praying just to be praying is worthless•Prayer like the Word of Faith movement claims is heresy•You’ve heard “there’s power in prayer”•Actually, Theologically, no•The One with Whom we have a relationship has the power and will do anything we ask if it aligns with His will

C. Benediction•Vv 20-25, Tie up the ends…

“20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see

you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.25 Grace be with you all.”

Hebrews 13:20-25, NASB

C. Benediction•Vv 20-25, Tie up the ends…•I thought v22 humorous– a few words•VV22 and 23 convince me that Paul is the Author—

“22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see…”

Hebrews 13:22-23, NASB

C. Benediction•Vv 20-25, Tie up the ends…•I thought v22 humorous– a few words•VV22 and 23 convince me that Paul is the Author—•But who the Author was is not important•Our understanding of the fulfillment of the Law and the Preeminence of Christ is what ‘s important upon the finishing of this book

Take Home!1. A life without daily

prayer and worship, is an empty life– compared to what is available to you!

2. Take from this study Christ Above All! The Law is fulfilled and we can live in Victory!