Monday, August 4 – Hebrews 13, 2 Timothy 1

1. How does Paul describe marriage and the undefiled bed? (Hebrews 13:4)

2. Where does Paul say Christ had to suffer? (Hebrews 13:12)

3. What sacrifices are we offering to God today? (Hebrews 13:14)

I believe this is a fitting moment to reflect on the impact of the apostle Paul’s ministry. We can appreciate the fulfillment of Jesus’ words to Ananias in Acts 9:15.

It’s hard to imagine the church and its doctrines without the ministry of the apostle Paul. Through him, God gave us fourteen books of the New Testament. He revealed how prophecies, ceremonies, and symbols of the sanctuary find fulfillment in Jesus. The church expanded beyond its Jewish roots, making the gospel international. Paul led the westward push of evangelism, probably reaching as far as Spain. It’s estimated he traveled about 10,000 miles, which is remarkable for that era.

He was not impressive in appearance. He suffered from a lifelong debilitating illness, was beaten and imprisoned many times, and worked under constant threat of persecution. Finally, he was beheaded, but God used him powerfully. If Paul had not accepted the call, surely God would have chosen another instrument. Yet God knew whom He was choosing when He called the Apostle to the Gentiles. We thank God for the impactful ministry of this faithful servant.

Hebrews 13 is Paul’s farewell, filled with pastoral advice, typical of his letters:
First, brotherly love must persist and be demonstrated toward fellow believers and outsiders, such as strangers. Hospitality was a defining feature of biblical times. Some, unknowingly, entertained angels.

Second, he asks us to remember prisoners. The prisoners and mistreated individuals he refers to are those imprisoned and mistreated at that time for their faith. This letter is written to a persecuted church. Yet the exhortation applies to all prisoners because prison is a place that also needs to be reached with the gospel. When we visit a prisoner, we are visiting Jesus (Matthew 25)..

Third, intimate relationships are honorable within marriage. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4, NKJV))

Fourth, Christians should beware of covetousness, which amounts to idolatry. We must actively practice contentment with what we have. God cares for and provides for His children. (Hebrews 13:5-6))

Sixth, we should honor, listen to, and make the work of pastors easier. The pastor already faces enough struggles against the enemy; let us not be a source of grief and worry for God’s servant. (Hebrews 13:7, 17))

Seventh, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” (Hebrews 13:8–9, NKJV)

This warning is always timely because the father of lies keeps coming up with new deceptions. Let us not be swayed by different and strange doctrines, no matter how appealing they seem. With sadness and curiosity, I hear of brethren returning to keep Jewish festivals, others questioning the Holy Spirit’s personhood, and some believing the earth is flat! The enemy never rests, let us stay alert.

“The stabilizing power of the grace of Christ is the best protection of the Christian against false teachings.” SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 491, comment on Hebrews 13:9

Eighth, the Lamb of God died outside the gates of Jerusalem as a sign of shame. He died as a criminal among criminals. “Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” (Hebrews 13:13–14, NKJV)

This is a clear call for Jews not to fear leaving their religion, from which they were excommunicated, to follow Jesus. How can we return to keeping Jewish feasts and ceremonies? Let us go with Jesus outside the camp, bearing the reproach.

The second letter to his disciple Timothy was written by the apostle Paul from Rome during his second imprisonment, now in the Mamertine prison, as he faced execution. He was cold and felt lonely. He missed his friends, wanted warm clothing, and longed for his books (2 Timothy 4:9, 13, 21). He felt sadness because Demas, who had been with him during his first imprisonment, had abandoned him (2 Timothy 4:10; Colossians 4:14). Only Luke remained with him. This was a very tough time for Christians. When the old apostle was taken prisoner, some brothers and sisters abandoned him. Faith is tested in the fire of suffering. Still, other believers stood by him. (2 Timothy 1:15–16)

My prayer is that we reflect on the message of these chapters directed to a church and a young minister during difficult times. May you, as Paul said, be rooted in grace today.

May God grant you a very blessed day together with your loved ones.