December 16, 2013
THE GOSPEL IN A WORD
Hebrews 13:15-25
Bobby Crotty
Central Truth
Five little words, but in them reside the power of the gospel and eternal salvation. Grace marks our salvation and gives us eternal hope. It characterizes our relationship with the Father and Son, and it should mark our relationships with others. It is the gospel in a word.
Key Verse | Hebrews 13:25
Grace be with you all. (Hebrews 13:25)
Hebrews 13:15-25
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us 1 13:21 Some manuscripts you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
22 I appeal to you, brothers, 2 13:22 Or brothers and sisters bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 13:15-25
The letter to the Hebrews closes with a "you all" -- as if it had been written by a small town southern man. But lest you think the New Testament has gone country, I'll try to explain. The book closes with five little bitty words that you might be inclined to just skip over. But they are right on the money as a summary of all that has preceded.
The writer of Hebrews has spent 13 chapters explaining why Jesus Christ is superior in His person and work. Superior to the Old Testament prophets (1:1-3); superior to angels (1:4); superior to Moses (3:3). Jesus is a superior High Priest (4:14–5:10); He presents a superior priesthood (7:14-28); He has a superior ministry (8:6) and offers a superior covenant (8:6-13); He ministers in a superior sanctuary (9:24), having offered a superior sacrifice (9:11-28). Superior in every way. Jesus' superiority is captured in John 1:14 -- He is full of grace and truth. Indeed, grace came about through Him according to John 1:17.
Remember when life was marked by grace, whether you were in Dallas or Chattahoochee? It was a good time when front doors stayed unlocked, and this country boy would play baseball with you when I don't even know your name. Where I come from, it was a time when the summertime blues were having to stop playing baseball and go home because it got too dark to see. Who says you can't have it all?
The "grace" the writer of Hebrews is talking about is a little different. It is a grace born of sacrifice and marked by humility and obedience. God's undeserved love revealed in Christ and extended to us as a gift. That is the grace the writer of Hebrews is extending to his readers. A 360-degree grace that initiates and describes our relationship with God. A grace that colors our relationships with other people. A grace that characterizes even our relationship with creation. "[T]he free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many" (Romans 5:15).
Grace to y'all in 2014.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you accepted God's grace gift? If not, ask others who have accepted that gift what kind of difference grace has made in their lives.
2. If you have accepted that grace gift, does grace characterize your life? If not, what needs to change?
3. Does grace mark the way you deal with others? What does that look like in your daily life? How can you excel still more in extending grace to others in 2014?
4. Can you spot all of the Alan Jackson No. 1 hit titles used in this devotion? The first to post a comment to this devo with all of the correct titles will be graciously rewarded!