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Hebrews 13: Giving Is Better than Getting
How is love associated with giving?
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Hebrews 13:1 Keep loving others.
King James
Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
As Christians, who are we compelled to love?
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Matthew 5:43–44 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5:46 “What is commendable about loving only those who love you? Even greedy tax collectors and other sinners do that.
Mark 12:30–31 “You must love God with your whole heart, with all your being and all your strength. This is the most important commandment. But the second commandment is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself. Of all the commandments, none are greater than these.”
Luke 10:29–30 Wanting to justify himself, the man said to Jesus, “And how do I know who my neighbors are?”
“A man once went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers who took his clothes, beat him, and left him half dead beside the road.
Luke 10:36–37 “Which of the three travelers do you think was a neighbor to the man who was robbed and beaten?”
The teacher of the Law said, “The one who helped the man.”
Jesus said, “Go and do the same thing.”
Hebrews 13:1–2 Keep loving others. Remember to welcome strangers, because some have unknowingly shown hospitality to angels dropping by.
King James
Matthew 5:43–44 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Mark 12:30–31 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
Luke 10:29–30 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Luke 10:36–37 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Hebrews 13:1–2 Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
How can we identify with people’s struggles when we’ve never experienced what they are going through?
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Isaiah 46:9 Think back to long ago and remember all I have done for you, for I am God and there’s nobody else. I am God, and nobody is like me.
Hebrews 4:15 Our High Priest is easily touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because he was tested in every area just as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 13:3 Be mindful of those in prison as if you are in chains with them, feeling their pain as if you were the one who has been beaten.
King James
Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
What is “sexual intimacy”?
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Matthew 5:27–28 “You have heard it said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say that people with a lustful look have already committed adultery in their hearts.”
Hebrews 13:4 Sexual intimacy is honorable under the marriage contract, but God will judge immoral and adulterous people.
King James
Matthew 5:27–28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
What are some of the best examples of “Christian greed”?
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Hebrews 13:5 Don’t be greedy, wanting what others have, but be content with whatever God provides, for he has said he will never leave us. He will never forsake us as orphans.
King James
Hebrews 3:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Why are some Christians not content with what God has provided?
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Exodus 16:19–20 “Don’t keep the manna overnight,” Moses said, “thinking you will eat it in the morning.” Some of them didn’t heed the warning. The next morning, the manna was infested with worms and smelled terrible. So Moses was angry with them.
Matthew 6:30 “If God clothes the wildflowers that are here now and gone tomorrow, don’t you suppose he will care for you? Why do you have such weak faith?”
Philippians 4:11 I have no reason to speak of my needs, because I have learned to be content, no matter what the circumstances are.
1 Timothy 6:6–8 Actually, we are truly rich when we have learned contentment in using for good whatever God provides. We brought nothing into this world, and we’ll not take anything with us when we leave, so we should be content with God’s gifts, even if they are no more than food and clothing.
Hebrews 13:5–6 Don’t be greedy, wanting what others have, but be content with whatever God provides, for he has said he will never leave us. He will never forsake us as orphans. We can say with great confidence that God is our provider, so we don’t have to fear what people might do to us.
King James
Exodus 16:19–20 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning. Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
1 Timothy 6:6–8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Hebrews 13:5–6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
How do we distinguish a bad example from a good one?
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Hebrews 13:7 Don’t forget your leaders who revealed the truth of God’s word to you, but follow their example in not just hearing but also doing his will.
King James
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Why can we trust the “unwavering commitment” that Jesus made toward us?
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Numbers 23:19 God does not have our human flaws. He cannot lie, nor can he do anything that later would be cause for repentance. When he makes a promise, you can be sure he will fulfill it. Whatever he says, he will do, always keeping his word.
2 Timothy 2:13 Even if we choose not to believe, he still loves us, because he cannot deny who he is.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is unwavering in his commitment to us, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
James 1:17 all that is good and fulfilling comes from God, who brings light to the darkness, always the same, never rising or setting to cast shadows.
King James
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Why are Christians sometimes swayed by human philosophy and religious traditions?
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1 Corinthians 3:1–2 When I was with you, my friends, I could not speak to you as spiritually mature adults, but I had to address you as baby Christians, feeding you milk instead of meat. You could not handle what I wanted to tell you, and you’re still not ready,
Ephesians 4:13–14 This effort must continue until we are in complete agreement in our faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ, when we are fully grown to be like him. Then we will no longer be immature children tossed about by every wind of doctrine, easily blown in different directions by deceivers who cleverly manipulate lies to look like the truth.
2 Timothy 3:4–5 Loving pleasure more than God, the prideful will betray their friends and react without thinking. They have a religious form with only a façade of righteousness, not the Holy Spirit acting with power in their lives. Do not fellowship with these people,
Hebrews 13:9 Don’t be swayed by human philosophy and religious traditions, for your strength comes from following what the Holy Spirit speaks to your hearts, not by obeying rules about food, which is of no real help.
2 Peter 3:17 Since you’ve already been made aware, be watchful for what is and isn’t true, lest the error of unbelievers cause you to stray from your commitment to the Lord.
King James
1 Corinthians 3:1–2 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
Ephesians 4:13–14 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2 Timothy 3:4–5 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
If Jesus “paid it all,” what sacrifices are needed from us?
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Luke 14:26–27 “Any man who follows me must be willing to forsake father and mother, wife, brothers and sisters, and children. You must even be willing to give up your own life, or you cannot be my disciple. Those who will not take up their cross and follow in my footsteps cannot be my disciples.”
Luke 14:33 “Likewise, if you are not ready to give up everything you have, you cannot be my disciple.”
Romans 12:1 Therefore I beg you, all who have said they want to follow the Lord, make a total commitment to please him in all things, sacrificing everything you want so you may receive something better. Your reasonable service is giving 100 percent of yourself, more than just a tithe, a few worship songs, and verbal expressions of your love for him.
Hebrews 13:10–13 Our sacrifices are made on a different kind of altar where the priests of the Tabernacle have no right to eat. After the High Priest offered the blood as a sin offering, the animals were burned outside the camp. Likewise, Jesus was crucified outside the city gates so his blood might purify our hearts, cleansing us from sin. Therefore, let’s leave the comfort of our camp and share his suffering and disgrace,
King James
Luke 14:26–27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Hebrews 13:10–13 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Why might we believe Earth is not our permanent home?
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Hebrews 13:14 Earth is not our permanent home, for we’re looking for a better place to live.
King James
Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
What aspects of praise might be regarded as “sacrifices”?
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Hebrews 13:15–16 Therefore, in Jesus Christ let our sacrifice be continual praise to God, expressing gratitude for all he is to us. Don’t forget to love others, helping those in need, for these are the sacrifices that please God.
King James
Hebrews 13:15–16 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Why should we yield to the authority of our leaders? Why might we not want to do so?
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Romans 13:5 You should obey the authorities, not to avoid punishment, but for the sake of always doing good.
Hebrews 13:17 Yield to the authority of your leaders, doing what they say, for they are responsible for your spiritual wellbeing and are accountable to God. Make their work a pleasure, not a pain with no benefit to you.
King James
Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
To always have a clear conscience, what must people do?
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Romans 2:15 The knowledge of right and wrong is written on hearts, not on paper, blogs, or e-books. People’s own conscience either condemns or commends their deeds.
2 Corinthians 4:2 We have rejected all forms of pretense and deception, unwilling to manipulate the word of God for a self-serving purpose. As God sees what we say and do, we always follow his direction. So you should be confident that he certifies the truth of our plain speech.
1 Timothy 1:5 The most important part of our message is unconditional love—not with any self-serving motive but with a godly concern for the wellbeing of others,
1 Timothy 1:19 Keep a clear conscience, always doing what is, to the best of your knowledge, most pleasing to the Lord. Never let go of your faith in him, which some have done, making a wreck of their lives.
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us. We want to honor God in all we do, always with a clear conscience.
James 4:8 Move closer to God, and he will move closer to you. Wash your hands of wrongdoing and purify your hearts with good motives. Don’t live a double life, but have a single focus upon what the Lord wants.
King James
Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
How might prayer make a difference in the timing of a person’s arrival?
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Hebrews 13:19 Please pray earnestly that I may visit you soon.
1 John 5:14–15 We have this confidence in our Lord: he listens to everything we ask that matches what he wants to do. He hears everything we ask, so we can be sure he will answer our desires in the best possible way.
King James
Hebrews 13:19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
1 John 5:14–15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
What must we do to see the power of Jesus Christ working in our lives?
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Hebrews 13:20–21 May the God of peace, who raised our Lord Jesus from the dead, the Good Shepherd who sealed our eternal relationship through his blood, equip you to do his perfect will. Through the power of Jesus Christ, may you please him in all you do. To him be the glory forever. Let it be so.
King James
Hebrews 13:20–21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
What important truth might the writer of Hebrews have mentioned if he had chosen to write more?
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Hebrews 13:22 My friends, please be encouraged by my words, for in such few words, I cannot say enough.
King James
Hebrews 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
Why do you think Timothy had been in prison? What could have happened to cause his release?
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Hebrews 13:23 Timothy has been released from prison. If he arrives soon, I will travel with him to see you.
King James
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.
Why was it important to mention the believers in Italy?
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Hebrews 13:24–25 Greet your leaders and fellow believers. Those in Italy send their greetings. May God’s unmerited favor be with you all. So let it be.
King James
Hebrews 13:24–25 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all. Amen.