We have studied teachings and warnings, gleaned from the Book of Hebrews, that compel people to examine their faith and their walk with God. We have examined some dangerous things people do and the gospel-driven call to correct or protect that situation. Here are topics that we covered:

• Hebrews 2:1,3 - People let things "slip / drift away."


• Hebrews 3:6,14 - People do not "hold fast / firmly to our confidence" in Christ.


• Hebrews 3:8-13 - People harden their hearts.


• Hebrews 4:1-2 - People gain unprofitable knowledge of God's word.


• Hebrews 5:8 - 6:12 - People become lethargic and fruitless.


• Hebrews 10:26-39 - People trifle with the precious blood of Christ.


• Hebrews 12:1-3 - People get their eyes off of Christ and become weary of the race that is set before them.

Now as we come to the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews, we have a series of warnings that are more like reminders - admonitions and exhortations. They are not necessarily life and death issues, such as we have studied so far, but they are vitally important. The prosperity and fruitfulness of individual believers, the local church, and the body of Christ in general depend on these areas of watchfulness and maintenance. Here are some similar practical, concise, and comprehensive places in Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16; Romans 12: 1-21; I Thessalonians 5:5-28.

Conscientious Care of Our Souls, the Brotherhood of Christ, and the Ministry of the Gospel
- Hebrews 13:1-25

Hebrews 13:1 - Don't forget to be constant in brotherly love.
Brotherly love is a tremendous priority in our lives and our testimony. We have noticed in Hebrews 10:22-25; 12:15 that we are to look at for each other's good in the family of God (Note Hebrews 13:1-3, 18-25 - This chapter begins/ends on the same note). See John 13:34-35; I Peter 1:22; 4:8; Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-15; Philippians 2:1-4; I Thessalonians 4:9-10.

Hebrews 13:2 - Don't forget hospitality.
Graciously and generously, we should be available to God by being available to others. See Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9-10.

Hebrews 13:3 - Don't forget the persecuted saints.
Special intercession for those who suffer for Christ's sake is an important element in spiritual warfare and in putting on the whole armor of God. See Ephesians 6:18-20 (cp. Ephesians 6:10-20 - care for our fellow soldiers!); II Thessalonians 3:1-2; Romans 8:34 (cp. Hebrews 7:24-25 - Another form of fellowship with Christ).

Hebrews 13:4 - Don't forget the sanctity of marriage and sexual purity.
Satan is constantly tearing away at the fabric of society (including the family of God) in the area of sex, marriage, and family. See Ephesians 5:18 - 6:4; I Corinthians 7:1-5; I Thessalonians 4:1-5.

Hebrews 13:5-6 - Don't forget to be content with the Lord.
Ultimately, satisfaction must come from our love and trust of God. See Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 6:19-34; Acts 17:28; I Thessalonians 5:18; I Timothy 6:6-19.

Hebrews 13:7,17,22, 24 - Don't forget to value & cooperate with those who are in the ministry.
Love God's word, and the fellowship of God's word. Be attentive to the ministry of God's word. See Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42; Philippians 1:3-5; I Timothy 4:13; 5:1,17-21; Galatians 6:6.

Hebrews 13:8,20-21 - Don't forget the eternal preeminence of Christ.
He is central to our minds, hearts, lives, and ministry. He is at the very heart of the message of Scripture. He is our unchanging great God and Savior. The Greek letters, transliterated "ICHTHUS / ICTHYS," are used with the fish symbol and are an acronym for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." See the notes to download (pdf file) at the bottom. See Hebrews 1:1-3; Isaiah 9:6-7; Titus 2:13; John 1:1-4, 15; 3:12-13; Romans 1:16; I John 5:10-13; Colossians 1:12-18; 2:8-10; Philippians 3:1-14; I Peter 1:10-11, 18-20; Revelation 1:17-18; 22:13.

Hebrews 13:8-16 - Don't forget the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

• The way of grace and truth is by Christ - not fleshly law-keeping (Hebrews 13:8-10; John 1:17).


• The way of grace and truth is centered on the cross of Christ - faith in His blood (Hebrews 13:12; 9:11-14 cp. Romans 3:20-26) - dependence on His life, His power, and transformation by His Spirit (Hebrews 13:15 - "By Him…" cp. Philippians 1:11; John 14:19; 15:5; Romans 8:1-9,13).


• The way of grace and truth is to suffer reproach from the world and to be crucified unto self, sin, and the world (Hebrews 13:10-14 cp. Galatians 6:12-14).


• The way of grace and truth is to have a life of joy in the Lord - full of praise, thanksgiving, and service to God (Hebrews 13:15-16; 12:28- cp. translations. Also cp. Colossians 3:15-17).

See John 1:14-18; 14:6; 15:1-27; Romans 3:19-28; 5:1-11; 6:1-23; 8:1-9,13; 10:1-4; 14:1 - 15:7; II Corinthians 5:14-21; 8:9; Galatians 2:20-21; 3:1-3; 4::6; 5:1-6; 6:7-18; Ephesians 2:8-10; 5:1-2,14-21; Colossians 3:15-17; II Timothy 1:7-10; 2:8-12; Titus 3:3-8; Hebrews 10:14-20.

Hebrews 13:18-25 - Don't forget each other. Pray and bless each other in the bonds of Christ.
If we love and bless God, then we will love and bless the family of God (Psalm 34:1; I John 4:19-21; 5:1-3). See the love and goodwill in Paul's letters (I Corinthians 16:23-24; Ephesians 6:23-24; I Thessalonians 5:23-28; II Thessalonians 3:16-18; II Corinthians 13:11-14).