**![[article cover study.wiki.png]] ![[sub.logo 1.png]][Substack Articles](https://practicalchristian.substack.com/?r=507pdm&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist)** ![[coffee.png]][Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity)** **Cross Reference:** #Hebrews, #Love, #Leaders, #Legalism, #Lordship ## Living the Call: Love, Leaders, and Lordship --- ### **Introduction** **Scripture Reference:** [Hebrews 13:1–25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13&version=LEB) The concluding chapter of Hebrews offers a practical application of the theological truths presented throughout the book. The writer exhorts believers to embody Christ’s love, respect godly leadership, avoid the pitfalls of legalism, and live under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Through these exhortations, we find a roadmap for navigating life as citizens of heaven in a world that challenges our faith. This devotional will explore the themes of love, leadership, freedom from legalism, and submission to Christ’s lordship, inviting reflection and practical application for daily living. --- ### **I. A Word About Love** **Scripture Reference:** [Hebrews 13:1–6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.1-6&version=LEB) Love is the hallmark of the Christian faith, and Hebrews 13 opens with a call to live it out in various relationships. Love is not confined to sentiment but is expressed through actions that reflect the character of Christ. #### **A. Positive: Whom We Are to Love** 1. **Each Other (13:1):** “Let mutual love continue.” Christian love, or _philadelphia_, is the bond of unity among believers. It is an enduring love that persists even in adversity, strengthening the church as a witness to the world. > **Reflection Prompt:** What steps can you take to nurture love within your church community? 2. **Strangers (13:2):** “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hospitality reflects God’s generosity. In a transient and isolated world, opening our homes and hearts to others is a sacred act of love. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you intentionally show hospitality this week? 3. **Prisoners (13:3):** “Remember the prisoners as though you were in prison with them.” The early church faced persecution, and believers were often imprisoned for their faith. This verse calls us to solidarity with the suffering, reminding us that love is not passive but active in meeting needs. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you show empathy and support for those facing hardship? 4. **Our Spouse (13:4):** “Let marriage be held in honor by all.” Marriage is a covenant that mirrors God’s relationship with His people. Upholding its sanctity is an act of worship and a testimony of God’s faithfulness. > **Reflection Prompt:** What steps can you take to strengthen your marriage or encourage others in their marriages? #### **B. Negative: What We Are Not to Love** 1. **What We Are Not to Love: Money (13:5a):** “Keep your lives free from the love of money.” The pursuit of wealth is a trap that distracts from trusting in God’s provision. 2. **Why We Are Not to Love It (13:5b–6):** - **God’s Presence:** “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - **God’s Provision:** “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” > **Reflection Prompt:** How does trusting in God’s provision bring peace to your daily life? --- ### **II. A Word About Leaders** **Scripture Reference:** [Hebrews 13:7, 17–25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.7-25&version=LEB) Leadership is a gift from God, meant to guide His people in truth and righteousness. The writer calls believers to respect and pray for their leaders, recognizing their responsibility before God. #### **A. Honoring and Obeying Spiritual Leaders** 1. **Let Them Serve as Role Models (13:7):** “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.” Spiritual leaders inspire us by their faith and perseverance. Their lives serve as an example for us to follow. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you honor the spiritual leaders in your life today? 2. **Submit to Their Authority (13:17):** “Obey your leaders and submit to them.” Submission to godly leadership fosters unity and growth within the church. Leaders are accountable to God for their stewardship. > **Reflection Prompt:** Are there ways you can better support the leaders in your church? #### **B. Praying for Spiritual Leaders Outside the Church** 1. **The Author’s Request (13:18–19, 22):** “Pray for us.” The writer’s request highlights the importance of interceding for leaders, whose work often goes unnoticed but is spiritually significant. 2. **Timothy’s Mention (13:23–25):** The mention of Timothy reflects the global nature of the church and the interconnectedness of its leaders. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you commit to praying for church leaders locally and globally? --- ### **III. A Word About Legalism** **Scripture Reference:** [Hebrews 13:9–11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.9-11&version=LEB) Legalism burdens believers with rituals and rules that detract from the freedom found in Christ. The writer warns against straying from the simplicity of the gospel. #### **A. Negative: Not the Tabernacle Altar (13:11):** The sacrifices of the Old Covenant could not cleanse the conscience or transform the heart. #### **B. Positive: The Altar at Calvary (13:9–10):** “Do not be carried away by strange teachings.” True worship is centered on the finished work of Christ. His sacrifice replaces the old system with a new and living way. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you embrace the freedom and grace of the New Covenant in your life? --- ### **IV. A Word About Lordship** **Scripture Reference:** [Hebrews 13:8, 12–16, 20–21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.8-21&version=LEB) Jesus Christ is the unchanging anchor of our faith. Living under His lordship transforms every aspect of our lives. #### **A. The Shepherd of the Fold** 1. **Who He Is (13:8):** “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This truth assures us of His constant presence and power. > **Reflection Prompt:** How does Christ’s unchanging nature bring you comfort in times of uncertainty? 2. **What He Has Done (13:12, 20–21):** - **Redemption:** Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us to God. - **Equipping:** He empowers us to live for His glory. > **Reflection Prompt:** How can you rely on Christ’s power to equip you for good works? #### **B. The Sheep in the Fold** 1. **Living for Him Down Here (13:13, 15–16):** - **Suffering for Him:** Following Christ often involves hardship and sacrifice. - **Sacrificing to Him:** Offerings of praise and good deeds glorify God. > **Reflection Prompt:** What sacrifices can you make to honor God today? 2. **Looking Forward to Living with Him Up There (13:14):** “This world is not our home.” We live with the hope of eternity, shaping our values and priorities. > **Reflection Prompt:** How does the promise of eternity influence your daily decisions? --- ### **Conclusion** The exhortations in Hebrews 13 call us to a life of love, submission to leadership, freedom from legalism, and joyful submission to Christ’s lordship. As we live out these truths, we reflect the beauty and power of the gospel to a watching world. > **Call to Action:** Reflect on how you can grow in these areas this week. Offer your life as a living sacrifice to God, trusting Him to equip you for every good work. --- ### **Related Concepts** - [[Christian_Love]] - [[New_Covenant_Freedom]] - [[Spiritual_Leadership]] - [[Sacrifice_of_Praise]] - [[Jesus_the_Unchanging_Savior]]