Understanding Hebrews 13 and 1 John 3: Living Out Our Faith

Pastor Martin brings us the conclusion of our study through the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 13:12-25 Overview:
Sacrifice of Jesus: Jesus sanctified the people through His blood, suffering outside the city gates (Heb 13:12).

Following Jesus: We are called to follow Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach (Heb 13:13).

Future City: We seek the eternal city to come, not a continuing one here (Heb 13:14).
Sacrifice of Praise: Continuously offer praise and thanks to God (Heb 13:15).
Good Deeds and Sharing: Doing good and sharing pleases God; koinonia (fellowship, sharing) is emphasized (Heb 13:16).

1 John 3:14-18:
Love and Actions: True love is shown in actions, not just words. We should help those in need as a sign of God's love in us.

Christian Conduct:
Obedience and Joy: Obey leaders, allowing them to lead with joy (Heb 13:17).
Prayers and Integrity: Pray for leaders to live honorably (Heb 13:18).

Foundations and Faith:
Test and Avoid Evil: Test everything and avoid evil (1 Thess 5:21-22).
Faith and Obedience: Various scriptures emphasize living by faith and being obedient to God's will, avoiding worldly attachments (e.g., Jas 4:4, 1 Cor 9:26-27).

The Everlasting Covenant:
God's Work in Us: God completes the work He starts in us (Heb 13:20-21, Php 2:13, Eph 2:10).

Christ's Sacrifice: Christ's sacrifice was planned from the foundation of the world to redeem us (Heb 9:24-26, 1 Pet 1:20, Rev 13:8).

Practical Faith:
Run the Race: Live disciplined lives to win the eternal crown (1 Cor 9:24-27).
Treasures in Heaven: Lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matt 6:19-21).

Final Exhortations:
Living Sacrifice: Present yourselves as living sacrifices, transformed by God's will (Rom 12:1-2).
Exhortation and Greetings: Paul urges the readers to bear with his exhortation, sending greetings from those in Italy (Heb 13:22-25).

This summary highlights the key messages from Hebrews 13 and related scriptures, emphasizing faith, obedience, love, and the eternal perspective Christians should maintain.