A Few Closing Thoughts

Don't Stop Now!

A study of the NT book of Hebrews

by Pastor Frank Rice

Hebrews 13:18-25

It is perfectly appropriate for a speaker, coach, instructor, or teacher, after “speaking,” to sum it up by making a few noteworthy points. Writers often do the same thing. These closing comments are usually straight from the heart and normally communicate an intense desire for listeners/ readers to remember and practice what has been said. Closing words are expected and necessary for effective communication. We shouldn’t be surprised that the author of Hebrews does much the same. He has written his sermon to be read, remembered, and lived by those who hear it! That would include us in the 21^st century!

 

v     There is an honest and sincere plea for prayer support (v. 18a)!

1.      “The pastor has carefully crafted these final verses to reinforce the message of his sermon.”

2.      In all likelihood “the author of Hebrews was not able to deliver his sermon in person, so he committed it to writing and sent it to be read to the congregation over which he was so gravely concerned.” (Cockerill)

3.      His request shouldn’t be surprising. Spiritual leaders are not afraid to ask for prayer. They sense the enormity of the task and their own personal limitations!

4.      His request to “keep praying” reveals his vulnerability, his humanity, and his humility. Paul often requested prayer (Rom15:33,16:20; 2 Cor 13:11; Php 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23).

5.      The old adage that “prayer changes things” is true, but more often and more importantly, prayer changes people!

 

v     There is a real sense of personal inadequacy at times (v. 18b).

1.      Leaders are forced to make decisions. They may struggle over the correctness and the motivation for their decisions. (There may have been undercurrents and accusations.)

2.      “We’ve done our best, searched motives, evaluated actions, and are confident we’ve done God’s will” is not arrogance, but a clear conscience and a desire to live honorably.

3.      It springs from studying scripture, preaching, teaching, and a sincere determination to live it out in their own lives and never be a cause for stumbling.

 

v     There is a deep longing to be with church family (v. 19). For unspecified reasons they’d been separated and he longed to be reconnected. (A shepherd who avoids his sheep is an anomaly!)

 

v     The prayer of spiritual leaders is to the God of peace (v. 20a).

1.      He alone is the source of true peace. His plans for every one of His children include shalom, personal well-being (Jer. 29:11). [“No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace!”]

2.      “It is only the God of peace who can make us at peace with ourselves, at peace with each other, and at peace with Himself.” (Barclay)

 

v     Their prayer is to the God of power (v. 20b).

1.      There is no greater display of power than the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead!

2.      God has provided an incomparable Shepherd! The shepherd metaphor emphasizes His concern, compassion, tenderness, commitment, and absolute sovereignty (John 10).

v     Their prayer basis is the blood of the eternal covenant (v. 20c).

The basis for our confidence is in an unbreakable, irreplaceable covenant. It secures our eternal salvation and forgiveness! It will never be outdated, invalidated, or superceded!

 

v     Their prayer focuses on equipping us to do God’s will (v. 21).

1.      The will of God is to fully equip YOU for ministry so YOU can be active in ministry. (Why else would He equip you?!)

2.      The will of God is accomplished as He works in YOU for His pleasure and the glory of Jesus Christ for all eternity!

3.      He urges his readers to “whole-hearted compliance with the will of God.” (Cockerill)

4.      What a difference it would make if we’d turn this text into a personal prayer each day. “Lord, make me perfect in every good work to do Your will. Work in me that which is well-pleasing in Your sight, through Jesus Christ and may You receive the glory."

 

v     Spiritual leaders long for their listeners / readers to respond appropriately to and receive the Word of God (v. 22).

1.      They fear God’s message may be resented or neglected, or that they may have presented it incorrectly or insufficiently.

2.      Every communicator wants the Word to be appreciated, understood, embraced, and lived out! 

 

v     They want you to know of their special concerns (v. 23). There is a measure of apprehension over the welfare of one of their own and the church as a whole.

 

v     They want you to be a “welcoming church” (v. 24). Make sure you greet, recognize, and honor spiritual leaders and each other.

 

v     They want you to finish well (v. 25). In order to finish well you’ll need grace, grace to respond appropriately and practically to God’s message and His Spirit!