Purkey's Bible Study Outlines

KEY VERSE: By [Jesus] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

INTRODUCTION: Here the writer of Hebrews has explained the doctrinal truths; now he closes with practical admonitions for all believers. Their enemies were saying, “If you stay true to Christ, you will lose everything—your friends, your material goods, your religious heritage in the temple, sacrifices, and priesthood!”

But here in Hebrews 13, the writer points out that the believer loses nothing by trusting Christ. By faith, Christians turn their backs on the “religious systems” of this world (in this case Judaism) and fix their eyes and hearts on the true spiritual worship of God in Jesus Christ. Notice in this chapter the spiritual blessings Christians have, though they may lose everything in this world.

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. 4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:1-4).

Love for God’s people is one of the marks of a true believer in Christ (John 13:35; 1 John 3:16; 1 Thes. 4:9, etc.). Christians are hated by the world (John 15:17-27) and need the mutual love of the saints for encouragement and strength. This love is expressed in practical ways, such as sympathizing with those in trials (verse 3, see 1 Cor. 12:26) and being hospitable. He refers to the visits of angels in the OT, to Abraham (Gen. 18), Gideon (Jud. 6:11ff), and Manoah (Jud. 13). Of course, true Christian love ought to be seen first in the home and family, so he warns about sexual sins that can destroy marriage. In this day when marriage vows are taken so lightly, we need to remember that God judges all immoral people, whether believers or unbelievers.

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. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Hebrews 13:5-6).

It cost something to be a Christian in the first century. These people had suffered the plundering of their goods (Hebrews 10:34) and were paying a price for their testimony. How easy it is for Christians to be covetous and desire the things of the world (1 Tim. 6:6ff and Luke 12:15). “Be content!” is easy to read but difficult to practice. True contentment never comes from possessing many things; it comes when we rest our lives wholly on Christ. The writer quotes the OT promise that God gave to Moses (Deut. 31:6-8) and Joshua (Josh. 1:5) and applies it to God’s people today. Since Christ is always with us, we have all that we need! We need never desire any material thing (Phil. 4:19); we need never fear the attacks of people. Christ is our Helper; we need never fear (Ps. 118:6). When the children of God are in the will of God, obeying the Word of God, they will never lack anything and can never be harmed. This is a promise that we can count on.

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. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 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. 10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle (Hebrews 13:7-10).

INSIGHT: There are three commandments in this chapter that refer to the local church and the place of the pastor and people:

A. “Remember them which have the rule over you” (verse 7).

He is probably referring to pastors who had led them but were now gone. Perhaps they had been martyred. “Have the rule” means “to lead”; the pastor is expected to be the spiritual leader of the flock. How does he lead? Through the Word of God, which is the spiritual food for God’s sheep. The believers are to follow the example of their faith, but the leaders are expected to point to Christ. Verses 7-8 should read: “...considering the end (purpose) of their behavior, which is Jesus Christ....” Pastors come and go, but Christ remains the same.

B. “Obey them that have the rule over you” (verse 17).

Christians are to submit to the Word of God as taught and lived by their spiritual leaders. It is a solemn thing to be a pastor entrusted with the watch for souls. The pastor must give an account of his ministry to the Lord; if his flock has disobeyed the Word, the sorrow will be theirs, not his. How important it is to respect pastoral leadership and submit to the Word of God.

C. “Salute them that rule over you” (verse 24).

The people should communicate with their leaders and be on “speaking terms” with them. It is a tragedy when Christians become angry and refuse to talk with their pastor. This is disobedience to the Word of God. 

Believers who do not feed on the Word will feed on “strange doctrines” (verse 9) and become “spiritually sick.” The only way to grow to maturity and be established is through the Word of God (Eph. 4:14ff, and see Heb. 5:11-14). Our hearts are established by grace, not by law or earthly religious systems. The Christian’s “altar” is Christ, the once-for-all sacrifice for sin; we feed on Him as we feed on His Word. Just as the OT priests ate the meat and grain from the sacrifices, so we feed on Christ, the living sacrifice.

11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 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. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:11-16).

In turning to Christ, these Hebrews lost the temple and its priesthood and sacrifices; but they gained in Christ far more than they lost. Christ rejected the temple and called it “a den of thieves”; and He rejected the city of Jerusalem by being crucified outside the gate (John 19:20). The writer compares Christ’s death to the burning of the sacrifices on the day of atonement (Lev. 16:27), since both suffered “outside the camp.” The readers were being tempted to go back to Judaism. “No,” admonishes the writer. “Instead of going back, go outside the camp and bear reproach with Christ!” You may summarize the two-fold message of Hebrews in the phrases “within the veil” (fellowship with Christ) and “without the camp” (witness for Christ). Believers look to no earthly city; they have a heavenly city awaiting them, as did the heroes of faith of old (verse 14; Heb. 11:10; 12:27).

As a kingdom of priests, Christians are to offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). A spiritual sacrifice is something done or given in the name of Christ and for His glory. In verse 15, he states that praise is such a sacrifice; see Eph. 5:18-19, Psalm. 27:6 and 69:30-31. Good works and sharing material blessings are also spiritual sacrifices (verse 16). Other spiritual sacrifices include the believer’s body (Rom. 12:1-2); offerings (Phil. 4:18); prayer (Ps. 141:2); a broken heart (Ps. 51:17); and souls won to Christ (Rom. 15:16).

INSIGHT: Dr. Tony Evans said: "We cannot bring glory to God without Jesus. We need our Lord’s righteousness and holiness in order for us to want to honor God rather than ourselves. We need Jesus in order for us to be able to praise God in all things. We need Jesus in order for us to look beyond our present circumstances and know that God is good. We need Jesus to move us into action, offering a genuine sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15-16).

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. 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. 19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. 20 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, 21 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. 22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. 23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you (Hebrews 13:17-24).

The benediction of verses 20-21 explains how the Christian is enabled to live for Jesus Christ in this wicked world: Christ works in us from His throne in heaven. There are three separate titles given to Christ, the Shepherd: (1) the Good Shepherd, who dies for the sheep—John 10:11 and Ps. 22; (2) the Great Shepherd, who perfects the sheep—Heb. 13:20-21 and Ps. 23; and (3) the Chief Shepherd, who will come for the sheep—1 Peter 5:4 and Ps. 24. Our High Priest is our Shepherd and Helper; He works in us and gives us the grace and power to live for Him and serve Him.

“Make you perfect” is the theme of Hebrews; “let us go on unto perfection [maturity]” (Hebrews 6:1). Maturity does not come through our striving in our own strength; it comes as we allow Christ to work in us through the Word of God. This parallels Phil. 2:12-16 and Eph. 3:20-21. God cannot work through us until first He works in us, and He works in us through His Word (1 Thess. 2:13).

The closing greetings show the love that bound believers together in the early church. The closing benediction of grace identifies Paul as the writer (compare 2 Thess. 3:17-18).

By David Jeremiah

20 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, 21 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(Hebrews 13:20-21).

“The Big Mo” is the momentum that develops in sports, business, advertising, or other ventures. It happened in the 1960s when Ferrari dominated Grand Prix road racing. But then Ford began investing money and technology, and the momentum switched to them. They dominated Ferrari in the late Sixties. Ford was just too big and too strong.

Recommended Reading: John 10:1-7.

There is something really big happening in God’s kingdom; the momentum is with those who belong to God. God sent His Son to be the “Shepherd of the sheep.” He even allowed the Shepherd’s blood to be spilled to open the way for sinful mankind to enter heaven. He instituted a new “everlasting covenant” (a promise) to seal our certainty about the future. What “that great Shepherd of the sheep” has done for us is big—really big. The movement and momentum of God’s plan and purpose is with us. There is never a reason to be doubtful about the future.

Do you belong to the great Shepherd? Are you one of His sheep? If you are, nothing can stop you (John 10:28).

"As the sheep follows its shepherd, just so ought the professing Christian to follow Christ" - -J. C. Ryle.

-- Adapted from: Today's Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah, August 12.

CONCLUSION: What have we learned from our study of Hebrews 13?

INSIGHT: If we get the idea that we can run the Christian race successfully alone, the writer closes his letter by reminding us to follow our spiritual leaders. If we do, we will love the brothers and sisters (verse 1), help strangers (verse 2) and prisoners (verse 3), live above lust (verse 4) and covetousness (verses 5–6), and not be led astray by false doctrines (verse 9).

Concerning spiritual leaders:

First, We Should Remember Them (Hebrews 13:7–8). This may refer to leaders now dead, but their ministry goes on. Remember what they taught you, how they lived, and what they lived for. Church leaders may come and go, but Jesus is the same; and they must fix our eyes on Him.

Second. We Should Obey Them (Hebrews 13:17). If they are faithful to care for your soul and teach you the Word, you have the responsibility to obey. A spiritual leader is not a dictator who drives you from behind. He is a shepherd who goes before and leads the way.

Third, We Should Pray For Them (Hebrews 13:18–19). When you come to the throne of grace, ask God to make His shepherds faithful and fruitful. Pray that the Great Shepherd will use them to “make you complete in every good work” (verses 20–21).

Fourth, We Should Greet Them (Hebrews 13:24). You should know your leaders personally and be on good terms with them. Let nothing come between you that could create problems in the fellowship (Hebrews 12:14–15).

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: “The difference in our lives is JESUS; praise His holy name.”